Counseling for Teens

Is your teen under a lot of stress? Do they not seem as happy as they once were? Do you suspect something has happened to your teenager and they will not talk to you?

Most of us remember our teenage years as a combination of great fun, burgeoning freedom, and a tremendous amount of stress. During this time our hormone levels are skyrocketing, making us feel emotionally out of control. We also feel a greater need to perform well academically and fit into social circles. All of this stress can take its toll on a teen’s mental health and overall well-being.

Common Life Challenges Among Teens

Loss - Loss can come in the form of a death of a loved one, including a pet, and it can also come in the form of parental separation or divorce. A loss also happens when a family moves to a new location and the teen must go to a new school.
Stress - A little stress is normal in life and can even be motivating. But too much stress can cause burnout at any age. Many teens face tremendous amounts of stress to do well in school, hold down a job, and be accepted by their peers.
Violence - Teens that are bullied at school or at home often suffer alone. If not dealt with, the aftermath of violence can result in PTSD symptoms.

Types of Therapy for Teens

Individual Therapy

Private, one-on-one sessions where the teen can discuss thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

*See limits to confidentiality

Family Therapy

The teenager and parents will be present in the session to address specific concerns and learn effective communication skills, so everyone is heard and validated. Family therapy is as needed and only scheduled at the teens request or if the therapist determines a family session is needed.

I ask parents to be involved in the counseling process and part of being involved is by attending atleast one parent session without their child present.

TeleMental Health and Teens

In my experience working with teenagers in-person sessions are more effective for teenagers for several reasons. The barrier of the computer screen can cause less focus and easier distractions. Sessions in the office provide a more confidential environment for teens to freely talk. Many teens spend a great amount of time on electronic devices and in-person sessions allow for one-on-one personable interactions. The first session is in-person and then a determination will be made if the teen is an appropriate fit for TeleMental Health sessions and/or hybrid.

*Limits to Confidentiality

I desire the counseling room to be a safe and non-judgmental place for the teenager to be able to talk freely. However, as a mandated reporter if the teen reports any type of abuse, neglect, domestic violence in the home, self-harm, suicidal ideation or attempt, or homicidal ideation and possibly even health risk behaviors I do have to disclose to the parents or guardian and possibly to DFCS and/or law enforcement.

My Approach and Experience

My approach is collaborative and highly relational. Teenagers don’t like to be told what to do so instead I collaborate with them to establish goals for therapy and help them meet their goals instead of just telling them what they are doing is wrong. I also use a trauma-informed and sourced focused approach. This focus is not looking at your teen as if something is wrong with him or her but rather what has happened. What potential trauma have they experienced? What is currently going on in their life? What stressors are they dealing with? What losses have they experienced?

Topics and My Experience

Trauma
Grief
Loss
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal ideation
Relationships (dating, peers)
Bullying
Self-harm
Life adjustments (parents divorce, graduation, etc)
Christian Counseling