Signs that teens might need Teen counseling can be very subjective, as they are experiencing many changes and can have intense reactions to them. As parents, you know your child best and are best equipped to judge whether certain reactions are standard behaviors for your teen or whether they might be hinting at a larger problem. Even so, there are a few common signs and events that often point to a need for therapy, such as experiencing divorce or loss, grief, consistent low moods, teens distancing themselves and becoming isolated, losing interest in hobbies, excessive anger or irritability, substance use issues, and suicidal ideation, among others.
We like to romanticize the good old teenage years as being full of joy and passion. There were the late nights out with friends, more after-school activities than you could handle, and endless opportunities in front of you.
While all that is true, the teenage years can also be some of the hardest in our lives. Adolescents aged 12-17 are more likely to develop depression and anxiety than any other age group, and the suicide rate is abnormally large amongst teenagers. All of that on top of the everyday struggle of puberty, brain development, and finding someone to sit next to during lunch. Oh, and we can’t forget about figuring out what exactly you want to do for the rest of your life, being engaged in social and extracurricular activities, but still being a balanced human being.
Of course, teenagers come across as unhappy and stressed! And of course, you as a parent want to help them. It’s hard when adolescents see the world differently. Their brains are at a different developmental level than adults, so they have different priorities, emotional responses, and ways of problem solving. It’s a uniqueness that brings a whole lot of good into the world, but also can prevent them from getting the help they need.
Thriveworks Amherst Adolescent Therapy is working to change that. We have years of experience and training. It’s not your fault your teenager is struggling, and neither is it theirs. Adolescent Counseling is a great way to bridge the gap between teenager’s struggles and the healthy, happy life they deserve. You can schedule an appointment with a Thriveworks Amherst Therapist by calling 413-634-4805.
How Can Adolescent Therapy Help?
Two things are guaranteed to stay the same session to session in Thriveworks Amherst Adolescent Therapy: it is judgment free and client-first. Your teenager deserves to be heard and respected, especially in a counseling session that is meant to be about them in the first place.
Also, there’s no problem or struggle you could bring to an Adolescent Counseling session that is too big or too small for a Thriveworks Amherst counselor. We might reach out to other professionals, but we will always provide you with the best possible help we can give.
A few of the topics common in counseling for teenagers include:
- Depression and Anxiety
- Social anxiety
- School stress
- Video game addiction
- Eating disorders
- Discipline problems
- Deviant behavior in school
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal ideation
- Perfectionism
- Lying
- Anger
- Family dynamics
- Self-harm
We understand separating normal teenage moods from a true problem can be difficult. Thriveworks Amherst is here to educate you and your teenager, give you the best coping mechanisms, and be a supportive, safe space to overcome personal struggles.
Research has shown again and again that the sooner help is sought, the better the outcome for mental health. If you have even a doubt about your adolescent’s mental health, give us a call. We can walk you through options for the next step.
What Does Adolescent Therapy Look Like?
That depends on what the main problem is, how your day is going, what your future goals are, your individual personality… every session is unique!
Some adolescents just need to talk things out, and traditional talk therapy works great. The combination of encouragement and problem solving is powerful. Others thrive in more advanced techniques such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (identifying and changing bad thoughts and behavior)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (teaches how to deal with extreme emotions)
- Mindfulness skills
- Strength based strategies
- Teaching coping and self-awareness skills
- Small groups (contact us for more detailed information)
- Communication skills
- Positive psychology
- Art and music therapy
Not everything in the teenager years is prom dances and football games. No matter how dire the situation may appear, there is always hope. Thriveworks Amherst is excited to meet and walk beside your adolescent as they heal and grow. So schedule an appointment with a Thriveworks Amherst therapist or counselor by calling 413-634-4805 and get your teen the help and support they need today.
