Counseling...

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2003
Counseling...
2
Mon, 05-01-2006 - 5:07pm

So I had finally gotten a therapist appt for DD and she refused to go, should I pursue this...and if so how can I convince her to try the therapy. I believe she has a lot of emotion that she doesnt express. Wether its about school,friends, boys, me, SO, her dad or even about her grandma being sick. I just feel like she needs someone to vent to, since she doesnt seem to want to talk to me. I know for sure that her not doing so good in school is also affecting her, I think maybe thats why she throws up 2 or 3 days of the week while getting ready for school. she is anxious. Her fear of failing or doing bad is really stuck with her, I guess it doesnt help when I remind her to do her homework or to turn in late work, or go to class after school so she can get some help. What am I supposed to do? I don't want for this pattern to stay with her now that she wll be starting HS.

Avatar for audreyoka
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 05-02-2006 - 9:59am

This is really really tough. You have to be willing to be really insistant...Going is not an option. Until she goes, she may not hang out with friends, talk on the phone etc. If she tells you fine she'll go but she won't say anything, that's fine too. The "problem" now becomes the counselors. You just need to get her there. Counselors that deal with teens have had teens who sit there and say nothing. Once you get her there, give it some time. Let her say nothing. Hopefully the counselor will be able to let your daughter know that the office is safe. If you use this method, it's very possible that your daughter will spend the entire session saying how mad she is at you for forcing her. That's fine too. Again, a good counselor will be able to take this to begin to establish a relationship with your teen.

Hope that helps a bit.

Audrey :)
http://www.scrapping-made-simple.com

Avatar for mily12
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Tue, 05-02-2006 - 4:36pm

I agree with Audrey. It will be tough at first, but it will be worth it. With time, she'll come to realize that.

Hugs,

Mily