COUNSELING FOR TEENS
“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving. We get stronger and more resilient.” Steve Maraboli
Being a teenager is a time of profound growth and self-discovery but it also brings with it a set of unique social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Learning who they are, what they want from life, and how they fit into the world can be an overwhelming prospect. But you and your teen don’t need to deal with these challenges alone. In therapy, I connect, support and empower teens by offering a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts and feelings, build coping skills, and develop a strong sense of self. Counseling can help both you and your teen embrace these years and move into adulthood with the skills and tools to face whatever the future holds.
How do I know if my teenager needs therapy?
As a parent, you might be experiencing a sense of helplessness, a knot in your stomach every time you see your teenager struggling, or constant worry that you might be missing something crucial. You might be unsure if your child’s behavior is a normal teenage phase or something more serious. Knowing how to differentiate between the two is important because issues requiring professional support are likely to worsen if left unaddressed. My best advice is to trust your gut. If you think there’s something wrong, there most likely is. But here are some warning signs to watch for.
Overwhelming and continuous feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety, anger, irritability or hopelessness
A change in their performance in school or extracurricular activities
A lack of interest in activities or hobbies they used to enjoy
A change in peer group or avoiding seeing people they used to spend time with
Overwhelming worry about their future, their performance, or the world in general
Dramatic change in sleep habits
Engaging in self-harm behavior (disordered eating, cutting, alcohol or drug use)
Talking about death or suicide
How therapy can help
Good, meaningful, compassionate counseling with teenagers offers them:
A safe, unpressured place to relax and be their authentic selves
Tools to increase their confidence and manage their beliefs and emotions
Help with communication skills and self-expression
The ability to see different, broader perspectives and recognize their own strengths and values
Unbiased support for issues they are facing at home and at school
The chance to who they are and what they want to be
Coping skills to manage the challenges life will toss their way
The goal of therapy is not just to alleviate symptoms but to guide your ten towards a path of self-discovery, growth, self-confidence, and emotional well-being, and resilience to tackle whatever is ahead for them.
Your child has incredible gifts, strengths, and potential.
I’M HERE TO HELP THEM DISCOVER THAT.