Adolescent Counseling (Ages 13 and Up)
How Does Therapy Help Adolescents?
During the teenage years, teens often face a range of challenges and conflicts. I am dedicated to helping teens navigate these issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms and life skills. I approach counseling in an affirming and nonjudgmental manner while utilizing a variety of evidence-based strategies tailored to the unique needs of the individual.
Adolescents can benefit from talking to a professional counselor about any issues they may be facing, such as stress, academic pressure, anxiety, depression, bullying, or social struggles. I can provide adolescents with a safe and non-judgmental environment to talk about these issues, and help them develop the skills they need to be successful.
Difficulties Faced By Teens
- Feelings of depression, loneliness, and emptiness
- Traumatic events, such as the death of a close family member, friend, or beloved pet
- Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
- Relationship issues
- Low motivation and interest in activities they previously enjoyed
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Excessive worry or guilt
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble controlling emotions or drastic mood swings
- Acting out or excessive outbursts of anger
- Alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse
- Unexplained physical symptoms, such as headache or upset stomach, even though a doctor finds nothing wrong
- Poor academic or behavioral performance
- Low self-esteem and self-worth
- Anxiety and intrusive thoughts
- Stress, societal pressures, and overwhelming expectations
- Poor social skills and difficulty making friends
- Problems with bullying
- Lack of future goals, such as careers or college
- Difficulty managing stressors
- Self-harming behavior and suicidal ideation
- Poor communication skills or developmental delays
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Poor decision-making skills
How Does The Counseling Session Work?
Counseling sessions are often held one-on-one, but they can also be held with family members, especially if an issue is impacting them. The goal of counseling is to provide teenagers with the tools they need to cope with difficult situations and foster a mindset of self-care, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
The focus is on aiding teens in building healthy relationships and self-narrative, developing effective coping mechanisms, and learning to express and accept emotions. Many teens have been able to develop problem-solving skills, set healthy boundaries, and become more resilient after counseling.
How Can Adolescents Benefit From Counseling?
Counseling for adolescents can be incredibly beneficial for the mental and emotional health of adolescents. It provides a safe space for teens to share their feelings and gain insight into their behavior. Through counseling, teens can learn how to better manage their emotions, build self-esteem, develop better communication skills, and explore their identity. Counseling can also help adolescents foster a sense of self-awareness and acceptance, and become better equipped to handle future challenges and transition into adulthood.
Many of the teenagers who I have worked with have learned to manage their feelings and emotions in a healthy way, relied more on their support system, and improved their relationships with their family and peers.
Counseling for adolescents can be incredibly beneficial for the mental and emotional health of teenagers. It provides a safe space for teens to share their feelings and gain insight into their behavior.
As a seasoned counselor, I can provide a safe environment for adolescents to work through current stressors. Throughout the process, I will provide support and guidance, but the teen is empowered to take control of their own life and make healthy changes.