Five Out of the Box Techniques for Encouraging Teenagers to Engage in Counseling

Counseling teenagers can be difficult when traditional talk therapy may serve as a barrier in communication. A great deal of resistance may exist when working with teens because of their internal and external developmental transition from child to adult. In order to combat this, counselors must equip themselves with a variety of creative techniques that promote both verbal and nonverbal expression in a way that is therapeutic rather than stigmatizing. This article provides five creative and developmentally appropriate techniques for assisting counselors in increasing engagement while also allowing teenage clients to communicate their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings in a non-traditional way.