Therapy is a safe space for teens to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. It’s a place where they can learn new coping skills, understand their emotions better and build resilience. However, it can be challenging for teens to open up, especially in a therapy setting. As a parent, you may wonder how you can support your teen in making the most out of their therapy sessions. Sometimes, even adults can struggle with what to talk about during therapy. One way to help support your uncertain teen is to provide them with some conversation starters.

The importance of a strong therapeutic relationship

A strong therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of successful therapy, especially for teens. This bond between a therapist and their teenage client creates a safe, supportive and trust-filled environment where healing and growth can occur. This can also make it easier for a teen to open up even if they’re unsure of what to talk about when they first start their session. Benefits of a strong therapeutic relationship include:

• Increased openness
• Improved communication skills
• Enhanced self-esteem
• Increased motivation
• Long-lasting positive impact

Helping your teen navigate therapy: 19 things they can talk about

If your teen is new to therapy, or just having a hard time opening up, they’re not alone. Many people struggle with what to talk about during their sessions. Therapy can be an intimidating process, but knowing what to discuss can help make it more productive and less stressful. Providing them with some conversation starters can be a helpful tool. Remember, the goal is to help create a supportive environment where your teen feels comfortable exploring their emotions and experiences. When your teen is uncertain about things to talk about during therapy, you can suggest things like the following:

1. Recent events — One useful way to start a therapy session is by talking about recent events. This may include things that happened at school, with friends or at home. It can be as simple as a quick recap of things that have happened since their last session or a deep dive through events. Either way, this can help your teen and therapist track their progress and address any ongoing issues.
2. Social media — Social media can have a significant impact on teen mental health and self-esteem. Discussing their experiences on social media, including interactions, comparisons or any negative impacts, can help your teen’s therapist understand these influences and develop strategies to help them manage them effectively.
3. Background and emotions — Discussing their background and emotions can help your teen understand how their past experiences affect their current feelings and behaviors. It can be useful to talk about any recent changes in their emotions or significant events in their past.
4. Relationships — Relationships with friends, family and others are big therapy topics. Discussing their relationship dynamics can provide insights into how these connections are influencing your teen’s well-being.
5. Coping skills — Talking about their coping skills can help their therapist understand what strategies your teen is using to manage their stress or difficult emotions. They can see what’s working and what may need some adjustment to be more effective.
6. Self-esteem — Self-esteem issues can be a common theme in therapy sessions. Your teen may want to discuss their feelings about themselves and how these feelings are affecting their life.
7. Goals — Setting and working toward goals can be a big part of your teen’s therapy sessions. Your teen can discuss what they hope to achieve through therapy, whether it’s improving their mood, managing stress better, building stronger relationships or other goals.
8. Mood changes — If your teen has noticed fluctuations in their mood, talking about these changes can give their therapist some insights into their current mental health and help them adjust treatment plans accordingly.
9. Childhood memories — Even though your teen is still in their childhood years, exploring earlier childhood memories can help uncover underlying issues or patterns. Talking about significant past experiences can provide their therapist with context for current challenges.
10. Fears or anxieties — Discussing their fears and anxieties can help your teen face their worries in a safe and supportive environment. Understanding their fears can help them learn how to develop better strategies for managing them.
11. Sexuality — If your teen feels comfortable, discussing their sexuality can be an important part of therapy. This can be especially beneficial if they’re experiencing confusion or stress related to it.
12. Patterns and behaviors — Identifying and talking about patterns in their thoughts or behaviors can help them understand their triggers and find ways to address them.
13. Triggers — Triggers are things that can set off an emotional response or stress. Talking about what triggers certain feelings can help your teen to develop effective coping skills.
14. Ruminations — Ruminations are persistent, often negative thoughts. Discussing these with their therapist can help your teen work on strategies to manage or change these thoughts.
15. Past traumas — If your teen has experienced trauma, talking about it in therapy can be a crucial step in their healing journey. Their therapist can help them process these experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
16. Stressful events — Discussing recent stressful events can help your teen understand how these events influence their mental health.
17. Strengths and weaknesses — Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses can be empowering. Your teen can talk about what they feel they’re good at and what they struggle with. Their therapist can help them come up with ways to help them overcome their weaknesses and boost their strengths.
18. Setting boundaries — If your teen struggles with setting boundaries, their therapist can help them learn how to set healthy boundaries to build and maintain healthy relationships and their personal well-being.
19. Life transitions — Life transitions, like moving to a new school or dealing with a family change like a divorce, can be meaningful topics to discuss in therapy.

By encouraging your teen to discuss topics like these and more, you can help them make the most of their therapy sessions. Therapy is a collaborative process, and being open and honest can help boost the effectiveness of treatment. If your teen is unsure what to talk about, remind them that it’s OK and they can bring up whatever is on their mind.

Lightfully Teen: Empowering the next generation, one teen at a time

At Lightfully Teen, we believe in the power of strong therapeutic relationships between our therapists and teen clients. Our deeply compassionate experts are equipped to understand the unique challenges teens face and create a supportive environment for growth. We are committed to helping teens feel more comfortable and engaged in therapy, ensuring that they get the most out of their experience. We offer a variety of levels of care to meet teens where they are, from our Residential Treatment Centers to our Short-Term Option. Our approach to whole-person-centered care focuses on providing teens with the tools and resources they need to build resilience and achieve their full potential.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to help your teen take the first step, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of your teen.