Another key finding was that both young people and parents valued support in improving their relationships. In this – and in another study Di conducted with 35 clinicians – it was common for clinicians to see the young person and parents separately, then together, often acting as a bridge between them before difficult conversations. The clinicians reported benefits in being flexible and tailoring therapies accordingly. “There was no one-size-fits-all in how that was delivered,” she says. Broader implications Di believes the research highlights the broader benefits of family therapy for young people in crisis. She also sees that there is, at times, too much emphasis on individualised therapy. “I think what happens is that people are caught up with a notion of really trying to empower kids and keep things confidential without recognising that at times anxiety and shame may be driving their requests for privacy,” she says. “Obviously, kids’ privacy is to be respected but you’re not really doing them any favours if they’re keeping secret that they want to die or that they feel terrible about their body and they’ve been starving or hurting themselves.” She says young people often avoid telling their families about their struggles because they feel ashamed, worthless, or anxious about being judged. Parents, understandably worried, subsequently increase supervision, which the young person can see as being punitive instead of feeling supported or understood.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for children and young people aged 5-24 years in Australia.
Treatment that includes separate youth, parent, and joint sessions enables these worries to be talked through so that young people receive the help they need and parents feel more confident in supporting their child. While NSLHD is already using similar therapeutic approaches known as attachment based family therapy and adolescent and family dialectical behaviour therapy, Di says the study offers nuanced insights on how to tailor these treatments. “If you actually have a conversation together, you can work through the dilemmas,” she says.
Treatment that includes separate youth, parent, and joint sessions enables these worries to be talked through so that young people receive the help they need and parents feel more confident in supporting their child.
Dr Di Simes
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