We have learned that true and influential change comes from numerous helping hands. Below are some reasons why getting involved in your teen’s therapy could be helpful.
You are with your teen WAY MORE than the therapist is.
You live with your teenager; therefore, your influence is more frequent than any therapist! It can be helpful to have several people working towards the same goal. For example, if your teen and therapist are working on improving depressive symptoms, it can help to have parent(s)/caregivers at home to remind the teen that they are doing a good job, are not alone in their struggles, and may need to try their therapy skills.
You can provide a different perspective.
The therapist and teen only have their own views. Adding in what caregivers see can greatly influence what is discussed, attempted, and a part of treatment.
You can help your teenager with their goals.
All humans need help, and it could be highly beneficial for teenagers to have their caregivers showing their support.
What would that look like?
- Reinforcing what is taught in therapy at home (using coping skills, validating experiences, etc).
- Encouraging your teen to do their therapy homework.
- Family discussing and reflecting on the therapy session (if your teen is ready).
- Practicing a therapy goal at home — this can influence change outside the therapy room into the teen’s world (maybe it’s practicing affirmations, positive self-talk, or using a coping skill. If your teen needed help practicing spelling words or shooting baskets, you would practice with them, right? It could be an option to show your teen support by offering to practice mental health needs at home, too.)
Your teen needs reassurance.
From my experience, when working with teens and bringing in their parents or caregivers, the teens are often happy we did. I’ve heard things like, “I’ve never talked like that before with them.” “It felt good.” “I didn’t know my mom thought that.” “I know my parents care about me, but it feels different; good, different to know they really do.”
How do I get involved?
Your therapist may suggest you join a session or two. If that doesn’t happen, try asking the therapist if it would be helpful to join for your child’s treatment. Work collaboratively with your teen’s therapist to meet your child where they are at.
Things to consider…
If it isn’t the right time to join your teen’s treatment, that doesn’t mean the time won’t come.
Want to get your teen or yourself involved in therapy? Talk with someone today.
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