Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Nottingham, MD

When working with the adolescent population in counseling, I find the best benefit in encouraging them to feel empowered during the treatment process. Being able to focus on a client-centered approach and encouraging them to feel as though they have the ability to improve their situation is important to future success.

When working with the adolescent population, I prefer to use cognitive behavioral techniques, psychoeducation, and dialectical behavioral therapy strategies as well as helping them identify mindfulness techniques they can use to help alleviate some of the symptoms they may be experiencing. Although working with the adolescent population is different than working with adults, I do feel that, depending on the individual client, an adolescent is able to communicate their feelings effectively and work on identifying strategies that could help with long-term emotional health.

Depending on the developmental stage of the client, I can observe if a client is making meaningful progress through both physical observation of symptoms and insight into their own behaviors. Having family involved in the treatment for an adolescent is helpful, and they are also beneficial in tracking progress. An adolescent who is able to demonstrate insight into their behaviors and emotional functioning as well as utilize strategies on a consistent basis to assist with reducing the intensity of their symptoms is a client who is making meaningful progress.

An adolescent who is involved in mental health treatment should also be involved in activities outside of therapy that help create opportunities for happiness, purpose, and connection with others. Being involved in activities in the community, spending time with peers, and being able to involve themselves in activities that bring them happiness are all important for healthy adolescent development, even when a client is in therapy.

To prepare an adolescent to start the therapeutic process, I encourage both the client and their family (if possible) to identify areas they would want to address in therapy. The adolescent needs to feel a sense of autonomy and should identify a few areas they feel are important to work on during their treatment.