It is not always easy to know when to have parents involved in the process of helping teens. Of course, traditional family therapists would not even hesitate to say immediately. However, there are conditions whereby giving a teenager permission to "size up" the therapist to deem his/her worthy of working with the family can be useful. Often teens do not buy into the idea of therapy and it can be helpful to form somewhat of a relationship before starting with family work when kids have historically felt teamed up on or in a one down position. Teens who are able to trust their therapist are at a far greater likelihood to hang in there during difficult moments in session and even be willing to be influence by the other family members comments. It is wonderful when teens will consider the suggestions of a family member who they would not ordinarily consider outside the therapeutic walls. Just getting teen to talk is a small victory as teens are often unwilling to share their thoughts and turn to journals, t.v. or sillence.
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