Trauma Therapy for Teens: What to Expect in the First Session
Starting trauma therapy can feel like a big step, especially for teens. If your teen has been carrying the weight of trauma, the thought of sharing their feelings with someone new might feel intimidating. As a parent, you want to make sure your teen feels comfortable and supported as they begin this important journey. Knowing what to expect in the first session of trauma therapy can help ease some of the worry and make the experience a little less scary for both you and your teen.
Why Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy is designed to help teens process and heal from difficult experiences. Trauma can come from many different situations, such as accidents, bullying, abuse, or the loss of someone important. For teens, who are still figuring out who they are, trauma can deeply affect their emotions, behavior, and relationships. Choosing trauma therapy in Salt Lake City, UT, for your teen means giving them the support they need to work through their feelings and find ways to feel better. A caring trauma therapist in Salt Lake City, UT, will help your teen feel safe as they explore their emotions and start the healing process.
Preparing for the First Session
It’s normal for both teens and parents to feel a mix of emotions before the first session—maybe a bit nervous, curious, or unsure of what to expect. It’s important to let your teen know that it’s okay to feel this way. They don’t need to have all the answers or know exactly what to say. The first session is just about getting to know the therapist and starting to build a connection.
You might want to talk with your teen about what the first session will be like. Let them know that the therapist is there to help and that they won’t be judged for anything they share. The goal of trauma therapy is to create a safe space where they can be themselves and talk about their feelings without fear of criticism. Encourage your teen to be open, but also remind them that it’s okay to take their time and share only what they’re comfortable with.
What Happens During the First Session?
The first session of trauma therapy is all about getting to know each other and starting to build trust. This is a key part of the therapy process because a strong connection between the therapist and your teen is essential for effective therapy. Here’s what your teen can generally expect during their first session:
Getting to Know Each Other
The therapist will introduce themselves and share a little about how they approach therapy. They might ask your teen about their interests, hobbies, and what brought them to therapy. These questions help the therapist understand your teen better and make them feel more comfortable.
Talking About Therapy Goals
The therapist will ask your teen what they hope to get out of therapy. This helps the therapist understand what’s important to your teen and how they can best support them. It’s okay if your teen doesn’t have clear goals right away—figuring out what they want to work on is part of the process.
Understanding Comfort Levels
Because trauma therapy involves discussing difficult feelings, the therapist will want to know what your teen is comfortable talking about and what might be too hard to discuss right now. This helps the therapist make sure the sessions are paced in a way that feels safe for your teen.
Explaining How Therapy Works
The therapist will explain what trauma therapy involves and what your teen can expect in future sessions. They might talk about different techniques that could be used, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, or somatic experiencing. The therapist will also discuss confidentiality—what stays between the therapist and your teen, and what might need to be shared with parents for safety reasons.
Answering Questions and Concerns
The first session is also a time for your teen to ask any questions they might have. Whether they’re unsure about what therapy will be like or worried about how it might affect their daily life, this is the time to talk about it. The therapist is there to listen and provide reassurance, helping your teen feel more confident about continuing with therapy.
Building Trust and Setting Boundaries
One of the most important goals of the first session is to start building trust between the Shade Tree Family Counseling therapist and your teen. Trust is key for your teen to feel safe enough to explore their trauma and emotions. The therapist will work hard to create a warm, understanding environment where your teen feels respected and heard.
Setting boundaries is another important part of the first session. The therapist will talk about what confidentiality means in therapy, explaining that while most things shared in sessions stay private, there are certain exceptions, like if your teen is in danger. This helps your teen feel secure and understand that therapy is a safe space for them.
What Happens After the First Session?
After the first session, it’s a good idea to check in with your teen about how they’re feeling. They might feel relieved, hopeful, or even a little tired from talking about their feelings. Let them know that all these emotions are normal and part of the process. As therapy continues, your teen will get to know their therapist better, gradually working through their trauma and learning new ways to cope. The therapist will guide them along this journey, providing support and encouragement every step of the way. Remember, therapy is a process, and healing takes time. Encourage your teen to be patient with themselves and to keep an open mind as they continue their sessions.
Help Your Teen Start Healing with Trauma Therapy in Salt Lake City, UT
If your teen has been struggling with anxiety, depression, or the lingering effects of trauma, trauma therapy in Salt Lake City, Utah, could be the support they need. At Shade Tree Family Counseling, our experienced trauma therapists are here to walk alongside your teen as they begin their healing journey. With compassionate care and the right tools, your teen can start to feel more in control of their emotions and find their path to recovery. Here’s how to get started:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to determine if trauma therapy is the right step for your teen.
Meet with a dedicated trauma therapist who will tailor the therapy process to your teen’s unique needs.
Begin to see positive changes as your teen learns to manage their emotions and rebuild their confidence.
Explore Additional Services at Shade Tree Family Counseling
At Shade Tree Family Counseling, our commitment is to the well-being of your entire family. Beyond offering individual teen counseling for anxiety, depression, and other challenges, we provide specialized EMDR-Trauma Therapy for those ready to heal from past trauma. Additionally, we offer Teen Group Therapy, giving teens the chance to connect with peers who understand their experiences. To learn more about how we can support your teen, visit our blog for more insights!