How to Talk to Your Teen Son About Therapy
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been wondering how to even start the conversation about therapy with your son. You might see him struggling, feel in your gut that he could use extra support, and yet worry that bringing it up could make him shut down, get defensive, or feel like something is “wrong” with him. You’re not alone, many parents face this exact challenge.
It’s common for teens to feel resistance to counseling. Reflecting on our challenges isn’t easy, and avoiding them often feels like the simpler option. As a parent, you may recognize that therapy could benefit your son, but you might be unsure how to bring it up without creating more distance.
Every teen is different, but here are some helpful approaches you can adapt to fit your son’s personality and needs.
1. Choose the Right Setting
Teen boys often open up more when the pressure of direct eye contact is off. Consider bringing up the topic while on a walk, during a drive, or while doing an activity together. These settings can make the conversation feel more natural and less like an interrogation.
2. Normalize the Idea of Therapy
Frame therapy as a resource, not a punishment. Emphasize that it’s their space, not just an extension of you as the parent. You might say:
“A lot of people—teens and adults—see therapy as a way to have someone listen and help them sort things out.”
“Therapy isn’t about making you do what I want, it’s about giving you support to better understand yourself.”
It can also help to clarify what therapy isn’t. Your teen may assume the therapist will just report everything back to you. Reassure him that the therapist’s role is to support him directly, and that your role as a parent is supported in a different way. Many therapists include parent work, time with you to help you understand what your child needs and how to show up as the best parent you can be. Framing therapy then becomes about the whole family getting the support they need.
3. Emphasize Choice and Autonomy
Teens value independence. Involve your son in the process by offering options:
“Would you rather talk to someone in person or online?”
“You can meet a therapist once to see if it feels like a good fit before deciding.”
At our practice, we also encourage families to commit to three sessions before making a decision. One session alone rarely gives a teen enough time to get comfortable or experience the benefits of therapy. After three sessions, you and your son can talk with the therapist to evaluate whether it feels like a good fit and decide how to move forward. This approach gives teens a real chance to try therapy without the pressure of an open-ended commitment.
4. Acknowledge the Discomfort
Let your teen know it’s normal to feel hesitant. You could say:
“It’s totally normal to feel unsure about therapy. Most people do at first.”
“Trying it doesn’t mean you have to keep going forever—it’s just giving it a chance.”
5. Keep the Focus on Support
Remind him that counseling is about having a safe place to talk, not about labeling him. Reinforce that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Your Role as the Parent
While your son’s therapy sessions are for him, your role as a parent is just as important. Most therapists work with parents too, not by sharing every detail of what’s said in session, but by helping you understand your child better and learn ways to support him at home.
This is often called parent work, and it matters because:
You get space to ask questions and share your own challenges.
You learn practical tools to respond to your son’s needs.
Your teen sees that therapy isn’t just about “fixing” him—it’s about the whole family getting stronger.
By embracing your part of the process, you show your son that therapy is not something being done to him, but rather something you’re both engaging in together.
Bottom Line
Talking to your son about therapy doesn’t require the perfect words. What matters most is your willingness to approach him with care, patience, and respect for his independence, while also being open to learning and growing yourself. Therapy can be a powerful tool for the whole family.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you think your son could benefit from a safe, supportive space, and you’re open to getting support as a parent too, we’d love to talk. At our practice, we invite families to commit to three sessions before deciding whether to continue. This gives your teen the chance to truly experience what therapy feels like, without the pressure of an open-ended commitment. After three sessions, you and your son can evaluate together whether it feels like the right fit.
Our therapy and group programs are designed to help teen boys feel understood while giving parents tools to strengthen connection at home. Whether your son is navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, social struggles, school stress, or simply feeling disconnected, we are here to support both of you. Send us a confidential message at https://www.cabush.com/work/contact-us