Questions to Ask Kids in Therapy
Gentle and effective questions for therapists and parents to ask children in therapy, fostering open communication and emotional expression.
1If your feelings were colors, what color would you be right now?
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If your feelings were colors, what color would you be right now?
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Why this works
Uses a metaphor to help children express complex emotions in a simple, non-threatening way, especially if they struggle with verbalizing feelings.
2What's one thing that made you feel happy/sad/mad today?
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What's one thing that made you feel happy/sad/mad today?
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Why this works
Encourages them to identify specific events tied to emotions, helping them understand triggers and emotional responses.
3If you had a magic wand, what would you wish for to make things better?
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If you had a magic wand, what would you wish for to make things better?
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Why this works
Allows them to express their desires for change and reveals what they perceive as the biggest problems, without the pressure of finding a realistic solution.
4Who is someone you feel safe talking to when you're upset?
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Who is someone you feel safe talking to when you're upset?
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Why this works
Identifies their support system and helps the therapist understand who they trust and rely on.
5What's something you're really good at?
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What's something you're really good at?
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Why this works
Builds self-esteem and helps them focus on their strengths, which is important for resilience and coping.
6If you could draw a picture of how you feel, what would it look like?
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If you could draw a picture of how you feel, what would it look like?
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Why this works
Provides an alternative, creative outlet for expression, especially for younger children or those who are less verbal.
7What's one thing you wish grown-ups understood about you?
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What's one thing you wish grown-ups understood about you?
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Why this works
Gives them a voice and helps uncover misunderstandings or unmet needs from their perspective.
8When you feel [emotion, e.g., angry], what helps you feel a little better?
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When you feel [emotion, e.g., angry], what helps you feel a little better?
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Why this works
Explores their coping mechanisms and helps them identify healthy strategies for managing difficult emotions.
9If your worries were a monster, what would it look like and what would you do to make it smaller?
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If your worries were a monster, what would it look like and what would you do to make it smaller?
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Why this works
Externalizes anxieties, making them less overwhelming and more manageable through imaginative problem-solving.
10What's something you're looking forward to?
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What's something you're looking forward to?
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Why this works
Shifts focus to positive anticipation and future-oriented thinking, fostering hope and motivation.
11If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?
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If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?
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Why this works
A fun, imaginative question that can reveal their personality, desires, and how they see themselves.
12What's the best part of your day?
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What's the best part of your day?
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Why this works
Encourages them to focus on positive experiences and helps identify what brings them joy.
13If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
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If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
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Why this works
Provides insight into family dynamics and what they perceive as problematic or needing improvement.
14What's something that makes you feel proud of yourself?
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What's something that makes you feel proud of yourself?
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Why this works
Builds self-esteem and helps them recognize their accomplishments and positive qualities.
15If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?
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If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?
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Why this works
A fun question that can reveal their desires, fears, and what they value most in life.
16What's something that makes you feel scared or worried?
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What's something that makes you feel scared or worried?
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Why this works
Helps identify their fears and anxieties in a gentle, non-threatening way.
17If you could talk to your future self, what would you ask?
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If you could talk to your future self, what would you ask?
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Why this works
Encourages them to think about their hopes and concerns for the future.
18What's something you wish you could do better?
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What's something you wish you could do better?
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Why this works
Helps identify areas where they feel they need improvement or support.
19If you could have any pet, what would it be and why?
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If you could have any pet, what would it be and why?
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Why this works
A lighthearted question that can reveal their preferences and what kind of companionship they value.
20What's something that makes you feel loved?
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What's something that makes you feel loved?
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Why this works
Helps identify what makes them feel valued and cared for, which is important for their emotional well-being.
Communicating with Kids in Therapy
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Create a Safe and Playful Space
Use Play and Creativity
Incorporate toys, art supplies, and games to make the environment feel safe and engaging for children.
Be Patient and Gentle
Allow children time to respond and don't pressure them to answer questions they're not ready to address.
Validate Their Feelings
Acknowledge and validate their emotions, even if they seem small or irrational to adults.
Listen Actively and Patiently
Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Cues
Watch for body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal signals that might indicate their emotional state.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Use questions that encourage elaboration rather than simple yes/no answers.
Reflect What You Hear
Repeat back what you understand to show you're listening and to clarify any misunderstandings.
Use Indirect and Creative Questions
Use Metaphors and Stories
Frame questions through stories, metaphors, or hypothetical scenarios to make them less threatening.
Encourage Creative Expression
Use drawing, writing, or other creative activities to help children express themselves.
Be Flexible
Adapt your approach based on the child's age, personality, and comfort level with different types of questions.