Is therapy right for my Teenager?
“My teen is depressed and anxious, I am worried about them.”
“My teen is struggling with school or friends.”
“My teen needs someone to confide in.”
There are many different reasons why someone would want to help their teen start therapy services. If you are unsure how to help your teen with their emotions or you are worried about them, it is probably time to consider the option of therapy.
Common struggles that bring Adolescents to therapy
ANXIETY
WORRY
DEPRESSION
BULLYING
BEHAVIORAL OUTBURSTS
PARENT-CHILD CONFLICT
SCHOOL PROBLEMS
LOW CONFIDENCE
DEFIANCE
UNFOCUSED/DISTRACTED
FRIENDS STRUGGLES
LONELINESS
HIGH STRESS
IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT
LIFE DECISIONS
LOW SELF-ESTEEM
EMOTIONAL CONTROL
DIFFICULT LIFE EXPERIENCES
SAFETY CONCERNS
TRAUMA
What to expect in Adolescent Therapy
Your teen’s therapy will begin with an intake appointment with your therapist. Your child’s therapist will ask questions to gain an understanding of your teen’s life experiences, worldview, strengths, concerns, needs, and relationship dynamics. After gathering this information about your teen, they will work together with you and your teen to decide which areas you would like to work on in therapy.
It is important that your teen understands that therapy is a safe space to talk about their concerns. Parent/guardian involvement is helpful at times, as is teaching your teen how to open up in the therapy sessions. We will discuss how confidentiality is handled for minor clients and how we balance family involvement and the need for confidence.
For many teens, therapy sessions are scheduled on a weekly or biweekly basis for 45-60 minutes. The length of treatment varies significantly, depending on the symptoms and goals for the teen.