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If you are a teenager in counseling, I prefer to spend a little more time going over what the expectations are in counseling and focusing on building rapport, as there is a higher chance a client may never have had counseling before. I also try to make a point that counseling is a private space for clients to talk about whatever they would like, and typically has minimal parental/guardian involvement (unless there is a concern about a client's safety and/or the client would like to have heavier parental involvement). I often make more of a point with teenagers to validate their emotions as they can often feel powerless and unheard.
I often teach cognitive behavioral therapy skills such as cognitive reframing, mindfulness skills such as learning how to nonjudgmentally sit with uncomfortable emotions, communication skills, and sometimes just focusing on naming and normalizing emotions.
I can tell a teenager is making progress in counseling just like most clients of any age—perhaps their self-talk is improving, the lens through which they see the world and themselves is shifting, they become more comfortable with naming and normalizing their emotions, and they become more confident in communicating their needs and feelings to others.
Teenage clients can work on skills learned in counseling outside of sessions and, like any other client, they can ideally find activities in their life that bring them joy, meaning, and a sense of community and support.
To prepare for their first session, a teenager could expect me to clarify what the space is meant for and when their parents/guardians may need to get involved. It is a tricky age because legally, the teen is still a dependent; for that reason, I like to make it clear that they are old enough to have a space that is private to talk about whatever they need to. It's possible their parent(s)/guardian(s) may join for a portion of their intake session.
Teen counseling helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst teens include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and problematic relationships with food.
Teen counseling works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the teen’s unique needs — based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks teen therapists in Blacksburg have the expertise and experience to help young individuals at their level.
Signs that teens might need Teen counseling can be very subjective, as they are experiencing many changes and can have intense reactions to them. As parents, you know your child best and are best equipped to judge whether certain reactions are standard behaviors for your teen or whether they might be hinting at a larger problem. Even so, there are a few common signs and events that often point to a need for therapy, such as experiencing divorce or loss, grief, consistent low moods, teens distancing themselves and becoming isolated, losing interest in hobbies, excessive anger or irritability, substance use issues, and suicidal ideation, among others.
Teen counseling providers at Thriveworks in Blacksburg, VA offer both in person and online therapy by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of teen counseling depends on your teen’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, teen counseling sessions will last for several months.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Saturday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Sunday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Monday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Tuesday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Wednesday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Thursday | 8:00am - 9:00pm | |
Friday | 8:00am - 9:00pm |
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Saturday | 8:00am - 6:00pm | |
Sunday | 8:00am - 6:00pm | |
Monday | 8:00am - 9:30pm | |
Tuesday | 8:00am - 9:30pm | |
Wednesday | 8:00am - 9:30pm | |
Thursday | 1:00am - 9:30pm | |
Friday | 1:00am - 9:30pm |
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