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If therapy can help me make the right choice, how do I convince my parents that its neccessary for me?

My name is Briana, and I'm currently a freshman at my community college. Now in one of my previous questions, I had expressed some confusion as what to do for my major and those who responded to this suggested I seek out therapy/ mental help to clear up my concerns associated with past bullying I have experienced. I'm all for it and had previous thoughts considering it, but I'm not sure if my parents would feel similar. With my experiences being bullied, my mom tells me to move on, and it seems she thinks I exaggerate. I can get the help on campus; tuition covers 12 free sessions; and I can follow up with my early classes. But if I stared going, I feel like I would have to hide it, so I prefer to include them in my plans. Keep in mind, my dad wants me choose something with this first year. I want to open with them so they can allow me the time to take these sessions for myself (as they drive me). To anyone who responds, I would like to know of a way to explain this to them without looking desperate in their eyes. Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day. #psychology #college-major #therapy #japan #choosing-a-major #adolescent-therapy

Thank you comment icon Hey Briana! I'm a sophomore in college right now, and I can relate with you in what you're going through. I had a lot of disagreements with my parents about what I wanted to do, and it frustrated me a lot. However, when I finally did figure out what I wanted to do and they saw that I was passionate about it, they were very supportive and were very happy for me. And so what I think you can consider doing is go to therapy if you think it will help you figure out what you want to do. I'm sure your parents want you to be able to major in what you love, and it sounds like therapy would help you find it. Your parents will understand, especially so if you were able to discover what you want to do in the future! Albert
Thank you comment icon Thanks, Albert, for understanding. And I do see my parents want me to be successful and happy; but my mom seems cautious about my focus on bullying as a topic. When I wrote, did research and projects on the subject, it was always really cathartic to break out of being the victim. It just seems my mom worries about me being obsessive. I am currently a psych major, but I want a different perspective to clear any what-ifs associated with any route. Yet, therapy would seem completely out of place for their straight -A child, which is why I have my apprehensions. Thank you again! Briana
Thank you comment icon I'm always glad to help a fellow student! I do highly encourage you to try out therapy if you think it will help, I think that being able to talk to a professional about what you're going through can really benefit you. However, if you're not comfortable with that, an alternative you can try is to talk to an adult that you trust, or even your close friends. They may not be professional, but they could also help you work through what you're dealing with. Above all else, remember that you're not alone! You are surrounded by people who love and care about you, so don't be afraid about asking them! Albert
Thank you comment icon Thanks again Albert! I simply must gather my courage to ask and finally put my doubts behind me. Briana

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Subject: Career question for you

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Linda Ann’s Answer

Since the counseling sessions are on campus, you could potentially schedule those 12 sessions on the days that you are already on campus for your classes. I understand that you want to share with your parents and not "hide it." For some people, getting therapy is construed as a personal weakness and something that causes shame. Are your parents of that mindset, perhaps (I'm reading between the lines here about your mom's comment about 'moving on.')? It sounds to me as though you want your parent's approval for everything that you do. Sometimes you just need to do things for yourself without parental permission!! Your parents really cannot "feel" how you feel...issues like this are those to be discussed within the therapeutic setting so that you can gain comfort and confidence in decisions that you make for yourself.


I wish you the best.

Thank you comment icon Well, you've got me there. It is absolutely habitual to need their support with my choices, it simply the way I remember growing up. However, I don't think they see therapy as a weakness, but an unlikely choice by their "normal" daughter. I do great in school and listen to them, but I want to address my insecurities and undecidedness before I make a serious choice for my future. Yet, this isn't an issue I can simply just choose on my own as my parents drop me off at campus when my classes start and pick me up when done. I don't get extra time unless I ask them, and usually it's only for extra work or asking a professor Briana
Thank you comment icon Therefore they want to know what I'm doing, where I'm at, and so forth to make sure I'm safe. Because of this, I prefer to be open from the get go, but am not so afraid to lie for extra time if it comes to that point. Thank you for giving me some topics to consider bringing up when I do go, these are the types of outside views I need to grow beyond my insecurity. Enjoy your day. Briana
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Daniela’s Answer

Hi Briana,


If you are struggling with a personal issue, you might not know how to bring up the topic of seeing a therapist with your parents. Perhaps you are worried they will react badly or ask a lot of questions. Whether you want to share how you are feeling or not, talking to your parents is the first step toward getting the help that you need.



  • Choose a quiet time when you will be free from distractions. If possible, let your parents know that there is something you want to discuss, and set aside a specific time to talk. Avoid days when everyone is normally under stress or emotionally drained such as in the middle of a hectic week. You are more likely to have a fruitful discussion if everyone is as clear-headed as possible.


Open the Discussion:


Talking to your parents about seeing a therapist doesn't have to be scary. Say something simple such as "I need to talk" or "I need your help" when first bringing up the topic, as advised in the TeensHealth article, "Talking to Parents About Depression." When asked what is wrong, say something like, "I am sorting through some issues and feel like I need to talk to someone objective outside the family like a therapist." If you feel comfortable sharing the issues you are experiencing, let your parents know how you have been feeling. If talking in person feels too embarrassing at first, consider writing a note to your parents explaining your concerns.


Manage Reactions


When you first talk to your parents, it is natural for them to have a lot of questions. They might also react negatively if they don't believe in the value of therapy. If your parents are pressuring you for details about personal issues, it is okay to say "It is hard to share because I am not even really sure what is going on myself. That is why I need help from a therapist," advises licensed clinical social worker Julie Hanks, in the Psych Central video "How Do I Tell My Parents I Want Therapy?" If your parents want to solve the problem themselves or tell you that therapy isn't necessary, simply say "I have tried to solve this on my own already -- I need help from someone with a different perspective from outside the family."


Enlist Another Adult


If your parents are not receptive to the idea of therapy, consider approaching another adult you trust such as a school counselor, religious leader or doctor, suggests Sigmon-Olsen. Explain the situation in as much detail as you are comfortable, and ask whether that person would be able to speak to your parents on your behalf. These individuals may also be able to help locate a potential therapist and arrange a meeting for your parents to learn what therapy would involve.


Source: http://classroom.synonym.com/tell-parents-need-therapist-20811.html


You can read too: http://counselingmn.com/parenting-teenagers/how-to-tell-your-parents-you-want-to-see-a-counselor/


I really hope this information can help you!


Best of luck with your parents!

Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me the first step to move on. I would like to set aside a time to talk, but sometimes it just comes up out of the blue. I've never seen them deny the value of therapy overall, but it seems like it would a drastic measure for their daughter. Nevertheless, I'll try talking to them separately at first to introduce the topic, then together to really further discuss it. Thank you again and enjoy your day. Briana
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