Encourage Your Teen to Attend Counseling in 5 Ways

When teens face complex issues, attending counseling can be a valuable way to process their feelings and find helpful solutions. However, convincing a teenager to go to counseling can be challenging. To make this process easier, you must understand the importance of counseling and use suitable approaches to encourage your teens to attend. Here are several tips to convince them to attend counseling as much as possible:

1. Talk to Them about Your Concerns

Have an honest and open dialogue with your teen about your concerns. Explain your concerns and why you think counseling could be helpful. It is essential that your teen feels comfortable talking to you about their feelings and thoughts and that they know you are there for them no matter what. Counseling is a viable outlet for teens to express their thoughts and feelings and receive professional guidance and support. 

2. Explain Why Counseling Can Be Beneficial

At times, teens feel stressed, anxious, or down. These feelings are normal, but if they last for a while or start interfering with their daily life, it might be time to seek professional help. Counseling provides a safe, confidential space for teens to explore their thoughts and feelings. They can learn to handle their stress and anxiety better and develop healthier coping skills. Counseling also gives them the support and guidance needed to work through difficulties.

3. Reassure That Counseling Is Confidential

One of the reasons why teens may be reluctant to attend counseling is because they fear that their thoughts and feelings will not be confidential. Teens may worry that their counselor will share their personal information or that their parents will find out what they are talking about. Tell them that counseling is confidential and that their personal space matters.

4. Offer to Go With Your Teen to the First Session

Attending counseling can be daunting for young people. They may be unsure of what to expect, or how to open up about their feelings. If you are considering counseling for your child, offer to go with them to the first session. It will help to ease their anxiety and give them the necessary support to make the most of counseling.

5. Help Your Teen Find a Counselor That They Feel Comfortable With

A good counselor should be someone your teen can trust and feel comfortable talking to. Look for counselors who specialize in working with teens and have experience in the areas your teen is struggling with. Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and other professionals. You may also search online or contact local mental health organizations for referrals.

Conclusion

Parental support and encouragement are critical for helping a teen seek counseling. As a parent, you can reassure that counseling is a safe and helpful way to address difficult emotions and challenges. You can also help your teen by searching for a therapist, making appointments, and attending sessions with them. 

Find a Fresno therapist at Ascend Behavioral Health. We provide mental health services in Fresno, CA. Get in touch with one of our behavioral health specialists for more details.