How do I talk to my 17 year old son about getting the professional help he needs?

He was sexually molested as a little boy as well as physically abused. He was raised in the foster care system. He's gonna be a dad in three months and he has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - brain damage. I adopted him just a year and a half ago.

How do I talk to my 17 year old son about getting the professional help he needs?
As for the molestion...nothing will help


I went thru conseling and stuff..i was molested from the age of 3 yrs till I was 10...And I still have that on my mind everyday.


I would sure encourage him as much as possible to get some help.
Reply:If he isn't having any problems, it's best to let him alone. If he is exhibiting problems, try to get him to understand that he needs to be there for his baby. That he is going to be the adult and he needs to do what is best for his baby.
Reply:You are his parent. You don't have to talk him into anything. Just take him. He may be resistant but all you can do is get him to the door and hopefully you can find a good therapist that will get him engaged and with the program.





Good Luck
Reply:Getting help can be perceived as he is weak and has problems.





But in reality it is a huge gift from a parent to a child. I would find a really empathic male who will be a good role model. I'd check out a few and select the best one. Then, I'd make an appointment for after school or work and I'd go with him to the first session and maybe exit the room halfway through the session. I'd tell him that I made an appointment for us to see a doctor who specializes in helping people through transitions in life and that he can be a great resource for you.





People are scared and resistant when someone else wants them to start therapy. They can put it off, so I like the idea of taking the plunge with the child. Once the child sees how empathic the therapist is, he will be far less afraid.





I'm not one to talk a child into seeing someone because the unknown is scary. I think action is best. You could make the first session a double session so the therapist has time to establish a bond and demonstrate that he is a caring, non-threatening person.
Reply:just take him and see what happens
Reply:I suggest you go talk to a counselor alone. and follow his or her instruction.