If you're considering discussing therapy with your teenager, kudos to you for being a caring and involved parent. Sometimes, starting that conversation can seem challenging, but with the right approach, it can be a positive and supportive experience. In this blog post, we'll explore how to talk to your teen about therapy in a light and understanding manner.

Why Discuss Therapy with Your Teen?

Before we dive into the how, let's touch on the why. Talking to your teenager about therapy is essential for several reasons:

1. Mental Health Matters: Just as we address physical health, it's crucial to address mental health. Therapy can help teens cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.

2. Normalize Seeking Help: By discussing therapy openly, you normalize the idea that seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.

3. Provide Support: Teens often face unique stressors, and therapy can be a valuable resource to help them navigate these challenges.

4. Strengthen Your Relationship: Talking about therapy can strengthen the parent-teen bond, making it clear that you're there to support and listen.

How to Approach the Conversation Lightly

1. Choose the Right Time: Find a moment when you and your teen are relaxed and free from distractions. A casual setting, like a walk or a drive, can create a comfortable atmosphere for conversation.

2. Use "I" Statements: Start the conversation with "I" statements to express your feelings. For example, "I've noticed you've been feeling stressed lately, and I want to help."

3. Express Concern, Not Blame: Frame your concern as genuine care rather than blame. For instance, "I'm concerned about how you've been feeling, and I want to make sure you have the support you need."

4. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage your teen to share by asking open-ended questions. Instead of "Are you feeling stressed?" try "How have you been feeling lately?"

5. Share Information: Briefly explain what therapy is and how it can help. You can say, "Therapy is a place where you can talk to someone who's trained to help with feelings and challenges."

6. Highlight Confidentiality: Reassure your teen that therapy is confidential, and what they discuss with the therapist will remain private unless there's a concern for their safety.

7. Share Stories of Others: If you know someone who has benefited from therapy, consider sharing their story as an example of how it can be helpful.

8. Emphasize Choice: Make it clear that the decision to attend therapy is ultimately your teen's choice. Offer your support but avoid pushing them.

Addressing Common Concerns

Your teen may have questions or concerns about therapy. Here's how to address some common ones:

1. "Will I be seen as 'crazy' if I go to therapy?"

• You can say, "No, going to therapy doesn't mean you're 'crazy.' It means you're seeking help to feel better and cope with life's challenges."

2. "Will I have to talk about everything?"

• Assure them, "You won't have to talk about anything you're not comfortable discussing. Therapy is a space for you to share what you're ready to share."

3. "What if I don't like my therapist?"

• Mention, "If you don't feel comfortable with your therapist after a few sessions, we can look for someone else who you connect with better."

4. "Will my friends find out?"

• Explain, "No, what you discuss in therapy is private. Your friends won't know unless you choose to share it."

5. "Is therapy only for serious problems?"

• Clarify, "Therapy is for anyone who wants to talk about their feelings or challenges. It's not just for serious issues."

6. "I don't want to be a burden."

• Reassure them, "You're not a burden, and your well-being is important to us. We want to support you in every way we can."

Offer Support Throughout the Process

If your teen decides to give therapy a try, continue to offer support:

1. Help with Logistics: Assist in finding a therapist, scheduling appointments, and arranging transportation.

2. Attend the First Session: Offer to attend the first session with your teen if they're comfortable with the idea.

3. Be Patient: Understand that therapy is a process, and it may take time for your teen to see significant changes.

4. Respect Privacy: Continue to respect your teen's privacy and confidentiality regarding their therapy sessions.

5. Check-In: Periodically check in with your teen to see how they're feeling about therapy and if they have any concerns.

A Positive Step Towards Mental Well-Being

Talking to your teenager about therapy is a positive step toward addressing their mental well-being. By approaching the conversation with care, openness, and understanding, you create an environment where your teen feels supported and encouraged to seek help when needed. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and together, you can navigate the path toward improved mental health and well-being for your teenager.

Teen Counseling in Kansas City Missouri

At Aspire Counseling, our therapists know how difficult it can be to watch your teen struggle, and know how difficult the discussion of starting therapy can be. Along with providing teen counseling, and children’s counseling, we also provide counseling for parents experiencing trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, stress, OCD, Disordered Eating, LGBTQ+, and much more.

We offer in person counseling at both our Lee’s Summit MO location, and Columbia MO location, or virtual to anyone in the state of Missouri. To begin counseling for yourself, or teen, reach out to our online form, or call us at 573. 328. 2288. ext.1. One of our Client Care Team members will then get you matched up with a therapist for a free 30-minute consultation. Reach out today to begin your teens mental health journey with Aspire Counseling.