Teen Counseling

Do You Sense That Your Teen May Need Help?

Do you feel like you have little to no control when it comes to parenting your teenager? Are you worried that they may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression? Have you noticed that your teen is falling behind in their schoolwork? 

As a parent, you’re probably concerned that your teen isn’t fitting in socially at school and instead retreats to their room to play video games. Or maybe they’ve gotten involved with the wrong crowd in an attempt to seem “cool” or feel accepted. Your teen probably isn’t talking to you as much as they used to, or maybe your relationship with them has been rocky as of late.

The truth is that our teenage years are tremendously challenging, and sometimes teens need extra support and guidance. Teen counseling provides the opportunity for your teen to fully experience the vitality of adolescence while preparing them for a successful and fulfilling life.

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Being A Teenager Can Be Hard

During this developmental period, it’s quite common for teens to experience their fair share of challenges. With so much happening mentally, physically, and emotionally, it can often feel overwhelming. This period can also be difficult for parents, particularly when they’re unsure of how to best support their child.

There are moments when teenagers may exhibit signs of distress that go far beyond what is typically expected or manageable to you, the parent. During these times, your teen needs an expert who can provide the resources, support, and guidance they need to help process their transition into adulthood.

Society Is Riddled With Factors That Can Cause Mental Health Struggles In Teens

There is no single cause for mental health struggles in teenagers. They face numerous challenges, including peer and academic pressures. Boys, in particular, are often told they can’t show their emotions because it makes them look weak. Teenagers are also navigating their first dating experiences, which can be both exciting and devastating due to their heightened emotions. A breakup or rejection can feel earth-shattering.

Additionally, teenagers may be engaging in more sexual activity than they realize, driven by a desire for adventure and novelty, which can lead to risky choices. Communication might become strained, and your teen may seem distant or even openly hostile. Conflicts at home, whether with siblings or between divorced parents, can also significantly impact their mental health. Getting help from a therapist can provide you with insight from a neutral perspective that will lay the groundwork for overcoming issues with communication and respect.

Counseling Can Help Your Teen Thrive!

During therapy sessions, your teen is provided a safe, supportive space where they can discuss the things they would never feel comfortable sharing with their friends, family, or even with their parents.

At their best, teens are creative, engaging, and filled with the hope that most of us lose as we grow older. They are looking to engage their senses fully and go out into the world to discover who they truly are. Counseling provides a space of complete trust where your teen can open up to a safe, trustworthy adult. With me, your teen can feel free to address issues in relationships, family, school, mental health struggles, and sexuality, and I look forward to helping them find their place in the world.

My Approach To Teen Counseling

I use ACT, DBT, Family therapy, and Holistic wellness approaches in my therapy sessions with teens. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps teens handle their emotions and thoughts through tools such as mindfulness and focusing on their values. In sessions, teens learn to accept their feelings and thoughts without judgment, making it easier to cope with negative emotions and thoughts.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is effective for teens, especially those with intense emotions, self-harm tendencies, or relationship problems. DBT incorporates mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. These give teens the tools they need to handle crises without harmful behaviors and help them manage intense emotions, leading to more stable moods and better relationships.

Family therapy involves you, the parent, or other family members to help improve communication, solve conflicts, and support your teen’s growth and development. Sessions focus on improving how the family interacts and address any issues that may be affecting your teen, like a divorce or sibling rivalry. By working together, families can create a supportive environment that helps with your teen’s overall well-being and personal development.

I also incorporate holistic wellness approaches into our sessions which typically involve lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and participation in extracurricular activities. These changes can significantly impact a teen’s mood, energy levels, and overall mental health.

At Mindful Counseling Solutions, I work to ensure that your teen feels seen, heard, and understood. Through therapy, my long-term goal is to help your teen know who they are and help them feel motivated, empowered, and excited about their direction and purpose in life.