The search for a therapist for your teenage child constitutes a major decision. Apparently, it is overwhelming with such a long list of options to choose and that is why the process needs to be clear. But finding such a therapist holds great worth because then you can be assured that your teenage child is getting the best he can. It does not matter what they are going through such as battling with anxiety, stress, or even depression or simply needing someone to open for; indeed, the right therapist will make them feel more like their old self again.
In this blog we have discussed the factors to consider in getting a therapist for your adolescent child and how they can access the important resource of therapy.
Reasons Why Therapy is Important for Teens for Mental Health
Being a teenager is tough. School, peer pressure, and self-discovery are just some of the reasons why hundreds of teenagers battle with their mental health. According to the experts, mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression are increasing among adolescents currently. That means teaching adolescents to take control over stressful situations, helping them in developing self-esteem, and learning healthy manners of handling their emotions is a necessity.
It’s about creating a safe place in which your teenager can share his most painful or embarrassing secrets without fear of judgment. A qualified professional will use evidence-based techniques to assist teens in processing their feelings of confusion and perception, as well as these insane, upside-down places of their lives.
How to Start the Search
It may seem very difficult to find a therapist for adolescents at first, but it can be simplified by steps such as:
- Look for Recommendations
First, ask everyone you would trust. Your child’s school counselor, pediatrician, or even the other parents might have recommendations. It’s because recommendations are usually given due to experience or professional networks which can save you time and energy in search.
- Check Online Sources
Psychology Today and Therapy Den are among the sites that allow searching therapists based on their areas and specialties. Search profiles that specifically mention therapy for children regarding mental health or dealing with adolescents. Often, these therapists provide their approach and specialties that give a hint about their work before contacting the therapist.
- Think of Your Teen’s Needs
Sure enough, every teen is different, and one might work for others but not be able to work for someone else. It’s worth considering what your teen might be comfortable with; would he prefer a man or a woman? Someone who is laid back or super professional? Do they need someone who specializes dealing with anxiety, trauma, or LGBT+?
Questions To Ask
Once you have a list of a few potential therapists, it is time to dig deeper. Make an appointment with them. A lot of therapists offer free or low cost first sessions to see if they are a good fit for you. Use this time to ask questions and find out if they’re the right person to help your teen.
Here’s what you should ask:
- What experience do you have with therapy for adolescents?
- Do you practice using specific modalities like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or talk therapy?
- How do you incorporate parents in this process?
- What is your availability for sessions and how long are your sessions?
- How do you handle confidentiality when it comes to adolescents and their parents?
Watch how they answer and how you feel regarding communications with them. If they are open, understanding and experienced, it’s a good sign.
Involving Your Adolescent
It is also important to include the adolescent in the process. After all, they’re the one who will be opening up during sessions, so they need to feel comfortable with the therapist.
Here’s how to do it:
- Explain the Benefits: Tell your child that therapy is not a punishment, nor does it mean that something is wrong with them. It is how they can feel better and learn skills.
- Listen to what they would prefer: Tell them about the options and ask if they have a preference. Show them profiles or explain why you think a certain therapist could be a good fit.
- Reassure Them: Not all therapists will work for every individual. So if the first therapist does not feel right, then you can find someone else.
What Can One Expect from the Session
Teen therapy is different from adult therapy. Most sessions will take about 45 minutes to an hour and as you would probably expect, the therapist would want to gain the trust of your adolescent first.
Depending on the individual needs of the teen, other therapeutic approaches may be present; for example, the therapist might apply cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety or use art therapy to get more spontaneous expression. Whatever the approach, the idea is to maintain an environment where a young person feels heard and understood.
Good Signs of Fit
Matching the right therapist for your adolescent isn’t just about qualifications; it’s about the connection. Observe how your adolescent feels after a couple of meetings. More relaxed or willing to divulge? Learning any ways of coping with those emotions or situations in which they’ve found themselves?
Do not panic if your teen thinks the therapist is not going to work. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries before finding the therapist. Just be patient and let your child know that switching is always an option if they aren’t feeling it.
Have a Supporting Hand with Your Teen
Therapy works best when a teen really knows that they have your support. Encourage them to keep it going even when they are feeling shy to open up. Respect their privacy. They tend to be more open if they know that the sessions are confidential.
Be involved. Check in with your teen on how the therapy is going and ask if there is anything else you can do for them. Just a little reassurance and encouragement can go such a long way.
A Closing Thought
Adolescent therapy should not overwhelm. Researching, asking questions and having the teens involved ensures that they essentially get the support needed. Therapy for teen mental health becomes yet another strong tool with which your teenager should grow, heal, and learn the skills needed to be more successful in the future. It is about giving tools to them instead of fixing them, and it often takes some time and patience, but, with the right therapist, it’s possible for the teen to feel like himself or herself again.
