How long should we continue therapy for my 15-year-old daughter?

[Englishparks]

DD15 has been seen a therapist weekly for the last 2 months as she had some issues with self harm for the last year, about 3/4 times. School pressure has been the main trigger but also puberty and the fact I was going through my own mental struggles and wasn’t as present as I should have been. This is my take on; but she also mentioned bullying towards the end of primary school. She also suffers from PMS which we are targeting with vitamins, diet, excercise.

She seems in a better place now; I have also realised my mistakes and has been around more, more supportive, listening, present, etc,

I am not sure how much longer to continue; it is £80 weekly. The pressure will be on with exams in year 11; but we could also invest the money in tutors.

Thinking on keeping it for the rest of the school year and speak with DD and the therapist

Why not think about a monthly check-in for a few months so that she still has that outlet if needed but it sounds as though she doesn't need the weekly support any more.

Around 2 years I would suggest… obviously if you can’t eat and pay your rent/mortgage then stop earlier but otherwise, keep going.

it hasn't been very long, I'd keep it as it is for now, if you can.

Then in the future start by reducing it to fortnightly, then monthly.

I would recommend a parent session with the therapist to discuss this. Ask your daughter too. Endings in therapy need to be carefully planned and worked towards. Two months is a very short time in terms of psychotherapy.

Ok Thank you. Have emailed the therapist. It does get quite expensive once per week but it is an investment in DD mental health.

Hopefully we can move to every other week in the next month or two and then continue monthly.

If shes happy to go i wouldnt stop now tbh.

What type of therapy is it?

The therapist will usually recommend when to drop sessions to once a fortnight then to stop. Agree that it’s really early days just now.

Ok. We will keep going. I think it is important now the pressure will be higher with exams