When your children look like they need a little help but won't accept it, what do you do? Can you make your son go to therapy if he doesn't want to? Jenna Mayhew has been working as a psychologist in Mexico for eight years. At her practice, Hola Therapy, she has made it her mission to help foreigners living in Mexico, Mexicans with a foreign partner, foreigners with links to Mexico and Mexicans with links to foreigners or foreign countries.
Every week, Jenna answers MND readers' questions on the pressing issues of relationships, mental health and navigating changes that come with relocating to and living in Mexico.
I'm a 45-year-old single Dad living in the south of Mexico. My son is 11 years old and lives with me. He's had a couple of really rough years. His school has recommended that he go to therapy and I agree, but he's told me doesn't want to. I tried talking to him about how it can make him feel better. He told me doesn't want to talk to a stranger and doesn't believe it can help him. How can I get him to go?
Concerned Dad
It's great to see your dedication to your son's well-being. Navigating the world of mental health can be challenging, especially for children who may feel hesitant about therapy. Many parents struggle with this step -- it's like there's a speed hump to get over before the therapy even starts.
Here are some evidence-based strategies to help you encourage your son towards therapy:
Finally, you can also consider "parenting therapy" just for yourself. You'd be amazed at how effective therapy can be for a child even when it's done only with the parent! You learn skills to create a 'therapeutic environment' for your child, and the therapeutic benefit trickles down to them through you.
Good luck and I wish you both the best on this journey.
Jenna
To submit your question to Jenna, leave a comment on this article with the heading "QUESTION". Please include as much detail as you would like to about yourself (age, location etc) and why you are interested in the question.
Jenna Mayhew is an Australian psychologist based in Mexico and is the founder of Hola Therapy, a bilingual practice dedicated to supporting the immigrant and cross-cultural communities in Mexico. Hola Therapy provides therapy in-person and online across Mexico and worldwide.
Hola Therapy aims to give back to the community and one way they achieve this is by providing by clinical and financial support to the Misión México Foundation. Misión México Foundation is a charity in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. They provide a stable, therapeutic environment for some of the state's most vulnerable children, with a focus on safety, emotional recovery and education.
If you have enjoyed the "Ask Jenna" column, please consider giving back by making a small donation to the Misión México Foundation (you will see a "donate now" button at the top of their webpage).