Deciding that you need help from a mental health professional is a big step. Trying to decide if what you are going through is something that a therapist could help you with can feel overwhelming.
Once you decide that therapy is something that you want to explore, you then need to decide which professional and what type of therapy you want to try. If you are a minor, you also have the task of talking with your parents about your desire to start therapy.
For some of us, this can be a frightening step. If you are struggling to talk to your parents about going to therapy, here are a few tips to start the conversation.
Plan Out Your Conversation
For some of us, planning and practicing a conversation ahead of time can be helpful. Work out what points you want to hit and what exactly you want to say. Try to roleplay the situation with someone you feel comfortable with and trust.
You can also decide if you plan to speak to your parents in person, via a letter, or phone call. Everyone is facing a unique situation, and you should spend some time thinking about what is best for you.
Explain How You Feel
When you talk to your parents, explain what you are experiencing. If you typically don’t open up to your parents about how you feel, this may feel weird or awkward. However, it is essential for them to understand how you feel and that you are struggling.
Bring up Therapy
Bring up the idea of therapy, and tell them that you would like to try it. Talk about why you think therapy would help you or how you think it would benefit you.
Talk With Your School Counselor
If you find yourself still struggling to open up to your parents, try talking with your school counselor. They may have resources for you or even help you to set up that conversation.
Deciding that you need professional help is a big step. If you find yourself struggling to open up to your parents about wanting to seek therapy, try to plan out your conversation ahead of time. Explain how you feel, and talk about why you think going to therapy would be good for you. Here at The Guest House, we understand that asking for help can be difficult. We are here to support you every step of the way. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to find out how we can support your journey.