Curt and Katie chat about how to work effectively with teen clients. We look at what adults often get wrong about teens as well as how therapists can develop real relationships with their teen clients. We also look at the differences that can show up in how you do therapy with teens.
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In this podcast episode, we talk about effective therapy with teenaged clients
Curt and Katie have both specialized in working with teens at different points in their careers and figured they should share what they’ve learned to support other therapists who’d like to work with teens.
What do therapists (and caregivers) get wrong about teenagers?
You won’t reach teens if you treat them like behavioral problems to solve
It is helpful to show teens that they will be listened to, rather than just subject to whatever their parents or caregivers want them to do in therapy
Therapists can seem less authentic if they try to be “the cool therapist”
What is needed in an effective therapeutic alliance with teen therapy clients?
Identifying what the teen needs from the therapist (e.g., confidant, older sibling, parental type)
Authenticity is key as teens will often see through it if you’re not
Defining boundaries of the relationship
Looking toward client autonomy
Showing stability and constancy
Encouraging safety and agency
Being a trusted, consistent adult
What are the differences in therapy between teens and adults?
Having caregivers involved in schedule and decision-making, having a huge impact on teens
Therapy for teens is often a relationship where identity can be tested
Therapists can be an outside voice for both teens and adults, but teens may need this more
Caregivers are more likely to be a part of treatment for teens
Who we are:
Curt Widhalm, LMFT
www.curtwidhalm.com
Katie Vernoy, LMFT
www.katievernoy.com
A Quick Note:
Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves - except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it.
Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey.