Teen Therapy
Teens never stop thinking…
Teens have a lot of noise in their heads, including the need to make fast decisions, peer pressure, feeling misunderstood, and not always belonging.
Sometimes, you try things not because you want to, but because you feel you should, perhaps because of outside influences.
Often, your family is annoying, and all you want to do is be with your friends or stay in your room.
Parenting teens presents its own set of challenges.
Many parents find themselves asking, “What has happened to my child who suddenly doesn’t want to snuggle and doesn’t smile much?”
Parents find themselves challenged to communicate with their teenager, who at times feels unheard.
You find yourself worrying more, repeating yourself, and being ignored at times.
Teens need boundaries.
Part of being a teen is pushing boundaries, whether it is hanging out with friends more or trying new things.
This is the time when young people start building their own identity, and part of the process is exploring who they are, not who their parents necessarily want them to be.
When do you recognize that your teen needs support? Or when do you, as a teen, feel the need to have someone to talk to who will listen?
Answers to these questions require a better understanding of the teen mind, which is full of challenge, yet beauty, as they contemplate their future.
Teens face challenges their parents didn’t experience.
Teens have always faced challenges, but in today’s world, those challenges are more complex.
Their world is one of accessibility, allowing them to be both seen and contacted by others. Such connectivity has its benefits but also introduces many negatives.
Teens are suffering from constant bullying over social media, putting lots of their time into who got more “likes,” and comparing themselves to peers. Most of the time, these comparisons make them feel not good enough.
Those were always common feelings at this age, but now, it’s exacerbated.
Therapy allows for exploration of the teen years.
There is beauty in the mind of a teen.
Being a teen is a time of growth, but because some teens can be fragile, they may need support and guidance from a professional.
I love working with teens because they give me a sense of how deep they are, not just how complex they have become.
As a therapist working with teens, I have come to realize that they see more than they tend to share with others. They are challenged to find ways to voice what they need and want, and to find circumstances that allow them to be heard.
They are not just “challenging.” They are so much more.
Reasons for teen therapy vary.
Teens sometimes work with me out of parental concern. At other times, teens request therapy for themselves.
In both situations, my goal is to help them feel safe and provide support and the time needed to address the problems.
Therapy allows for openness and communication.
Adults may think that teens don’t say much or have much to say. I have learned, however, that they have plenty to say, once they receive the time and safety to say what is on their mind.
A teen may appear self-centered, but this is not an accurate depiction. In fact, adults would be surprised to learn that teens are fully aware of their families and surroundings.
When a teen starts to feel safe in the therapeutic relationship, they open up, share, and in some cases, they are more sensitive and aware than they appear to their parents.
Therapy is about building trust and honesty.
Teens, in your therapy sessions, you will have a safe space to share your life experiences, challenges, pain, fears, struggles, dreams, and goals, and to get the support you deserve and the healing and tools you need.
You may wonder if what you share with me will be confidential. The answer is yes unless there is cause to think harm may come to you or someone you know.
I will keep our communication open, as you are my client and deserve your privacy.
Lessen the challenges during these teenage years.
Therapy can help teens meet challenges during this transition to adulthood.
There is no reason for either teens or parents to go it alone. I am willing to be your guide as you both navigate these teen years and their many challenges.
All that’s required is to show up and start the communication as we work together.