You finally find a potential solution.
A coach. A strategy. A new routine. A way forward.
And your child… says no. Or shrugs. Or simply ignores it.
It’s frustrating.
But here’s the truth:
Resistance to change isn’t defiance. It’s often a form of self-protection.
At Synapse, we see this every day. And we want to reassure you — it’s not a sign your child doesn’t want help.
It’s a sign they don’t yet believe change is possible, safe, or worth the risk.
Young people — especially those who are anxious, withdrawn, overwhelmed, or emotionally shut down — are often:
In this state, change doesn’t feel exciting. It feels threatening.
It’s easy to fall into these common traps — we all do.
❌ Pushing too hard
“If you just tried this, you’d feel better!”
This can come across as pressure, even if it’s well-meant.
❌ Taking resistance personally
“This is for you, why won’t you let me help?”
This can trigger shame or guilt, which deepens the shutdown.
❌ Over-explaining the benefits
“You’ll gain confidence, build skills, feel better…”
But when someone is frozen, logic doesn’t land. Safety does.
✅ Name what’s real
“I get that you’re tired of trying. That makes sense.”
“It’s okay to feel unsure. You don’t have to want to fix everything right now.”
Validation lowers the threat level.
✅ Offer small choices
“Would you rather speak to someone online or in person?”
“You don’t have to decide today. Want me to send you the info first?”
Agency builds trust.
✅ Make it about movement, not fixing
Frame change as momentum, not perfection.
“You don’t need to feel ready. You just need to take one step.”
✅ Invite — don’t impose
Instead of: “You need this.”
Try: “I spoke to someone today who really gets it. Want to hear what they said?”
Our behavioural health coaches are trained to meet young people exactly where they are — especially if that’s stuck, skeptical, or shut down.
We don’t force change.
We build safety, connection, and momentum.
Often, the first breakthrough isn’t dramatic — it’s simple:
“I didn’t think anyone would get it. But they did.”
From there, change becomes possible. Not because they were pushed, but because they were believed in.
If you’ve been met with resistance, it’s not a failure.
It’s part of the process.
You’re not behind. And your child isn’t broken.
They’re just protecting themselves the only way they know how.
Support can start quietly.
It can sound like: “It’s okay not to know. We’ll figure it out together.”
And Synapse can help walk that path with you.
