Psychotherapy has always been a place most teens would reject because its very essence exposes their well guarded privacy. Teens have much to protect and they are not about to lower their walls because we or their parents tell them to do so. It is a very delicate time in working with teens who are often hypervigilant of the intentions of their parents and therapists. It is ultra important to balance both not rushing a therapeutic relationship but also not conducting therapy in such a way that makes it seem void of any specific purpose. Teens will often reject over assertiveness as well as approaches that are overly playful and fearlful of addressing the "purple elephant." This brings us to the modern teenager who I believe desperately wants to connect with other adults but want to know that they "get it." This means not being afraid to expose the reported issues but can quickly reframe them in a way that can be digested by the teenager. This may include speaking their language for a period of time so that they feel understood.
Bryon Remo, M.Ed., LMFT
Adolescent and Family Therapist
Bryon Remo practices in Southbury, CT and specializes
in adolescent and couples issues
