Searching for someone to help your struggling teen is not a simple task.  It is so important, however, to make this choice wisely.  The influence of a therapist in an adolescent's life can be invaluable to curb further damage and find meaning in their trials Therapy can help the teen sift through difficult times and find themselves more defined and stronger for having struggled.  The times adolescents live in now are, understatedly,  unsafe. The concerns parents seek help for range from depression, disordered eating/body image, abusive relationships, family dynamics, behavior issues, unsafe sexual behaviors--and numerous other problems not mentioned here.  

Getting the best help:

One of the most critical factors to assess in finding the perfect help for your teen is the client-therapist fit.  It is imperative for a positive outcome that the teen "connect"  with his/her counselor. Establishing an open, trusting relationship with the therapist invites the teen to use the counseling hour to think deeper, clearer, and learn new skills for dealing with their challenge.  Without a good fit though, it is difficult for the therapist to meet the adolescent where they are, understand the problem, and trust the feedback from the teen.

Establishing a relationship with a teen takes time.  Work in adolescent therapy is heavy with relationship building.  It will require a handful of sessions (number to be determined in conjunction with the therapist) to gage the effectiveness of the relationship.  If the fit is not there, the reason is assessed and a more appropriate path is identified.  

Having a therapist with experience and training in dealing with the developmental particulars of adolescents is also vital. They are in a unique place developmentally requiring a specific set of therapeutic tools.  

Parent-Therapist-Teen Relationship:

Since adolescents are technically minors until they reach the age of 18, the question of confidentiality is always addressed.  As stated above, one of the critical components to successful adolescent therapy is the relationship.  In order to keep the parent plainly and clearly informed in the context of confidentiality, a discussion is had between all three parties.  Circumstances certainly differ from case to case, but a usual consensus of parent involvement in therapy is for the adolescent to agree to be involved in giving regular updates to parents, and for the adolescent to receive the assurance that any time information would  be disclosed, that they would be informed. 

Though obvious, it needs to be stated that in cases of high risk, dangerous or hazardous behavior, and in cases of abuse, that there is absolute disclosure between all three parties.  This is explained in the informed consent during the initial session, and is agreed upon by all, including the adolescent.

Parent involvement in  the life of an adolescent can never be taken seriously enough.  Though peer influence becomes primary, the effect of parent relationships with teens is critical.  A therapist's ability to work with parents, to receive feedback, give suggestions, and listen to  their assessments or concerns is very important to healing.  An informed adolescent therapist will be able to equip and empower parents to create an environment in which the teen will become the best they can be.

Ask Questions:

Again, getting help for your adolescent is not cut and dry.  All of the dynamic explained above are important but also naturally vary from case to case. Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.  We will be happy answer any questions or thoughts not addressed in this brief introduction to the answer to the  important question, "Who is the best person to help my son/daughter?"