Tips on How to Engage a Resistant Adolescent in Therapy

Learning how to engage a resistant adolescent in therapy is usually more regarding unlearning traditional "clinical" habits than it is about following a specific guide. If you've actually sat across from a teenager that has their hoodie pulled up, their arms crossed, and a look on their face that says they'd rather become getting a basic canal, you understand exactly what I'm referring to. It's frustrating, it's awkward, and it could make even the most seasoned therapist feel like they're failing. But here's the thing: that resistance isn't generally a personal strike. More often than not, it's a defense mechanism, a method for a kid that feels powerless to reclaim a little bit of handle over their living. ...

April 8, 2026 · 7 min · Watkins Mathieu