Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Bastrop, TX

My go-to approach for helping people in teen counseling is to get to know them, validate that what they are experiencing is important, and speak in a manner that makes them feel comfortable. I find the best benefit in listening because it can empower others who may not have experienced having a voice. Teens are on the brink of becoming adults and may struggle with speaking out.

I teach the following tools in teen counseling:

• Emotion identification - What behaviors are connected to which emotion, and how are emotions interconnected?
• Emotion processing - How to feel emotions and create responses, not reactions.
• Assertiveness - Use of “I” statements, tone of voice, and body language.
• Fair fighting - How to disagree with others in a healthy manner.
• Effective listening/communication - Concepts to improve communication in different relationships.
• Coping skills - Mindfulness, deep breathing, meditation, self-care, and more.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in teen counseling when they express and/or display feeling more in control of their situation. Also, developing, practicing, and using coping skills as a norm can mark meaningful progress.

Clients can supplement their time in teen counseling with some type of journaling. This can get thoughts out of someone's head and in a place for consideration or just to hold for future discussion. Journaling can provide insight into a situation that could be missed by just thinking about it. Lastly, journaling is a great way to keep track of different situations and then bring them to sessions.

To prepare for their first teen counseling session, a teen can consider why they are coming to therapy and what they would like to get from therapy. Another thing to consider is how will they know therapy is helpful. Lastly, consider what questions can be asked and answered or points to bring up that will help build rapport and trust between the teen and the clinician.