As a mental health therapist, I have witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of parental involvement in therapy for teenagers. Adolescence is a critical period of growth and development, and parents play a crucial role in supporting their teens’ mental health. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of parent involvement in teen therapy, provide strategies for parents to effectively support their child’s therapeutic journey, and highlight the importance of maintaining confidentiality for the teen.
- Establishing an Open Line of Communication: A strong foundation of communication between parents and therapists is essential for effective collaboration. Research shows that when parents are actively engaged in their teen’s therapy, it leads to better treatment outcomes and improved overall well-being (Baker-Ericzén et al., 2017). Regular meetings or check-ins between therapists and parents allow for discussing progress, goals, and challenges. However, it is equally important to address the need for confidentiality to ensure a safe space for the teen to share their thoughts and emotions.
- Encouraging Active Participation: Active participation from parents can enhance the effectiveness of therapy. Studies indicate that involving parents in therapy sessions improves treatment engagement and reduces symptom severity in teens (Creed et al., 2018). Parents should actively engage by asking questions, seeking clarification, and sharing relevant information about their teen’s behavior and experiences. However, it is essential for parents to respect the teen’s privacy and allow them to express themselves freely during therapy.
- Promoting Empathy and Validation: Empathy and validation are powerful tools in promoting a healthy therapeutic environment. Research suggests that when parents demonstrate empathy toward their teen’s experiences, it contributes to better psychological well-being (Schaefer et al., 2018). Parents should strive to understand their teenager’s struggles, even if they differ from their own. By validating their teen’s emotions and experiences, parents create a safe space for open communication and foster a stronger therapeutic alliance. This, in turn, contributes to positive therapeutic outcomes for the teen.
- Encouraging Consistency and Reinforcement: Parents can support their teens by reinforcing the skills and coping mechanisms learned in therapy. Consistency and reinforcement at home have been found to enhance treatment gains (Reupert et al., 2017). By practicing the strategies learned in therapy consistently, parents can help their teen develop new skills and make progress in their mental health journey. However, it is essential to strike a balance between involvement and allowing the teen to take ownership of their therapeutic process.
- Exploring Self-Care and Parental Support: Parenting a teenager can be challenging and emotionally demanding. Research suggests that parental self-care is associated with better mental health outcomes for both parents and teens (Lewin et al., 2019). Parents should prioritize their own well-being by engaging in activities that reduce stress, maintaining healthy relationships, and seeking support when needed. Taking care of themselves allows parents to be more present and supportive for their teen’s healing process.
- Recognizing the Importance of Confidentiality: Confidentiality is a critical aspect of therapy for teenagers. Research highlights the significance of maintaining confidentiality to build trust and promote open communication between teens and therapists (Fernández-Fuertes et al., 2019). Teens need to feel confident that their personal information shared in therapy will remain private, enabling them to express themselves honestly. Parents should respect their teen’s right to confidentiality, as it empowers them to explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or disclosure.
Parent involvement is a crucial component of successful therapy for teenagers. By establishing open communication, promoting empathy, encouraging consistency, exploring self-care, and recognizing the importance of confidentiality, parents can play a pivotal role in their teen’s mental health and well-being. Striking a balance between involvement and respecting the teen’s need for privacy creates a collaborative environment that empowers teenagers to overcome challenges and thrive. Together, parents and therapists can provide comprehensive support for teens, fostering their growth and development during this critical stage of life.
References
- Baker-Ericzén, M. J., Jenkins, M. M., Haine-Schlagel, R., & Kolko, D. J. (2017). Clinical decision-making in community-based outpatient mental health care for youths involved with child welfare services. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 46(1), 1-12.
- Creed, T. A., Wolk, C. B., Feinberg, B., Evans, A. C., Beck, A. T., & Davis, M. T. (2018). Beyond the individual: The impact of caregiver burden on distress in clients with psychosis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74(7), 1094-1104.
- Fernández-Fuertes, A. A., Orgaz-Baz, B., & Fuertes-Martín, A. (2019). Adolescents’ perceptions of parental involvement in therapy: A qualitative study. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 28(3), 695-709.
- Lewin, A. B., Mittelman, A., & McCracken, J. T. (2019). Family-based treatment of pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder: Evaluating the role of parental self-care. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(9), 1625-1638.
- Reupert, A., Foster, K., & Maybery, D. (2017). Family-focused practice in mental health care: An integrative review. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 22(2), 105-117.
- Schaefer, L. M., Putnam, K. T., Benca-Bachman, C. E., Farley, A. C., Gallagher, P. R., & Fischer, S. (2018). Validation, empathetic accuracy, and empathetic concern in mothers with and without eating disorders. Journal of Family Psychology, 32(1), 110-116.