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.
The teenage years are full of sky-high highs and depressing lows. It’s one of those experiences that we probably would never want to relive but look back on with happy nostalgia. Adolescence is hanging out with friends, after school activities, and late nights. But for many young adults, it’s also a time of anxiety and depression. Eating disorders, social anxiety, and suicidal ideations often peak in the teen years.
Add on top of that all the hormonal changes, brain maturation, the stress of figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life (and who you want to be), who you’re going to sit with at lunch, and how you’re setting yourself up for success. It makes sense teenagers often come off as grumpy and moody.
Of course, as a parent, you want to see your child happy and thriving. But there can be a block between parent and teen that is completely natural- it’s hard to know what’s going on in the brain of a teenager! Their brains literally process the world differently than you do.
That’s where Thriveworks Savannah can step in and be of service. We can be a bridge between you and them and walk with them as they grow towards a happier, healthier life. Your love can never be replaced. Some things are resolved more efficiently and faster with the help of a professional. Thriveworks Savannah is here to provide the space for your adolescent to heal and grow so they can live the best life possible, the life they deserve.
How Can Adolescent Therapy Help?
Thriveworks Savannah counselors’ main job is to listen and guide. Your adolescent is always the center of a session. No matter what they are going through- emotional, cognitive, or behavioral- we are here for them and you. There is never a problem so big it is without hope or one so small it should be ignored.
Another Thriveworks Savannah guarantee is to be judgement free. Having a space free of judgement can be rare in the mind of an adolescent, and it has a lot of power.
A few of the more common topics discussed in an Adolescent and Teenager Therapy session include:
- Depression and Anxiety
- Social anxiety
- School stress
- Video game addiction
- Eating disorders
- Discipline problems
- Deviant behavior in school
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal ideation
- Perfectionism
- Lying
- Anger
- Family dynamics
- Self-harm
It can be hard to recognize when your teen is struggling. It’s usually a slow decline to negative mental health, and one that can be easily missed. And once you or they do catch it, what’s the next step? Thriveworks Savannah is here to provide coping mechanisms and support designed to fit your needs and goals. If that’s not enough, we can help you find something or someone that will work. You child can overcome their battles and thrive in a healthy, happy matter.
One of the biggest stigmas surrounding adolescent counseling is that all adolescents go through mood swings or bad behavior. It’s just part of growing up, right? Let the kids be kids. It’s just one heartbreak. Everyone goes through High School.
But the truth is we may never know how far the hurt goes, so it’s important to listen and act upon whatever our teenagers are saying. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek help when possible. Good counseling has never hurt!
What Does Adolescent Therapy Look Like?
Thriveworks Savannah makes sure to individual every session. Every life is unique, and they deserve a unique counseling plan! We do have many tools and approaches that have been proved by research and experience to work well, and we are happy to teach them to you and provide a space where we can practice them.
Some people just need a good listener and some encouragement. Thriveworks Savannah is here for you if that’s what you think you need! Other people have trauma to work through or can’t seem to bust through a particular negative thought pattern. We are here for you too! Some techniques we can practice include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (identifying and changing bad thoughts and behavior)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (teaches how to deal with extreme emotions)
- Mindfulness skills
- Strength based strategies
- Teaching coping and self-awareness skills
- Small groups (contact us for more detailed information)
- Communication skills
- Positive psychology
- Art and music therapy
There will always be hope, no matter how dark the situation is at the moment. Your child deserves the best. Thriveworks Savannah counselors are excited to help them get there.
