Getting your teenager to trust a therapist can feel like an uphill battle. Maybe they’ve agreed to go but sit in silence during sessions. Maybe they insist nothing is wrong. Or maybe they’ve flat-out refused to even walk through the door. If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. Many families struggle with this exact challenge, and the good news is that there are real, practical ways to help teens open up in therapy.
Common Barriers Teens Face With Trust
Teenagers often resist therapy for reasons that make perfect sense to them. They worry about being judged or labeled as “broken.” They fear you’ll find out what they say in sessions. They might think therapy means they’ve failed somehow, or they simply don’t believe talking to a stranger will help.
Some teens have had bad experiences with adults who didn’t listen or who minimized their feelings. Others feel embarrassed about needing help. Many just want to handle things on their own, even when they’re drowning.
Preparing Your Teen for Their First Session
Frame therapy as a resource, not a punishment. Explain that the therapist is someone trained to help people navigate difficult feelings and situations. Emphasize that therapy is for everyone, not just people in crisis.
Be honest about what to expect. The first session usually involves getting to know each other and talking about what brings them in. There’s no pressure to share everything immediately. The therapist will ask questions, but your teen can answer as much or as little as they want.
Normalize any nervousness they feel. Starting therapy is awkward for most people. That’s completely normal and okay.
Modeling Trust and Vulnerability as a Parent
Teens learn more from what you do than what you say. If you want them to trust a therapist, show them what healthy help-seeking looks like. Talk openly about times you’ve asked for support. Share appropriate struggles you’ve faced and how you worked through them.
You don’t need to overshare or burden your teen with adult problems. But letting them see that everyone needs help sometimes normalizes the experience. If you’re in therapy yourself, mention it casually. “I talked to my therapist about that” sends a powerful message.
Setting Realistic Expectations About Therapy
Therapy isn’t a quick fix. Progress happens slowly and often isn’t linear. Some sessions feel productive. Others feel like nothing happened. That’s normal.
Help your teen understand that building trust with a therapist takes time. They might not click with their therapist immediately, and that’s okay. Give it at least three or four sessions before deciding if it’s a good fit.
Don’t expect your teen to come home from therapy and suddenly be different. Real change happens gradually, often in ways you won’t immediately see.
Addressing Concerns About Confidentiality
Many teens worry that their therapist will tell them everything. Explain the limits of confidentiality clearly. Therapists keep most things private, but they’re required to break confidentiality if your teen is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else, or if abuse is disclosed.
We respect the therapeutic relationship and won’t ask therapists to violate your teen’s privacy. Trust that the therapist will involve you when necessary and appropriate.
Celebrating Small Steps in Therapy Engagement
Notice and acknowledge progress, no matter how small. Your teen showed up to their appointment? That’s worth recognizing. They mentioned something their therapist said? That’s engagement. They agreed to try a coping skill? That’s growth.
Get Help From a Mental Health Care Provider for Teens
If your teen is struggling, we’re here to help. At Alis Behavioral Health, we specialize in working with teenagers and their families. Contact Alis Behavioral Health by calling (888) 528-3860 or using our online contact form.
