Hi, I’m Ilia Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor in Suwanee, Georgia, and this video is for parents of teenagers who are considering therapy. It can be really stressful and emotional to think about sending your teen to counseling, and parents often have a lot of questions about what their role should be. Therapy for teens usually works best when parents are involved in a supportive way, but also respect their teenager’s privacy and growing independence.

If your teen is going to therapy, one of the most helpful things you can do is to be open and non‑judgmental about the process instead of using therapy as a threat or punishment. Try to show curiosity and support, asking how you can help, rather than demanding to know every detail of what is talked about in sessions. It can also be helpful to ask the therapist how and when parents will be included, and what kinds of updates or feedback you can expect.

Parents sometimes worry that they will be blamed in therapy, or that the therapist will “take sides” against them. A good therapist is not there to judge you as a parent, but to help your teen cope better and to improve communication and relationships in the family when possible. You may be invited into some sessions or given suggestions about ways to respond differently at home, but the goal is to work as a team to support your teenager’s emotional health.

It is also important to take care of yourself emotionally while your teen is in therapy. Parenting a teenager who is struggling can be exhausting and scary, and sometimes parents benefit from their own counseling or support as well. When teens see that their parents are willing to learn, grow, and ask for help too, it can make therapy feel more normal and less stigmatizing. Let the therapist know if you have concerns or questions so you can be part of the process in a helpful way.