We Offer Therapy for Challenges Unique to the Teenage Years.

Is your teen under a lot of stress? Do they not seem as happy as they once did? Are they suffering from an eating disorder? Do you suspect they are using drugs?

Many adults remember their teenage years as a combination of great fun, burgeoning freedom, and a tremendous amount of stress. During these years, we undergo drastic hormonal and brain changes, along with an increased desire to establish our identity. Social status also becomes increasingly important. Balancing all of these changes with academic, family, and, for some, employment pressures, is not always a smooth process. This process becomes even more difficult when life events such as family separation, divorce, death, and other changes outside of our control occur. 

Common Life Challenges Among Teens

Teens can often face some serious life challenges that impact their mental health and well-being.

• 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 suffer, and are often alone. If not dealt with, the aftermath of violence can result in PTSD symptoms.

This is not an exhaustive list of challenges, but speaking with a professionally licensed and trained therapist can help a teen navigate these and other challenges. If you think your teen could benefit from therapy, please reach out to us. 

What Therapies Do We Offer for Teens?

Individual Therapy

In these private, one-on-one sessions, a therapist will typically use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help the teen make a connection between their thoughts and feelings, as well as understand how these impact their behavior. However, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other modalities may also be used.

Group Therapy

Group therapy can be effective because it allows teens to see how their peers handle their problems. Social status is important for many teens. Most groups have five to ten teens and one therapist who will ask questions and guide the conversation.

Family Therapy

In this scenario, the teen would go to therapy with their parent(s) and sometimes even with siblings. This style of therapy can be very beneficial as it allows the family to communicate effectively and respectfully. We currently provide family therapy as a supplement to individual therapy and on a case-by-case basis.

Which type of therapy will be best for a teen will be determined by a trained therapist. Often, a combination of all three of these types of therapy is used.

If your teen is struggling right now and could benefit from therapy, please reach out to us.