Teens need a place to talk but may not always be able to ask for it. They are more likely to open up if they feel they can do so without fear of criticism or judgment. It can be difficult to hear that your son or daughter is suffering without jumping to give advice. If you feel you are struggling to help or are worried your teen needs more support, our team of experienced teen therapists at Bay Psychology Group can help. Here are some of the issues our teen therapists can address:

When to Seek a Teen Therapist:

• Refusing to attend school or declining academic performance
• Excessive fearfulness or worrying
• Perfectionism
• Enduring sadness, crying, or hopelessness
• Strong negative feelings about themselves
• Outbursts of uncontrollable anger or overreacting
• Persistent or extreme concerns about physical appearance
• Repetitive habits and rituals like hand-washing, counting, or touching
• Worry about being harmed, hurting others, or doing something “bad”
• Excessive sexual thoughts or actions
• Racing thoughts that are too fast to follow
• Stealing
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Eating large amounts of food and then vomiting, exercising excessively, or abusing laxatives to avoid weight gain
• Obsessive dieting and/or exercising
• Seeing things or hearing voices that others do not see or hear

What to Expect in Your First Session with a Teen Therapist

Embarking on therapy can be a significant step for both teens and their parents. Understanding what to expect in the first session with a teen therapist can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with starting therapy. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Introduction to the Therapeutic Process: The first session is primarily about building rapport and establishing trust. The teen therapist will introduce themselves and explain the therapy process, including confidentiality rules, which reassure teens that their privacy is respected.
2. Initial Assessment: The therapist will gently encourage your teen to talk about their feelings and experiences. This might involve discussing current issues they are facing, personal and family history, and any previous treatments or therapies. The goal is to get a comprehensive view of your teen’s emotional world and the challenges they are facing.
3. Setting Goals: Part of the initial discussion will focus on what your teen and you hope to achieve through therapy. Setting goals early on helps to direct the course of future sessions and gives your teen a sense of purpose and direction.
4. Engagement in Dialogue: The teen therapist might use simple, open-ended questions to encourage your teen to express themselves. This conversation helps assess your teen’s current state and begin to identify the underlying issues that will be addressed in therapy.
5. Education about Psychodynamic Concepts: The therapist may explain some basic psychodynamic concepts to help your teen and you understand how past experiences can influence present behavior and emotional responses. This might include discussing how unconscious motives, desires, and defense mechanisms work.
6. Outline of Next Steps: By the end of the first session, the teen therapist will outline the next steps, including how often the sessions will occur and what therapeutic techniques might be used. They may also provide some initial thoughts on what areas will be focused on moving forward.
7. Time for Questions: The first session is also an opportunity for both your teen and you to ask questions. This can cover anything from the therapy approach to logistical questions about session timings and duration.

The first session is critical in setting the tone for therapeutic engagement and beginning the journey towards understanding and healing. It’s designed to be a non-threatening introduction to therapy that fosters a sense of safety and acceptance.

The Importance of Confidentiality When Working with a Teen Therapist

Navigating the boundaries of confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective therapy, especially with adolescents. Establishing and maintaining confidentiality is essential for creating a trusting therapeutic relationship where teens feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings openly.

Confidentiality in therapy means that what your teen shares with their teen therapist remains private and is not disclosed without your teen’s consent. This assurance is vital, as teens may be more willing to discuss sensitive issues when they are confident that their privacy is protected. This is crucial during adolescence, a period marked by a search for identity and a growing need for autonomy.

However, there are important exceptions to this rule, primarily related to safety:

• Safety Concerns: If there are any indications that your teen might be at risk of harming themselves or others, the teen therapist is obligated to take necessary steps to ensure safety. This might involve informing you as the parents or guardians, or in some cases, relevant authorities to prevent harm.
• Consent for Sharing Information: There are instances where sharing certain information with you could be beneficial for your teen’s therapy and overall well-being. In such cases, the teen therapist will discuss this with your teen and seek their consent to share specific information. This process respects your teen’s autonomy while also involving you in the therapeutic process when appropriate and beneficial.
• Legal Requirements: In certain situations, teen therapists may be required by law to disclose information about suspected abuse or other specific situations. Therapists will make these legal boundaries clear from the outset.

Your teen therapist will typically discuss the parameters of confidentiality during the first therapy session, ensuring both your teen and you understand when and how information might be shared. This discussion helps set the stage for a transparent and effective therapeutic relationship, where your teen feels both supported and secure in knowing their right to privacy is respected, balanced against the need to ensure their safety and well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Therapy

How to Help My Teen with Anxiety When He Won’t Talk to a Therapist?

It’s challenging when your teen is struggling with anxiety but is reluctant to seek help. Start by having an open and non-judgmental conversation about their feelings. Encourage them gently and explain the benefits of talking to a teen therapist. Sometimes, involving them in choosing the therapist or offering to attend a session with them can ease their apprehension. Adolescence is often a time, in US culture, of growing independence and fostering a sense of agency and self-determination, even if you insist on therapy, may help your teen feel more empowered and open to therapy.

How to Get a Teen to See a Therapist?

Encouraging a teen to see a therapist requires patience and understanding. Approach the conversation with empathy, expressing your concerns without judgment. Highlight the benefits of therapy and assure them that seeking help is a sign of strength. You might also suggest a trial period or offer to meet the therapist first. Fit is also important as not all therapists are the right match for everyone. A trial period may be a way to asses this.

Do Those Who See a Therapist as a Teen Continue into Adulthood?

Many individuals who begin therapy as teens continue into adulthood, especially if they find it beneficial. Early intervention can lead to better mental health outcomes and equip teens with coping skills for life. Continuation often depends on individual needs, progress, and personal choice.

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We’re Here to Help

Please use the button below to reach out if you’d like to schedule a time for your teen to meet with one of our dedicated teen therapists. If you’re needing more resources, please visit our local resources page. NAMI also offers some helpful information.