Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Owings Mills, MD

Before attempting any sort of counseling technique with teens, I heavily focus on building rapport with teens to make sure they are comfortable. Depending on the age, sometimes I implement play-based (games) therapy, CBT, or person centered and even nature-based which includes taking walks outside while we talk. Focusing on attempting multiple creative techniques with teens makes therapy less rigid and helps them open up much easier.

Not all teens need the same type of help when coming to therapy, but I provide help with learning coping skills to help reduce symptoms of anxiety or lessen their depression. I additionally assist in any peer/social conflicts while also providing support for any interpersonal issues or identity questions. If needed, I also offer communication techniques with role play, such as using 'I statements'. When the time approaches, I can offer limited career counseling assistance with finding out career choices through some assessments.

I can tell when a client is making meaningful progress in teen counseling if depression or anxiety assessments are being used form the beginning and continuously throughout session, through their own self-report, or through any parent feedback provided.

Client's can supplement their time in counseling with any homework provided to complete, that can entail mood tracking, journaling, practicing coping skills, or practicing communication techniques.

To prepare for teen counseling, it is imperative to come when the teen is actually willing and wanting to come to therapy. The therapeutic relationship can be much more difficult when a teen is forced to come in when they don't want to and are being forced to by parents with compliance issues being on the forefront or interfering with any type of progress.