Itโs hard talking to teens, right? Their vocabulary seems completely different from your own, and it might never seem like theyโre interested in what you have to say. It can be even harder when youโre 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. Therapy services at our mental health center 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 emotionsโranging from anger and frustration to anxiety and sadness. The intensity of these emotions can be both confusing and overwhelming, as itโs often the first time theyโre 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 at Home
There are a few things you can do to make your teen more comfortable when discussing their emotions and feelings.
Creating 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 theyโre most comfortable sitting on the couch with you and chatting, thatโs 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 youโre talking to your teen, you can nod, agree, and make sure they know youโre paying attention. When theyโre finished, you can say things like โI heard you sayโฆ,โ which will help them recognize that youโre not just trying to โfixโ what theyโre going through.
Open-Ended Questions
Encouraging dialogue can be achieved through open-ended questions. These questions cannot be answered with a simple โyesโ or โno,โ prompting your teen to share more about their thoughts and feelings. For example, instead of asking, โDid you have a good day?โ try, โWhat was the best part of your day?โ
Open-ended questions also give your teen the opportunity to explore their replies as they talk. They may go in a direction they werenโt expecting, leading to deeper conversations.
Validation and Empathy
Validating your teenโs feelings means acknowledging their emotions without judgment. Phrases like โI understand that you feel this wayโ or โItโs okay to feel sad sometimesโ can be comforting. Showing empathy involves putting yourself in their shoes and understanding their emotional experience from their point of view.
Remember, you wonโt always understand why they feel the way they do. Your child lives their own life, just like you live yours. Similarly to how you wonโt 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.
Helping Your Teen Accept Therapy
Even if you’re the best listener, validate your teen’s feelings, and create safe, engaging spaces, you might need help. Feelings and emotions affectโand are affected byโyour teen’s mental health. Therapy can be a great opportunity for them to learn new skills for recognizing new feelings, exploring them with empathy, and responding to them appropriately.
Your teen might not see a suggestion to go to therapy as helpful. They might think you’re trying to fix them or not trust that talking to a therapist can help. Use this as an opportunity to talk to your teen about the benefits of therapy and the different types they might encounter, such as talk therapy or experiential therapy. Sessions might have them problem-solve a desert island scenario or work on a painting or playlist that expresses their emotions.
Getting Teens to Talk About Their Mental Health in Therapy
Many peopleโteens and adults alikeโstruggle to talk about their feelings because they donโt 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. Experiential therapy, on the other hand, helps people process and express emotions in non-verbal ways.
Furthermore, therapy provides different, safe environments for expression:
- Individual therapy โ One-on-one sessions with a therapist to explore personal feelings, triggers, and behaviors.
- Group therapy โ A small group of people led by a therapist who explores topics such as relationships, decision-making, anger management, or bullying.
- Family therapy โ 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 teamโs 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 13โ18 in South Florida.