It is unlikely that I will surprise anyone when I say that adolescence is a very difficult period in the life of both the child and the family as a whole. Hormonal storms and other physiological processes and changes, the need to form a new idea of ​​oneself, special sensitivity to what is happening in relationships with peers, a feeling of adulthood that has arisen, which is not clear how and where to adapt... We can continue ad infinitum. And it is clear that during this period many parents are looking for professional help for their children in order to somehow make it easier to live through this difficult time. And they often encounter the teenager’s complete reluctance to come to a psychologist’s consultation. How can one approach this problem? After all, it is obvious that it is probably possible to practically force a growing child into the office, but this will not always be the start of effective psychotherapy. Yes, a psychologist will try to establish contact even with such a “ruff” teenager, and sometimes this even works, but, unfortunately, not in one hundred percent of cases. It is very important that the first conversation about visiting a psychologist takes place in a confidential manner. Teenagers are very often ashamed of their problems, and it is very difficult for them to admit that they need help. Therefore, in such a conversation, it is very important to try not to provoke the experience of shame. If we begin to focus attention on problems (“You have constant hysterics,” “You have slipped greatly in your studies this year”), this usually causes a feeling of protest in the teenager, and a feeling may arise that you accuse him or suspect him of being “abnormal.” Of course, this will not add enthusiasm for contacting a specialist. Try to use a strategy aimed at emphasizing the possible advantages of psychotherapy, the results that your son or daughter can get. You can say something like this: “I really want to help you, but I don’t always understand what exactly needs to be done. You might find it helpful to talk to someone who works with teenagers.” What can be done if you still cannot convince a teenager that a visit to a psychologist could be something useful for him? In fact, there are several options. You can contact a psychologist yourself, without a child. Very often it is work with parenting appears to be the most effective way to help a young person struggling with a teenage crisis. A psychologist can teach you to communicate more constructively with your child and help him. Sometimes, when a teenager knows that mom or dad is going to a psychologist about their relationship with him, he has a desire to still come to a consultation in order to at least tell his version of what is happening. Find out if there is a psychologist at school, in which your child is studying. Sometimes a teenager may be more willing to go talk to a school psychologist than to an outside specialist. Especially if he is already familiar with the school psychologist (from some group classes, for example) or if one of his classmates went to this psychologist. Try to conclude a kind of contract with your son or daughter. Try to agree with the teenager that he is all- so he goes to a certain number of sessions (small, for example, 5), and then decides whether he wants to continue working with a psychologist. Think about the possibilities of online counseling. Sometimes it is easier for teenagers to agree to work online with a psychologist, even if they are not at all ready to come to face-to-face sessions. Recently, online therapy technologies have been constantly evolving, resulting in an increase in its effectiveness. Although, of course, online counseling still has a number of limitations, so it is important to discuss the possible “pros” and “cons” with a specialist in advance».