577: I Wish It Were Cheaper to Be My Sister’s Keeper | Feedback Friday

Family Support

Encouraging family members to support therapy can be challenging, especially when they hold misconceptions. Gabriel Mizrahi suggests involving a school counselor as a less intimidating step for a resistant parent, like the mother in this scenario, who may perceive therapy as a threat to her image 1. Jordan Harbinger emphasizes the importance of understanding the mother's fears, which might stem from concerns about what the child might reveal in therapy 2.

If your mom absolutely refuses to take your brother to see somebody, then I would explore some other options.

--- Gabriel Mizrahi

Engaging the father, who is more open to therapy, could also help in persuading the mother to reconsider her stance 1.

   

Child Anxiety

Children's anxiety can manifest in various ways, often requiring careful familial intervention. Gabriel Mizrahi describes a young boy's intense anxiety, which includes panic over minor incidents and an emotional attachment to his dog 3. This anxiety is exacerbated by the mother's reluctance to seek therapy due to concerns about public perception 3.

He gets bad anxiety and overreacts to everything.

--- Gabriel Mizrahi

Jordan Harbinger1.

   

Stigma

Therapy stigma within families can significantly hinder mental health support. Jordan HarbingerGabriel Mizrahi2. This fear can prevent children from receiving necessary mental health care, as seen in the case of the anxious brother 2.

It sounds like she's threatened by the idea of therapy.

--- Jordan Harbinger

Addressing these fears with empathy and understanding is crucial in overcoming the stigma and ensuring that children receive the help they need 4.