Troubled Teens: How to Help When They Refuse Counseling
The teen years aren’t easy. As a parent, everyone warned you about the “terrible twos,” but no one really prepared you for all of the drama that comes with the teen years.
Teenagers go through a lot of changes, both internally and externally. Their bodies are changed, which can include growing hair in places they’ve never had before, their skin breaking out, dealing with growth spurts, and voice changes. The teen years can be awkward, and painful, but also exciting and full of opportunity.
On top of the physical changes that they’re having to navigate, they also may be dealing with attending a new school, making new friends, and trying to find the activities, classes, and hobbies they’re interested in. All of this is going on while having to juggle their homework, studying, extracurricular activities, and friendships.
A lot of teens experience issues with their mental health during this time. As a parent, you just want your teen to be healthy and happy. Here’s how to help a troubled teen when they refuse counseling.
Talk to Your Teen
Being a parent to a teen who refuses therapy when you know they need it puts you in a tough situation. You know what they need, but you also know that you can’t force them to go to therapy. There are a lot of reasons your teen may not be interested in therapy.
Your initial approach can help reframe their perspective on it. Instead of telling them all the reasons you think they need therapy, try to imply that it may help to talk to someone besides you. Let your teen know that you’re there for them always, but it may be beneficial to talk to someone who works with teens regularly.
Talk to Your Teen’s Doctor and School
At the next appointment or parent-teacher conference, consider discussing your concerns with your teen’s doctor or school. A doctor will be able to determine if your teen could benefit from something like therapy. Even if your teen still isn’t interested in therapy, you can start to understand the different options that you have. A teacher or school counselor will share the different offerings that are available within the school. Your teen may be more willing to meet with a school counselor versus a therapist outside of their school.
Attend Therapy Yourself
Just because your teen isn’t interested in therapy doesn’t mean that you can’t attend therapy on your own. A therapist will be able to give you recommendations and tools on how you can show up to support your teen. Plus, a teen may be more willing to attend therapy if they know that you’re going.
Consider an Online Option
Sometimes one of the main roadblocks to therapy is attending therapy. Thankfully, there are different therapist options, like attending virtually. Your teen may be worried about the stigma of being labeled by friends or classmates for attending therapy. An online approach can take some of those worries away, since your teen will be able to attend sessions from the comfort of their own home.
Next Steps
It can be frustrating for a parent to see their teen struggling but also refusing to seek help. If your teen is refusing treatment, you may not be able to force them to go. You can work towards making them feel a little more comfortable about the idea of attending sessions. At home, you can work towards openly talking about mental health and trying to reduce their negative associations with it. We’re here to help you and your teen when you’re ready. Reach out today to learn more about how teen therapy can help by setting up an initial consultation.