Exploring Therapy For Teens

Being a teenager is rough. Parenting a teenager is rough too. I have yet to meet a parent who was “fully” prepared for the teen years. You can read up, learn from others’ experiences, etc., but until you experience it with your own teen, there is no amount of prep that will get you fully ready. Typically, teen years are hands down the hardest years, and each generation of teen has their own challenges. Ask any adult, and they most likely will have a story about their teen years and the struggles they went through.

There are a lot of expectations of teens these days. Expectations of success are even higher now than for teens of previous generations. There is a need to excel in advanced topics of science, technology, and mathematics, as well as being well-rounded individuals with other varied interests. On top of all of that, the expectations to think and act like the “adults” they are becoming. Children and teens have the innate desire to make the people they care about happy, and they thus internalize these expectations. Unhealthy thought patterns may begin to emerge, such as, “No one understands me,” “Things never go my way,” or, “I can’t do anything right.” Teens also experience the Tidal Wave of Emotions that accompanies their developmental changes.

When your teen is struggling with the Tidal Wave of Emotions, unhealthy thought patterns, and an inability to clearly communicate their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, this oftentimes leads to family conflicts, problems with school or peers, poor decision making, depression, anxiety, and defiant and disruptive behaviors. This is also the time period when they are at risk of being introduced to drugs, alcohol, sexual activity, and other risk-taking behaviors. All this on top of the typical stressors of transitioning into adulthood and preparing to leave home can be a lot to manage, even for the most prepared teens.

Signs of teens struggling to cope with increased life stressors can include: anxiety, depression, being more irritable that usual, poor school performance, and/or complete avoidance of school.

When does getting professional help make sense? Here are some things to consider:

• It is typical for teens to display some mood swings or irritability when stressed, angry, or experiencing big changes like the start of new school year. It is of concern when irritability is pervasive, or ongoing, despite positive events or things in their life.

• It is typical for teens to increasingly want their space and privacy. It is of concern is when teens completely withdraw and demonstrate poor connections to family, school, and/or peers.

• It is typical for teen to catch a cold about 4-5 times per year. It is of concern if you notice that your teen has frequent somatic complaints, such as stomachaches, headaches, or not feeling well — that cannot be explained by illness. This can be stress related and a sign of struggling to cope.

• It is typical for teens to feel overwhelmed. It is of concern when it leads to avoidance of school or other activities they once enjoyed, or making poor decisions that could have serious consequences.

How Therapy Helps Teens 

Therapy helps by giving teens strategies and techniques to cope with life stressors and learn to “surf” the waves of big emotions, in a safe, private way; away from the eyes of peers and pressures of typical teen life. Therapy can help teens think critically about choices they are making, evaluate their strengths, areas for growth and development, and help empower them to create unique solutions to their own problems.

Therapy can assist teens in practicing and implementing self control by stopping to think about their actions and replacing unhealthy thought patterns with healthier ones. Lastly, therapy can increase their communication skills, which can make them more assertive and improve on their confidence and self-esteem.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have over 5 years experience working with children, adolescents/teens, and their families. In my work with teens, I use systemic theory to guide treatment. In this approach, I recognize that each teen has unique “systems” that surround them, such as family, friends, and other important figures and organizations, which play a significant role in the development teens. I work collaboratively with the teen’s systems to address behaviors, interactional patterns, and ways to support change and positive development. This assists in building stronger relationships with the loved ones in their lives and creating happier, healthier teens.

Looking for help for your teenager in managing life and teen stressors? Call today for a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if I might be of further assistance in helping your family. 980-349-8119

TOWERS COUNSELING SERVICES | 120 GREENWICH ROAD CHARLOTTE, NC 28211

PH: 980-349-8119