As a parent, it is important to have an understanding of therapy and know how to effectively support your teen. Engaging with your teen’s therapist provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into your child’s progress and the challenges they face. This guide is designed to help parents prepare for meetings with therapists by suggesting thoughtful questions that can facilitate meaningful conversations and enhance collaborative support for your teen’s mental well-being.

1. Setting the Appointment

  • Request a Meeting: Contact the therapist to schedule a time for a check-in. This could be via a phone call, video call, or in-person meeting depending on what the therapist offers.
  • Express the Purpose: Clearly state that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss your teen’s progress and any ways you can provide support at home.

2. Preparation

  • Understand Privacy and Confidentiality: Recognize that there are confidentiality guidelines that therapists must follow, and they may not be able to share all details about your teen’s therapy sessions. This helps your teen see therapy as a safe space for them to process their feelings. 
  • Prepare Questions in Advance: Write down any specific concerns or observations about your teen’s behavior, mood changes, or academic performance that you’ve noticed which might be relevant for the therapist to know.

3. During the Meeting

  • Share Observations: Start by sharing your observations and concerns about your teen. Be honest and specific.
  • Ask Constructive Questions:
    • “How does my teen generally engage during the sessions?”
    • “Can you share any successes or breakthroughs my teen has had recently?”
    • “What strategies are being used to help with their concerns?”
    • “How can I support these efforts at home?”
    • “What are the key signs of progress or warning signs that I should look for at home?”
    • “Are there specific ways I should respond to my teen during moments of stress or crisis?”
    • “Can you recommend any resources or reading materials for me to better understand my teen’s challenges?”
  • Discuss Any Changes in Treatment: Inquire if there have been any adjustments in therapy techniques or goals, and what prompted these changes.
  • Get Feedback: Ask for feedback on how your current level of involvement is impacting your teen’s progress and if there are adjustments to be made.

4. After the Meeting

  • Reflect on the Information Shared: Take some time to think about what was discussed. Note any suggested strategies or changes the therapist recommended.
  • Implement Recommendations: Put into practice any advice or strategies the therapist suggested to support your teen’s therapy process.
  • Regular Updates: Set up a schedule for regular updates with the therapist to keep informed of your teen’s progress and to continue showing your support.

5. Maintain Open Communication with Your Teen

  • Encourage Openness: Let your teen know that you are working with their therapist to support them, not to spy on them.
  • Respect Their Privacy: Strike a balance between being involved and respecting your teen’s need for privacy. Reassure them that their sessions are a safe space.

Meeting with your teen’s therapist is an essential part of your proactive involvement in their mental health journey. By asking constructive questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of your teen’s experiences and the therapeutic process. This not only helps in creating a supportive home environment but also strengthens the relationship between you and your teen. Keep communication open, stay informed, and continuously offer your support. 

Consider Engaging in Your Own Therapy

The teenage years can be emotionally challenging for parents, especially when supporting a teen through mental health struggles. This can sometimes lead to you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. It’s important to have your own space to process these emotions. 

Engaging in your own therapy can provide you with a space to better understand and process your emotions, past trauma or experiences with mental illness so you can more effectively implement the strategies your teen’s therapist recommends. Your teen’s therapist can be a great resource to ask for recommendations for a mental health professional that could be a good fit for you. 

The Steve Fund has many resources that provide information on how to find a therapist and establish mental health care for yourself. Remember, taking care of your own mental health is a critical part of being the best support for your teenager.