Child and Therapist Not Clicking? Here is What to Do

We know parenting isn’t easy, that’s why we’re here to help you give your child the best support possible.

The long awaited therapy spot is finally here. You feel a sense of relief, but after the first few sessions, you notice a shift. Your child doesn't want to go anymore. They might resist, seem annoyed, or even become sad when it’s time to leave. Naturally, you ask yourself: What now?

It is deeply unsettling when the partnership you hoped for doesn't immediately form. However, chemistry between a child and their therapist is the foundation of all Speech Therapy Progress. Here is how we can navigate this situation together.

1. Give the Relationship Time to Grow

It is completely normal for children to be reserved or even resistant at the beginning. Children are intuitive. They quickly realize that speech therapy, while it looks like play, involves effort and "work."

Sometimes, a child resists because they are being challenged in ways they aren't used to. We recommend giving the relationship a few weeks to settle. However, if your child remains consistently frustrated or unhappy over several sessions, and even small rewards like their favourite ice cream no longer help, it is worth taking a closer look.

2. Open the Door to Dialogue

Speech therapists appreciate honest feedback. They want your child to succeed just as much as you do. Take a moment to have an open conversation with the therapist to take stock of the current situation.

You might ask or share:

• What specifically frustrates or bores my child?

• What activities do they enjoy most during the session?

• Can we incorporate their favourite interests? (Share their favourite TV shows, games, or books).

• Does my child need more movement? If they struggle to sit at a table, the therapist can often adapt the lesson to be more active.

This kind of partnership allows the therapist to respond to your child individually. Sometimes, simply changing the theme of the session to include dinosaurs or space can change everything.

To understand more about how these sessions are typically structured, see What Actually Happens During Speech Therapy? The Complete Lesson Breakdown.

3. The Power of a "Play Only" Session

A powerful way to strengthen Building Trust in Therapy is to suggest a session dedicated entirely to play.

This might sound counterproductive at first. After all, you are there for therapy. However, when a child builds trust through fun and lightheartedness, they feel safe. That safety is what makes subsequent sessions much more effective.

An hour of play is never wasted time. It is a vital investment in a functioning collaboration. If you feel the connection is lacking, feel free to mention this "play-based rapport building" option to your therapist.

4. When it Really Doesn't Work: Navigating a Change

Sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts, the chemistry just isn't there. This is human nature and not a reflection of the therapist's skill or your child's personality. If you decide a change is necessary, here is how to handle it:

• Communicate Respectfully: Talk openly with the current practice. They may have another therapist on staff who has a different style that suits your child better.

• Internal vs. External Change: Clarify if an internal change is possible. This is usually the fastest way to stay in therapy without returning to a long wait-list.

• The Legal Side: In Germany, if you change practices entirely, you will likely need a new medical prescription. The existing prescription usually cannot be simply transferred to a new provider.

  
  

Navigating the bureaucracy of a change can be one of the biggest hurdles. For more on the logistics of prescriptions, read 4 Steps to Speech Therapy in Germany: Why Most People Struggle With Step #3.

Conclusion

Not every child is a good fit for every therapist, and that is completely normal. What matters is that we communicate honestly and look for solutions together. A trusting relationship is the basis for successful therapy, and it is worth standing up for.

You’re doing a great job, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you are unsure how long the overall journey might take, you can find guidance here: 5 Questions That Predict How Long Your Child Will Need Speech Therapy.

And remember, you can always support your child's development from the comfort of home with our app: https://www.speechylift.com/