Some experiences are those once in a lifetime, amazing experiences that we would never choose to relive. The teenage years are probably one of those eras. For a lot of us, our adolescence held some of the highest highs and lowest lows of our life so far! As fun as hanging out with friends, after school activities, and all the late nights can be, being a teenager will always come with a dark side. Anxiety and depression levels are proportionally higher in ages 12-17 than other age groups. Many other disorders may begin to develop or worsen around that age. Not to mention the hormonal disarray our bodies are in as puberty hits and our brains develop. All that on top of the normal stressful experiences of preparing for your future, figuring out your place in the world and who you are, and fitting in with your social group (or finding one) can snowball into an unhappy, unhealthy teen. Of course, parents want their child to thrive! But how can we provide a happy, fulfilling life for our kids when it seems impossible to know what’s going on in their head? It’s true that adolescents process the world differently- it’s part of growing up! But there is hope. Thriveworks Pooler has worked with adolescents and can appreciate the uniqueness of their position in life and growing brains. You love your child in a way no one else can supply; it isn’t your fault if your teen is experiences emotional or behavioral turmoil. Sometimes, counseling can be the most effective method to get them back to feeling well. At Thriveworks Pooler, we walk beside you and your adolescent as they grow and find that happy, fulfilling life they (and you!) deserve!
How Can Adolescent Therapy Help?
The counselors at Thriveworks Pooler are here to listen and guide. We practice a client-first therapy that puts your goals and vision above our own. This is true no matter what the difficulty is! Emotional, cognitive, or behavioral- there is never a “too small” or “too big” reason to come to counseling. Another vital part of Thriveworks Pooler counseling is that it remains judgement-free. No matter what you or your teen is struggling with, we are here to listen empathetically and guide professionally. Some common issues we have helped adolescents through 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
Oftentimes, it can be hard to recognize when your teen is in pain. And then when you do recognize the signs, how do you address them? That’s where Thriveworks Pooler can step in and provide the right coping mechanisms and support, so your child can overcome their battles and thrive. Being proactive when it comes to therapy will almost always provide better outcomes. It is a hard decision to bring your child to therapy. What about the stigma? Will it actually help? What if it doesn’t, what then? Maybe it’s just a phase? These are all valid questions. So many times, though, a little outside support can go a long ways, especially with teenagers. Good counseling can never hurt!
What Does Adolescent Therapy Look Like?
At Thriveworks Pooler, every counseling session is individualized, just as every life and every situation is unique! We have many tools and approaches we can use, depending on the situation and personality. Sometimes, just talking through problems and being encouraged is all you need. For others, we have more advanced strategies that have been proven in research to help. Some techniques we use include:
- 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
There is always hope, no matter how dire the situation may seem. Your child deserves the best. Thriveworks Pooler is here to help them get there! No matter what the situation, or how hopeless it may seem, Thriveworks Pooler is here for you and your adolescent.
