This may seem self-evident, but parental involvement is crucial during teen therapy programs and can make a significant difference in the program’s efficacy. That said, even though parents should be engaged, they must strike a delicate balance—providing a stable and supportive environment while respecting their child’s boundaries.
Parental involvement could look like family therapy sessions, parental coaching, or implementing healthy communication strategies that reinforce what your teen is learning. When there is a high level of parental involvement in therapy, teens are more likely to feel supported and understood, which leads to stronger parent-child relationships and a more lasting recovery.
Common Questions Parents Have About Teen Therapy Programs
We know you’ve got questions, and rightly so. We’ve compiled some of the most common questions we get about teen therapy programs.
What can parents expect from their teen’s therapy experience?
In the beginning, the therapist will focus on building rapport and creating a safe, non-judgmental environment. As therapy progresses, sessions may explore underlying issues such as anxiety or depression while also teaching practical coping skills. Over time, parents can expect improvements in their child’s communication, emotional regulation, and decision-making, though progress can be gradual.
How do teen therapy programs handle communication with parents?
Therapists have to strike a careful balance between keeping parents informed and respecting their teens’ confidentiality. Your therapist should communicate exactly what will be kept private and what can be shared with you. If any serious concerns arise, such as risks to the teen’s safety, therapists are legally and ethically obligated to inform parents.
Can parents attend sessions in teen therapy programs?
The short answer is yes. Parents can attend teen therapy sessions. Family involvement in therapy is normal and can look like family sessions where parents, teens, and even siblings meet together to work on communication or address specific family concerns. At Pure Life, we have weekly sessions with parents separate from their teens. Parents will be doing their own therapeutic work during this time. We have parents and teens do some of their work separately as they move towards having older teens launch into adulthood.
Supporting Your Teen Through the Therapy Process
Teen therapy programs can be tricky. We know how afraid you are and how desperately you want to help. You may have even tried therapy in the past but found it ineffective. We know it’s difficult to find the best way to support your teen, so we’ve compiled a list of 5 practical, research-backed strategies parents can use to support their teen during therapy:
1. Practice Active Listening
Give your teen your full attention when they talk. Avoid interrupting or jumping in to solve a problem. Instead, restate what you hear to show you understand. This builds trust and helps your teen feel safe.
2. Model Healthy Emotional Behavior
As parents, actions often speak louder than words. Show your teen, by your example, how to handle stress and disappointment in healthy ways. Don’t be afraid to admit mistakes and be vulnerable. If your teen knows they can share genuine feelings without fear of punishment or criticism, this will foster trust. Try your best to simply listen and respond in neutral ways.
3. Validate Their Feelings
Even if you don’t fully understand or agree, it is crucial that you find a way to acknowledge your teen’s feelings. Simple phrases like “That sounds really hard” can create a connection between you and your child and build trust.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Therapy is a process. Patience is key, and your child’s challenges may be deep-seated. If it’s hard for you, it’s 1,000 times harder for your child. Praise effort, not just outcomes. Acknowledging your teen when they use a new coping skill or open up can be powerful encouragement.
5. Avoid Power Struggles
We know this is a tough one. But respecting your teen’s growing need for autonomy is crucial to developing a collaborative relationship. Instead of trying to control what your teen wants or does, offer creative problem-solving that puts you on the same team instead of pitting you as adversaries.
Each of the strategies above may be difficult to implement, and you may feel overwhelmed. Start small. Even a small change can have a big impact. All of the strategies listed above work in harmony with therapy. Therapy programs can improve parent-child relationships. Consider these two scenarios:
Let’s say your son has been sneaking out at night and lying about it. He agrees to attend therapy, and during his sessions, the therapist helps him explore why he feels the need to escape while also helping him recognize the impact his actions had on his parents’ trust. In family sessions, you reflect on your reactions to his defiance, which was often angry and harsh. Guided by the therapist, your family learns how to embrace more calm and honest communication. Your son agrees to check in before going out, and you agree to listen without immediate judgment. As both sides follow through, trust is slowly rebuilt, and your relationship improves.
Or maybe your daughter completely shuts down when you ask her about school, and you’re unsure about how to bridge the silence. During therapy, she shares with her therapist that questions about school make her feel like she’s being interrogated. The therapist encourages a joint session where your daughter is able to express her feelings. You learn to ask more open-ended questions—a simple change that makes your conversations more open and relaxed. Eventually, your daughter begins sharing about her school day without being asked as you build trust and mutual respect.
Overcoming Challenges: When Teens Resist Therapy
We know how heartbreaking it can be when a child refuses to get the help they need. Initial resistance doesn’t mean your teen won’t ever participate in therapy. When parents use empathy, open communication, and thoughtful encouragement, many teens eventually agree to give therapy a try.
When a teen refuses therapy, it can be frustrating and scary, but how parents respond can make a big difference. Here are some quick strategies that can melt resistance and encourage participation without pushing your teen further away:
Stay Calm and Curious
Avoid reacting with anger or panic. This can be so difficult! But if you ask open-ended questions like, “Can you help me understand what makes therapy feel uncomfortable?” you may find your child opens up to you more easily. Showing curiosity instead of fear or anger builds trust and opens the door for honest conversation.
Offer Choices
Let your teen be part of the decision-making process. Engagement is more likely to lead to success, so asking your teen if they’d prefer a male or female therapist, virtual or in-person sessions, or a focus on certain issues (like stress or anxiety), your teen will feel like a partner with ownership, and they’ll be more likely to engage.
Use Gentle Framing
Instead of saying, “You need help,” try, “Therapy can be a place just for you—without parents looking over your shoulder, where you are free to discuss whatever you want with no judgment.” Help them understand the benefits of therapy and what an impact those could have on their current situations. You might consider sharing stories about people you know or have read about who have used therapy with great personal success.
Start Small
If your child is resisting, try to walk it back by proposing a low-pressure trial. Suggest meeting with a therapist once before deciding if it’s a good fit. You might need to try a few therapists before you find what you are looking for. Sometimes the resistance and stigma drop once a bond is formed with the therapist.
Even though it may be challenging, never give up on your child if they resist therapy. Your child must know that you stand by them, even when you two are at odds. When it feels like nothing’s working, keep encouraging your child and gently suggesting help when appropriate. Your ongoing support is working quietly in the background.
How Pure Life Adventure Therapy Can Help
At Pure Life, we believe healing is a family journey. That’s why we prioritize parental involvement, offering regular communication, along with guided support to help parents and teens stay connected. Our unique Adolescent Program combines adventure therapy, holistic wellness practices, and culturally immersive experiences to help teens develop healthy coping skills, gain self-confidence, and blossom into resilient young adults.
Don’t wait—contact us today! You won’t regret giving your teen the opportunity to grow, heal, and thrive–an experience that’s as empowering as it is unforgettable.
