If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the suicide hotline at 988 immediately. You’re not alone, and help is available 24/7.

Engaging Youth in Therapy: Challenges and Strategies

A teen girl in therapy

Engaging young people in therapy can be a complex task, as they often hold negative beliefs about therapy due to stigma and previous experiences. We will explore the challenges of engaging youth in therapy and offer strategies to overcome these obstacles. 

Attitudes Towards Therapy 

Negative attitudes towards therapy are a significant barrier to engaging young people. The stigma surrounding mental health issues and the fear of judgment can deter them from seeking help. Additionally, some youth may be in denial about the severity of their problems or doubt the therapist’s ability to address their concerns. 

Strategies: 

  • Address negative beliefs: Therapists should empathetically address these fears and misconceptions, providing a safe and non-judgmental environment. 
  • Confidentiality: Assure young clients about the limits of confidentiality, emphasizing the importance of privacy. 

Young People’s Ability to Self-Disclose 

Expecting young people to comfortably disclose personal information to strangers in the first session can be daunting. Adolescents are still navigating their identity, and experimenting with behaviors, and may find direct questioning intrusive. 

Strategies: 

  • Developmentally appropriate questions: Therapists should use questions suitable for the client’s age and development stage. 
  • Non-intrusive approach: Build trust gradually, allowing clients to become comfortable with the therapist. 

Not Designed for Adolescents 

Many therapeutic approaches are developed for children or adults, making young people feel that these techniques are too childish or beyond their cognitive capacity. Adolescents undergo significant cognitive, emotional, and social development changes, making traditional approaches challenging.

Strategies: 

  • Adapted approaches: Therapists should understand young clients’ developmental stage and cognitive capacity, adjusting their methods accordingly. 
  • Balance safety and autonomy: Allow for age-appropriate exploration while maintaining safety.

Developing a Therapeutic Relationship 

Fostering a strong therapeutic relationship is crucial for engaging young people in therapy. They often enter therapy feeling uncertain and fearing judgment, making it essential for therapists to put them at ease. 

Strategies: 

  • Psychosocial interview guide: Utilize tools like the HEEADSSS 3.0 framework, which eases clients into discussions of more sensitive topics. 
  • Empathy and non-judgment: Create a supportive and caring atmosphere to encourage open communication. 

Fostering Ongoing Engagement in Therapy 

Ensuring ongoing engagement involves shared decision-making, tracking satisfaction and outcomes, and integrating technology into therapy. 

Strategies: 

  • Shared decision-making: Involve young clients in treatment decisions to align with their preferences and values. 
  • Tracking session satisfaction and outcomes: Use rating scales to collect feedback and measure progress. 
  • Technology integration: Utilize technology, such as apps, to engage tech-savvy young clients and enhance communication. 

Engaging youth in therapy requires sensitivity, flexibility, and a deep understanding of their unique needs and challenges. By addressing these issues and implementing effective strategies, therapists can foster a positive therapeutic experience for young clients.