Teen Therapy: How to Support Your Child
Surviving the teen years is indeed a hero’s journey. Emotional and physical pitfalls and triumphs are part of this wild adventure. Perhaps you and your child are finding that therapy will help you stay afloat in the sea of social, emotional, and physical challenges. You might also wonder how to support your teen in the best way. You want to ensure that your teen has positive outcomes from their therapy experience. Though it is natural for your teen to want to navigate this journey alone, you play a vital role as a supportive parent. Our Evanston therapists have a few key points to consider as you embark on this journey with your teen. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into practical strategies for coming alongside your teen during Teen Therapy in Evanston, IL.
Begin by Addressing Self-Blame
It’s natural to wonder if you’ve done something wrong when your teen is struggling. You might find yourself thinking, “If only I had…” It is helpful to give yourself grace. Many factors affect your child’s emotional well-being; you are not solely responsible.
Therapist Michael Davidovits, Ph.D, L.C.S.W. directs the work at the Project for Adolescents and Their Families at the Ackerman Institute for the Family in New York. Dr. Davidovits says,
“Most parents will initially have their index fingers pointing outward, elaborating on everything the teen has done wrong. It’s quite typical for them to have the ‘fix my kid’ syndrome, not seeing the ways in which family dynamics may contribute to or even exacerbate the problem.”
You can hold space for yourself gently while still owning what is your responsibility. The key is to find a balance between acknowledging responsibility and giving yourself compassion.
Before Teen Therapy Starts
Just like with any new adventure, preparation can set your child up for a positive experience in therapy. Here are some steps you might take:
Gauge How Your Teen Feels About Therapy
Find some alone time to connect with your teen. You could chat while sipping an after-school frappuccino or walking your dog. Carefully set the stage for getting them to open up about their hopes and fears around therapy. Ask open-ended questions. As always with your teen, you’ll want to do more listening than talking. Eliminate any distractions so you can focus on your child. Hopefully, you’ll get clues to the support they might need from you as therapy begins. You can offer reassurance for anxious thoughts.
Normalize therapy
Even though you may be completely comfortable with your child entering therapy, your teen may feel differently. What if my friends find out? Is there something seriously wrong with me? If you’ve been through counseling, you might share how it helped you during a passage of your life. Also, you might relate your child’s psychological and emotional concerns to a physical problem. You wouldn’t hesitate to head to the pediatrician if they had diabetes or a broken arm. You’d seek help. This situation is no different.
Choose an Appropriate Therapist
Although you might be tempted to take over in the area of choosing a therapist, you’ll want to include your teen in the selection. Your teen needs to feel that the therapist will relate well to them. You’ll have greater buy-in from your child if they can voice their opinion in picking the therapist. Does your child have questions about their sexuality or gender? Has your teen lived through traumatic events? Select a therapist who specializes in working with teens (like our therapists) and the issues troubling your teen. Look here for other thoughts to ponder when choosing a teen therapist.
Teen Therapy: Being a Supportive Presence
The tension of the relationship with your child could be a little bit of push and pull. They seek independence and push you away; they need your reassurance and pull you in. However, don’t underestimate the power of your active, engaged presence in your teen’s therapy journey.
Here are a few helpful tips to help you get started:
Maintain regular contact with your teen’s therapist
Maintaining regular communication with your teen’s therapist is essential. Attend all scheduled parent sessions, which are designed to keep you informed on:
- Goals of Therapy: The therapist will discuss the overall objectives for your teen’s treatment.
- Progress Updates: You’ll receive updates on your teen’s progress towards those goals.
- Sharing Information: This is a two-way street. While confidentiality limits what the therapist can disclose about specific sessions, they can share general observations and progress.
On your end, it’s equally important to keep the therapist informed. Share both positive and negative changes you observe in your teen’s behavior. Report on any new behaviors or ones that seem to have disappeared. This collaborative approach allows the therapist to tailor treatment strategies and ensures everyone is working towards the same goals.
Assure Confidentiality
One of the most important things your teen needs to know is that therapy is confidential. This means what they share with our therapist will generally stay private. Exceptions to this rule involve serious situations, such as suicidal thoughts or plans of harming themselves or others.
It’s also important to assure your teen that you won’t pressure the therapist for details about their sessions. This builds trust and encourages them to openly participate in therapy. While confidentiality may cause you some anxiety, it’s crucial for your teen’s progress. Open communication with your teen about therapy can help alleviate some of these anxieties.
Offering Support after Therapy Sessions
Therapy can be an emotionally demanding experience for teens. They may be exploring difficult topics for the first time, making them feel vulnerable. Here’s how you can best support your teen after their sessions:
- Create a Safe Space: Be available for your teen after their sessions, but respect their need for space. Let them know you’re there to talk if they want to, but don’t pressure them.
- Active Listening: If your teen chooses to share their experience, listen actively and without judgment. Validate their feelings and offer emotional support.
- Respect Their Boundaries: Some teens may prefer to process their emotions privately. This doesn’t mean they’re not benefiting from therapy. Remember, processing therapy can take time. Give them space to work through their feelings, knowing you’re available if they need you.
By offering a supportive environment, you can help your teen feel comfortable and encourage them to continue their therapeutic journey.
Taking Care of Your Needs After Teen Therapy
It’s important to remember that supporting your teen through therapy can be challenging for you, too. You may find yourself revisiting past experiences or facing difficult family dynamics that arise during your teen’s sessions. If you feel you need support managing your own emotions or working through past issues, don’t hesitate to seek help for yourself with us at Evanston Counseling. Therapy can be a valuable tool for parents as well. Our therapists are available to work with you.
See How Teen Therapy in Evanston, IL Can Help Your Teens Today!
At Evanston Counseling, we understand how difficult life can be during the teen years. Your child does not need to struggle. They can develop emotional resilience, learn to set boundaries, and build their confidence and self-esteem. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping teens navigate the complexities of adolescence. They can also provide them with the tools and guidance they need to thrive. We offer a safe and nurturing environment where your child can express themselves freely and work through their challenges. Reach out to us today to discover how therapy can be a powerful tool to help them navigate life’s complexities and build a brighter, more fulfilling future. Take the first step towards your child’s well-being and empowerment by following the steps below:
- Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
- Speak with an experienced teen therapist.
- Support your teen through teen therapy to live a happier, more balanced life.
Other Therapy Services Offered at Evanston Counseling in Evanston, Chicago, and throughout Illinois
At Evanston Counseling, our commitment extends beyond offering Therapy for Teenagers in Evanston, IL. We provide a comprehensive range of specialized care to address various mental health concerns. Our therapy services include Therapy for Moms, Therapy for Young Adults, and Therapy for College Students, catering to individuals facing challenges like Anxiety, Depression, and Chronic Pain. We embrace diverse therapeutic modalities, including Hypnotherapy, Pet Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ensuring a personalized approach that meets the unique needs of those seeking support. Reach out to us today to discover how our experienced team can equip you with valuable tools and strategies for emotional well-being, fostering a balanced and happier life through therapy.
