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.
George stomped up the stairs after yelling at his mom and slammed the door. George’s mom, Sally, knew that she wouldn’t be able to get him out of his room for the rest of the day. She wished she could. This has happened numerous times and she just can’t get through to George. How can she help him express how he is feeling so they can work together to solve the problem? Sometimes she wasn’t even sure why he was so angry. Sally felt sad, alone, and frustrated. Was she doing something wrong? What could she do better? She sat on the floor and cried.
Have you ever felt like this? Do you feel your child may benefit from therapy? The therapists at Thriveworks Mt Pleasant want to help you. Adolescence is generally broken down into 3 stages: early (ages 11-14), middle (ages 15-17), and late (ages 18-21). Adolescents develop at different rates and experience hormonal shifts at each stage. This normal growth and development often creates difficulties with communication, feelings of not being understood, and immense frustration that adolescents struggle to manage effectively. Outbursts like George exhibited can be emotionally all-consuming and could be affecting your child at home, school, and during sports or activities.
If these events seem to follow patterns of development, we are available to help your child navigate these transitions. If they are occurring more frequently, we empathize. Our exceptional therapists and counselors want to help you navigate these difficult developmental milestones.
Parental stress is not to be overlooked, either. Feelings of tension, anxiety, and even fear can seem insurmountable when you feel you can’t help or solve the problem your child is struggling to overcome. It is difficult to manage and guide adolescents with psychological or emotional problems. Whether it is a recent or long term issue, most parents are understandably overwhelmed and can feel as if there is nowhere to turn for help or support. You may feel isolated or scared. If you feel like every interaction with your adolescent is stressful and unproductive, our therapists are here to help. Thriveworks is a safe, non-judgmental space to share and explore the emotional needs of your child.
If you’re ready to set up an adolescent counseling appointment for you, your child, or for you both, please call Thriveworks Mt. Pleasant at 843-606-6223.
What are some reasons my child may need therapy?
Often children begin to struggle and have a difficult time coping without a preceding event or experience. These frustrations could manifest at school, home, or during sporting events or activities. It could affect their communication, health, and self-esteem and lead to anger, stress, and anxiety. These difficulties could also be due to divorce, trauma, or bullying. Additionally, families often seek adolescent counseling and therapy for adolescents for certain conditions, including:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Behavior Disorders
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Self Harm
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Why might adolescent therapy and teenage counseling at Thriveworks Mt. Pleasant be right for my family?
You may have many questions for your therapist and we encourage you to ask:
- How does therapy work?
- Am I in the room with my child?
- Will I need to meet with the therapist alone?
- How often do we need to come in?
- What strategies can we use at home?
- When can we expect to see change? Will there be regression?
- How effective is therapy for adolescents?
- Will I know what my child tells the therapist?
It is hard to admit your child may need help. We understand. Every adolescent is different and we strive to meet each child at their developmental level. We work to establish a rapport so your child feels safe, comfortable sharing, and understood. Establishing this important relationship allows for a productive working partnership so the family, child and therapist can work together towards achievable goals.
An important aspect of therapy for adolescents is to establish goals. An example of some goals for counseling could be to work on coping, communication skills, and self-esteem and then explore scenarios where they are applying these skills at home, school, and during sports and activities. To achieve these goals, a therapist will develop an individualized approach for your child that could focus on:
- Problem-solving methods
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Play-based activities including games, puzzles or art
- Behavioral modification strategies
- Coping skills
- Family therapy
- Cognitive therapy
We don’t want you to feel alone, sad, or scared. Having children is a wonderful experience, but there’s no manual for navigating every situation. Our exceptional adolescent therapists would love to hear from you and begin the process of assisting you and your child on a path towards emotional wellbeing.
If you’re ready to set up an adolescent counseling appointment for you, your child, or for you both, please call us at 843-606-6223. We are conveniently located adjacent to the Queensborough Shopping Center at 1131 Queensborough Blvd., #100 just across the bridge from Charleston in Mt. Pleasant.
