It’s hard talking to teens, right? Their vocabulary seems completely different from your own, and it might never seem like they’re interested in what you have to say. It can be even harder when you’re trying to figure out how to get a teenager to talk about their feelings. Communicating about emotions is difficult for people of all ages, but with some compassion and empathy, you can bridge those gaps and make meaningful connections.

Connecting with and empowering teens is one of the things the Family First team is best at. With more than 120 years of combined clinical experience, we know how to navigate the challenges that come with adolescence and mental health. Our teen therapy services help teens in our care open up and talk about their feelings in individual, group, and family settings. Get started today by calling 888.904.5947.

Adolescence Equals Change

Adolescence is a period of significant emotional upheaval. Teens experience a whirlwind of emotions—ranging from anger and frustration to anxiety and sadness. The intensity of these emotions can be both confusing and overwhelming, as it’s often the first time they’re becoming aware of how they feel. As a parent, approaching these situations with patience and empathy can go a long way in getting them to address their emotions in healthy ways.

Recognizing that teens may struggle with expressing their emotions due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding is the first step. They might face issues such as social pressures, academic stress, or identity crises. Being aware of these challenges and showing genuine interest in their emotional world can pave the way for better communication.

How to Talk to Teens About Their Feelings

There are a few things you can do to make your teen more comfortable when discussing their emotions and feelings.

Create a Safe Space

One of the most crucial steps in encouraging your teen to talk is creating a safe, non-judgmental environment. This involves both a physical space where they feel comfortable and an emotional space where they feel heard and understood. Let your teen know that they can express their feelings without fear of criticism.

If they’re most comfortable sitting on the couch with you and chatting, that’s a great option. If home seems like a stressful place for them, maybe going on a walk or visiting a museum could provide a more relaxed setting for conversation.

Active Listening

Active listening is a powerful tool in communication. It involves paying full attention to your teen, acknowledging their feelings, and responding thoughtfully. Instead of immediately offering solutions, focus on hearing what they say and understanding their perspective. This validation can make them feel valued and respected.

While you’re talking to your teen, you can nod, agree, and make sure they know you’re paying attention. When they’re finished, you can say things like “I heard you say…,” which will help them recognize that you’re not just trying to “fix” what they’re going through.

Open-Ended Questions

Encouraging dialogue can be achieved through open-ended questions. These questions cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” prompting your teen to share more about their thoughts and feelings. For example, instead of asking, “Did you have a good day?” try, “What was the best part of your day?”

Open-ended questions also give your teen the opportunity to explore their replies as they talk. They may go in a direction they weren’t expecting, leading to deeper conversations.

Validation and Empathy

Validating your teen’s feelings means acknowledging their emotions without judgment. Phrases like “I understand that you feel this way” or “It’s okay to feel sad sometimes” can be comforting. Showing empathy involves putting yourself in their shoes and understanding their emotional experience from their point of view.

Remember, you won’t always understand why they feel the way they do. Your child lives their own life, just like you live yours. Similarly to how you won’t always know why you feel the way you do, your teen will need the chance to explore their emotions and their thinking around them. Encouraging expression without judgment is crucial in developing a strong, trusting relationship.

How Therapy Can Help

Many people—teens and adults alike—struggle to talk about their feelings because they don’t have the language or tools they need to do so. Talk therapy (psychotherapy) helps provide individuals with the skills to understand, process, and communicate their emotions effectively. Furthermore, therapy provides different, safe environments for expression:

• Individual therapy – One-on-one sessions with a therapist to explore personal feelings, triggers, and behaviors.
• Group therapy – A small group of people led by a therapist who explores topics such as relationships, decision-making, anger management, or bullying.
• Family therapy – Therapy that involves the family members in managing conflict and addressing issues within the family dynamic.

Licensed therapists guide each session using different methods to help teens express their feelings in ways that work best for them. They encourage teens to take responsibility for their emotions while teaching healthy coping mechanisms and stress-management techniques.

Contact Family First for Teen Therapy Services

We believe that therapy can be key in building strong foundations for families to thrive. Our therapy services focus on helping teens communicate their feelings and empower them to navigate the challenges of adolescence. With our experienced team’s support, your teen can develop emotional intelligence and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Reach out to us today at 888.904.5947 or complete our online form to get started. We offer services for teens 13–18 at our center in South Florida.