If you’re reading this post, it’s likely your teenage son is going through a difficult time. Your teen son could be struggling with anxiety or depression. Your teenage son could be going through a break-up. Your teen son‘s grades could be dropping. When your teen son is in a difficult spot, you want to rush in and help him. The problem is your son won’t open up about the real problem. You sense there is more to the story, but your son stays silent. At this point, you take him to talk to a therapist. This is a good idea but there’s a problem. Your teenage son won’t open up to the therapist either. What do you do at this point?
Find A Therapist That is a Teen Boy Specialist
Not every therapist is equal. I cannot emphasize this point enough. Some therapists work well with adults. Other therapists specialize in trauma. Many therapists are effective with young children. Not every therapist is successful with teenage boys. Please ensure your therapist has experience and success working with teenage boys.
The Teen Therapist Has to Be Relatable
If your teenage son does not feel like he can relate to the therapist, he will not open up. If your teenage son is not talking in therapy, you’re wasting your time and money. I‘ve known some great teen therapists who are women. They connect well with teenage guys. That said, there’s something to a teenage guy talking to another guy. Teenage boys struggle with things that only another guy could understand. Talking about masterbation, porn and male jealousy can be tricky subjects to navigate.
There’s also the question of age. Teen guys are more apt to connect with a therapist who‘s closer to their generation.
The Teen Therapist Has to Emphasize Humor
Teen boys will open up about anything if they can joke and poke fun at the issue. A teen therapist has to balance the real issues while leaving room for fun and humor.
A dry and serious therapist will not work well with a teenage boy. The teenage boy will tune them out and not open up. When you’re looking for a therapist make sure they are someone who can make you laugh. Humor is key in setting the tone for your teen boy to feel connected and comfortable.
The Teen Therapist Has To Be Unconventional
We all know the stereotype about therapists. The therapist sits in a room and asks the client how they "feel". This rarely works with teenage boys! Many conventional approaches to therapy are ineffective with teenage boys. The teen therapist has to be creative and unconventional. You can't ask a teenage boy how he feels. Boys don’t know how they feel. That’s why they’re in therapy! There are better ways to phrase that question. Michael Addis suggests we ask guys what is happening in their world that no one knows about.
Many therapists are non-directive. This means they wait for the client to talk and direct the session. This will not work for a teenage boy. A teen therapist has to take the lead. They have to guide the conversation and process with their male client.
I play cards with my teenage male clients. I also throw in jokes, sports references, movie and Netflix quotes throughout. I have to keep the teenage boy interested and engaged.
Teen Therapy Can Help
Teen Therapy can help your teen son open up. One of the ways to help them identify their emotions is by signing them up for teen therapy. A teen therapist is someone your son can trust and develop a relationship with.
A teen therapist can also work with a teen boy to help them develop goals and healthy coping strategies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT) is one of the most effective ways to work with teenagers. CBT is a short-term, problem focused approach. CBT is effective at treating a variety of problems.
Start Your Teen Therapy Journey with Quique Autrey: Katy, Tx & Houston
You and your teenage son do not have to do this alone. If you don't know what to do next, please contact me and set up your first appointment. I am here to help. I can work with your family to help bring healing and hope. I'm just off of I-10 and 99. I am centrally located for those living in Katy and Houston. To start your teen therapy journey, follow these simple steps: 1. Contact Katy Teen & Family Counseling. 2. Schedule your first appointment with Quique Autrey. 3. Begin your teen therapy journey and start healing. Your teenage is not defined by his struggles. I want him to realize his true worth and potential. I want your son to embrace a bright future. Imagine what life will look like for your son free of his struggles. The mission at Katy Teen & Family Counseling is to restore hope, happiness, and connected family relationships. I look forward to starting this process of hope and healing with you!
