We’re glad you’ve come this far in your child’s therapy journey. At this stage in therapy, you’re likely starting to reflect on your child’s progress and wondering what comes next. This is a common time when parents have important questions about outcomes, the pace of therapy, and how to support their child’s continued success.
At Prosper Health Collective, we understand that therapy is a journey, not a quick fix. Here, we address the most common questions families have at this stage and provide practical tips to support your child’s development both in and out of the therapy room.
1. “Should I be seeing more progress by now?”
This is one of the most common concerns—and it’s completely valid. Everyone’s journey is unique and while some children show noticeable changes early on, for others, progress may be more subtle and foundational.
What to Expect:
- Early sessions often focus on building trust, assessing skills, and setting goals.
- Real progress takes time. Whilst some clients may see rapid change at some stages in therapy, others may experience more gradual progress.
- Progress can sometimes happen in phases. Some children may progress later in the journey once your therapist has worked with you on laying foundations such as parenting strategies or environmental modifications, to improve opportunities for progress to occur.
- For those experiencing more complex or chronic conditions, or when there are other complicating factors involved, progress may be subtle, gradual or take time.
- It’s important to measure progress not just by “big wins” but also by small, consistent improvements like better focus, willingness to engage, or improved frustration tolerance.
Tip: Keep a short journal or notes of anything new you observe each week. Often, progress is happening—you just need help noticing it.
2. “How do I know if therapy is working?”
Progress may not be immediately obvious and progress often begins with small steps. There may be ups and downs, plateaus or times where things feel harder before they improve. Consistency, trust and patience is key.
You can look for a few signs:
- Your child is more comfortable during sessions and begins to participate more willingly, even if it’s just making eye-contact, joining in a game or staying in the room a little longer.
- They may be more curious, try or start using skills learned in therapy at home or school, even in small or subtle ways.
- The therapist gives feedback on observed improvements or skill-building.
If you’re unsure, always feel empowered to ask your therapist for a review of your child’s goals and progress.
3. “Is my child behind?” or “Are we doing enough?”
Many parents worry that they’ve started therapy too late or that their child isn’t “catching up” quickly enough. Remember:
- Every child develops at their own pace.
- Therapy is about growth, not comparison. The goal is to support your child’s unique journey.
- Attending sessions consistently and actively engaging in home practice puts you in a strong position to support your child. The frequency of sessions may vary based on factors such as your child’s presenting concerns, engagement and response to intervention. Speak to your therapist about session frequency that is right for your child’s needs.
4. “How long will therapy take?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Factors that influence therapy duration include:
- Your child’s individual needs and goals
- The consistency of attendance
- Family involvement and home practice
Some children may meet their goals in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will regularly review goals with you and adjust as your child progresses.
5. “What can I do at home to help?”
Therapy is most effective when it extends beyond the clinic. Here’s how you can support your child’s learning between sessions:
Practical Tips:
- Implement the therapy tasks or strategies that are recommended by your therapist, and apply these during your daily routines where possible.
- For example, practicing speech sounds during playtime or supporting fine motor skills through dressing or cooking.
- Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Encouragement builds confidence.
- Stay connected with your therapist. Share observations and ask questions about applying strategies at home.
🛠 Example: If your child is working on following directions, turn daily chores into games like “Simon Says” or ask them to help make a sandwich step-by-step.
6. “We’re busy. Is it OK to skip a session?”
Life happens, and an occasional missed session is understandable. But regular attendance is key to steady progress.
- Try to keep therapy appointments a consistent part of your routine.
- If you must miss a session, ask for a simple home activity to stay on track. Your therapist can also develop resources for your family or your child’s school as a substitute service to support their progress towards their goals.
- Consistency signals to your child that therapy is important and valued.
Having time to focus on therapy is important, though we understand that life is busy. If your family is finding it challenging to attend as recommended, please discuss this with your therapist to work out strategies and appointment planning that will work with your schedule whilst supporting positive outcomes.
7. “My child doesn’t always want to come—what should I do?”
It’s not uncommon for children to resist at times, especially when therapy feels challenging.
What helps:
- Talk positively about therapy. Avoid language like “you have to go” and instead say, “Today we get to learn something new.”
- Ask your therapist to explain sessions in a fun and relatable way to your child.
- Set up a small reward system for participation and effort.
How can I maintain my child’s progress when therapy is coming to an end?
Children have better outcomes when they complete their treatment plan rather than stopping after some improvements. Properly concluding therapy by booking a final session provides an opportunity to reflect on progress, generalise learned skills, and establish a relapse prevention to maintain gains and develop tools to take on future challenges.
Supporting the Best Outcomes
At Prosper Health Collective, we are committed to working collaboratively with families to help children reach their full potential. Staying engaged, communicating openly, and supporting your child with simple, consistent strategies at home can make a meaningful impact. Your dedication and involvement are key components of your child’s therapeutic journey. If you have any questions, hesitations, or new goals, please bring them up—we’re here to support you every step of the way.