Walk through the talk

Talking is a basic way of expressing feelings, thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. It allows
a teen to be comfortable with you (or their therapist) and build a strong, trusting
relationship.
AD

1. Rather than having a formal therapy session in your home or at a therapist’s office, take
your teen for a walk. You can go around the neighborhood or walk in the park. It will
elicit a more informal interaction.

2. Strike a light conversation that talks about their days in school and their weekend plans.

3. Once the teen seems to get comfortable with the talk, progress towards critical thoughts
and concerns that you believe need discussion.

4. Normalize their feelings and avoid asking too many questions. Often it is helpful for
teenagers to be able to relate to who they are talking to. Try and use a relatable story
from your childhood to engage the conversation.

 What are their plans for the future?

 Is there any issue that you as a parent should know to help them?

5. As the teen begins to open up, ask them clarifying questions to make sure you
understand what they are saying. Teenagers are moving into adulthood, therefore, it
is important for them to begin to increase in their decision making. Provide them
with advice, but make sure they do not feel as that they are being lectured.