Questions to Ask an Anxiety Therapist for Kids in San Jose

As a parent, watching your child struggle with anxiety can be heartbreaking and exhausting. You may feel helpless as they navigate fears, worries, or overwhelming emotions that seem too big for their young minds to handle. It’s hard not to feel the weight of their struggles, especially when you’re doing everything you can to support them and still feel unsure if it’s enough. You’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed—it’s a tough journey, but one you don’t have to face alone.

I’m Hannah Ly, an anxiety therapist for kids in San Jose, and I’m here to help you navigate this journey. If your child is struggling and you’re considering therapy, you’re taking an important and proactive step toward their emotional wellbeing.

Finding the right therapist is crucial, and asking the right questions can ensure your child gets the care they need to build resilience and express their feelings. This guide will help you feel prepared by providing key questions to ask an anxiety therapist, helping you evaluate their qualifications, approach, and how they can work with your family for the best outcomes.

Why Do Questions Matter in Anxiety Therapy?

Supporting your child’s mental health requires both awareness and active involvement. Challenges like anxiety can affect children in unique ways, making it essential to find the right therapist who can meet their specific needs. Every child is different, and therapists often tailor their approach—such as using play therapy—to suit the individual. By asking thoughtful questions during the initial consultation, you can gain valuable insight into the therapist’s methods, techniques, and how they plan to support both your child and your family throughout the therapeutic journey.

This understanding not only fosters trust but also helps you feel confident in your choice. As a parent, you play an integral role in your child’s mental health journey. Being informed empowers you to actively support your child as they navigate challenges like anxiety. Choosing the right therapist is about finding someone who truly understands your child’s needs and aligns with your family’s goals and values. To ensure the best possible outcomes, here are some key questions every parent should ask an anxiety therapist during the initial consultation.

Questions to Ask an Anxiety Therapist for Children

1. What experience do you have in treating children's anxiety?

Not all therapists specialize in working with children. Anxiety in kids tends to present differently than in adults, and working with a younger population requires specific skills and experience. Look for someone with a strong background in childhood anxiety and someone who understands unique developmental stages.

Why this is important: Therapists familiar with child-specific anxiety triggers—like school stress, social fears, or separation anxiety—will have more tailored strategies to help your child.

2. What specific therapy techniques do you use for children with anxiety?

Therapists employ a variety of approaches depending on their expertise. Some may focus on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), while others specialize in methods like play therapy, brainspotting, or parent coaching. Take the time to ask them about their techniques and how these methods are designed to alleviate anxiety.

Why this is important: Therapy tailored to children—like play therapy—helps kids express their feelings in ways that are comfortable for them. Play therapy, for example, uses toys and creative activities to help children process emotions and build coping mechanisms.

3. How do you involve parents in the therapy process for anxiety?

Knowing how much involvement you’ll have in your child’s therapy is vital. Many therapists encourage active participation from parents through approaches like parent coaching, while others prefer to work primarily with the child.

Why this is important: You are one of the most important influences in your child's life. A therapist who incorporates parent coaching ensures that the tools and strategies learned in therapy can extend into the home environment for maximum impact.

4. What is the expected duration of anxiety therapy for my child’s anxiety?

While every child is different, it’s helpful to get an idea of the approximate timeline of therapy based on their experience with similar cases.

Why this is important: This question sets expectations early and gives you a general sense of how long it may take to see meaningful progress for your child.

5. How can I support my child outside of therapy sessions?

Therapy doesn’t end when the session is over. Ask for strategies, communication techniques, and other tools through parent coaching to help your child manage anxiety outside the therapy room.

Why this is important: Your involvement at home, supported by parent coaching, is just as crucial as what happens during therapy sessions for your child’s overall progress.

6. What are the signs I should look for to know if anxiety therapy is working?

Therapy results can sometimes be subtle or take time to fully develop, and it’s not always easy to see progress right away. Ask the anxiety therapist what progress should look like over time and how they specifically measure success in the therapeutic process. They may use tools like goal-setting, regular check-ins, or feedback to track improvements in areas such as emotional well-being, coping skills, or relationships.

Why this is important: Recognizing and celebrating small victories along the way can help you stay motivated, optimistic, and confident in the process. It can also highlight areas where adjustments to the approach or goals may be needed, ensuring the therapy remains effective and aligned with your needs.

Additional Topics to Discuss in Anxiety Therapy

7. What are your views on medication for children with anxiety, and are you able to prescribe?

While many therapists don’t prescribe medication themselves, they often work alongside specialists who do. It’s important to know their perspective on medication and if they might recommend it as part of a broader treatment plan.

Why this is important: This discussion will help you better understand potential options and whether the therapist keeps an open mind while prioritizing non-pharmaceutical interventions when possible.

8. What is your approach to play therapy, and how does it help children with anxiety express themselves?

Play therapy is a popular option for children, especially younger ones who may not yet have the vocabulary to express their thoughts. Understanding how a therapist incorporates play therapy into their work can illustrate how they connect with children on their level.

Why this is important: Play therapy provides kids with a safe and fun way to express complex emotions and learn effective coping skills.

See an Anxiety Therapist in San Jose Today! Schedule an Appointment

Finding the right child therapist or teen therapist in San Jose can feel overwhelming, but it’s an important step toward helping your child thrive. The process is about more than just finding a therapist—it’s about finding the right fit for your child’s unique needs. As an experienced play therapist, I welcome your questions and value our shared goal of supporting your child’s growth, resilience, and self-expression in a safe, supportive environment.

If you’re looking for a child or teen therapist in San Jose specializing in anxiety, I’d be happy to help. My name is Hannah Ly, and I use play therapy to help children navigate anxiety and build confidence. Let’s work together to create a brighter path for your child.

About Hannah Ly - Anxiety Therapist in San Jose for Kids

Hannah Ly is a compassionate and experienced anxiety therapist based in San Jose, specializing in helping children, teens, and families. With a focus on play therapy, Hannah creates a safe and nurturing environment where kids can express themselves and build the skills they need to overcome anxiety. Her approach is tailored to each child’s unique needs, ensuring they feel understood and supported throughout their healing process.

Known as a trusted child therapist in San Jose, Hannah also works closely with parents, offering valuable coaching and guidance to strengthen family dynamics and support their child’s progress. Whether you’re looking for a play therapist for your child, a teen therapist for your adolescent, or parent coaching to help you better understand and connect with your child, Hannah is here to help.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward helping your child thrive, reach out to schedule a consultation today. Hannah is committed to providing the support your family needs to create a brighter and more resilient future.