When Feedback Feels Personal: Building Trust Between Parents and Providers

The hard truth—feedback is uncomfortable for everyone.

From a parent’s perspective, many families are already carrying an overwhelming amount of stress and time constraints. Simply getting their child to and from therapy appointments in between school, sports, work schedules, and other responsibilities can feel like a full-time job in itself.

Layered on top of that is the reason therapy is needed in the first place. Parents are navigating the reality that their child needs additional support to live life to their fullest potential, often progressing at a pace that looks different from their peers. That reality can be heavy, emotional, and deeply personal.

Now, add another layer of reality: the financial stress parents and guardians often carry when attending therapy sessions. Even with insurance coverage or financial assistance, therapy still comes with costs, paperwork, scheduling, and follow-up. These appointments become yet another responsibility to track, plan for, and budget around—adding to an already long list of daily to-dos. All-in-all, parents aren’t resistant. They are overwhelmed.

From a provider’s perspective, many feel an immense pressure to deliver high-quality services within a limited number of therapy hours determined by insurance guidelines. These professionals have spent years gaining experience, completing extensive training, and earning certifications because they genuinely want to make a difference in children’s lives.

On top of that, providers are often expected to demonstrate measurable progress for a child they are just beginning to know, all within a specific timeframe required for insurance authorization and billing. Balancing clinical expectations, documentation requirements, and the reality of building trust with a child and family can feel overwhelming. The truth is, when progress stalls, providers don’t feel frustrated at parents — they feel helpless for the child. They want partnership, not control.

Moving Forward Together: Progress Happens When We Trust Each Other

There are two truths worth stating clearly. Parents and guardians are the experts on their children. Providers bring professional insight into development and therapy that comes from experience, training, and practice.

Bridging these two support systems is essential to a child’s growth and development. When time is taken to understand and respect each other’s perspectives, collaboration becomes stronger, follow-through on practicing skills improves, and feedback sessions stay focused on what matters most: the child’s well-being. Feedback is support, not instruction; collaboration, not correction, and strategy, not judgment.

At Children’s Behavioral Services, we believe progress starts with partnership. We value each and every family, and we strive to share therapy strategies that can be practiced at home in ways that feel realistic, supportive, and sustainable. When families and providers work together, children are given the best opportunity to grow and reach their fullest potential. If feedback ever feels overwhelming or unclear, we encourage open conversation. Our team is here to partner with you every step of the way.

Looking for pediatric therapy for your child? Visit us at cbshelps.com to get started.