Many of us look back at the teenage years with a nostalgic smile. It was a time full of passion, possibility and excitement, right? Partly. While our adolescent years were probably filled with some great memories, they can also be some of the hardest years. 12-17 is the most vulnerable age for developing depression and anxiety, and the suicide rates are increasing in the teenage years.
Even if your teenager isn’t struggling with a mental illness, there is still the everyday struggle of puberty, brain development, and knowing who you’re going to sit with at lunch. Plus, they have to think about what they want to do for the rest of their life, make sure they’re engaged in extracurricular activities, maintaining a social life, making good decisions, and being healthy.
Thriveworks Newark thinks most of us would be moody and stressed in that scenario! We understand that as parents, you want to help them in whatever way you can. But that’s hard to do when there seems to be a block between you and your teenager. They see the world a little differently from adults, which results in a lot of great, amazing things, but it can also make it hard to reach them when they’re struggling.
Thriveworks Newark strives to change that and be there for all adolescents. Our years of experience and training gives us an edge in understanding your teenager and what to do to best help them. It’s neither your nor their fault they are struggling, sometimes life just hurts. Adolescent Counseling at Thriveworks Newark is a great way to ensure the hurt doesn’t persevere into future years.
How Can Adolescent Therapy Help?
Thriveworks Newark counseling sessions will always be two things: judgment free and client-first. This means we will always listen before we speak and put your goals and dreams above our own. Your adolescent may be used to being spoken over. They deserve the chance to be fully listened to in a place where they won’t be judged. Sometimes, sessions will include just parents, and sometimes just the teen; other times, the whole family may meet with the counselor.
A third, outside party like Thriveworks Newark oftentimes provides space for your teenager to discover what’s really on their mind and practice skills to manage it.
Thriveworks Newark counselors are here to support your teen and your whole family. Big or small, your problems are very valid and real. Let us walk beside you and your teenager as we head towards a happier, fulfilling life.
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
- Substance Abuse
- Suicidal ideation
- Perfectionism
- Lying
- Anger
- Family dynamics
- Self-harm
You want the best for your teenager. When their heart hurts, yours does too. Thriveworks Newark works to preserve and strengthen the family bonds. We are a supportive, safe space that believes there is something better out there.
What Does Adolescent Therapy Look Like?
Every Thriveworks Newark session is completely unique, so what a session looks like depends on many factors!
Some adolescents just need to rant out their feelings and frustrations, and traditional talk therapy might be perfect. The age-old and research-proven combination of encouragement and proactive problem solving is powerful.
Other adolescents want or need something a little more. Thriveworks Newark has the training and expertise in these techniques as well:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (identifying and changing negative 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
Unfortunately, the teenage years are full of things a little darker than prom dances and sport games. But there is always hope. Thriveworks Newark is excited to walk beside your adolescent as they grow and heal.
