Teen Counseling

Is Your Teen Struggling To Fit In Or Feel Understood?

Has your teenager stopped sharing their thoughts, emotions and challenges with you? Do you worry that your teen is developing unhealthy coping strategies or negative self-beliefs that will limit their confidence or opportunities throughout their lives? Do you wonder how you can help your teenager navigate adolescence and become a happy, empowered adult?

You may recognize that your child is going through personal, relationship or social challenges, but feel unsure how to be there for them. Perhaps you recognize that they are dealing with specific issues – such as bullying, anxiety or discomfort with their sexuality or gender – but you don’t know how to ask the right questions or provide the right support. Do you wish you could help your teen feel better and show that you care without making them feel like you are lecturing them or treating them like a child?

Or, if you are a teen, you may not want to discuss private worries and fears with parents, guardians or friends. Difficulties in school, such as learning challenges, bullying or cyber-bullying, can leave you feeling embarrassed or ashamed, like you are somehow less than your peers. Maybe you were the victim of verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, and you believe people will judge you or see you as broken if you share your experience. You may wish that your parents, guardians and other adults would just give you space to work through questions and issues in your own way and time. Alternately, you might have tried expressing your pain, sadness, anger or frustration, but didn’t find the support or understanding you needed. It may seem like no one shares or appreciates your interests, concerns and opinions, leaving you isolated and uncertain about where you fit in with family and friends. Do you wonder what you can do to feel more hopeful, empowered and successful?

Teen Issues Are Common

Adolescence is a challenging period for many teens, bringing changes in personal lives, bodies, relationships, goals and needs. Some sail through adolescence and thoroughly enjoy their time in Middle and High School, but most experience some form of difficulty with family, friends, school or work. Teenagers move through the stages of adolescence in different ways and at different paces. The challenges your teen may face – and the coping skills they develop – tend to change as they have different experiences and begin preparing for life as an independent adult. The transformation in their intellectual, physical, social, emotional and moral capacities can be stressful and confusing. You may worry that your teen is managing challenges in unhealthy or ineffective ways, such as changing friends, plummeting grades, using substances to numb themselves, or engaging in self-harm or bullying to distract themselves. To make things more difficult, problems at home or with friends can increase their sense of isolation, damaging their self-confidence and sense of identity.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your teen find relief and healing. With teen counseling, your teenager can develop the resources, coping techniques and communication skills they need to become confident and empowered adults.

Teen Counseling Can Help With A Variety Of Challenges For Teens

Teenagers often believe that they are alone in their suffering and that no one understands what they are going through. Others think they will be labeled as weak, different, strange or stupid if they share their thoughts and emotions. I offer a safe space and compassionate, non-judgmental support so your teen can feel comfortable exploring their experience openly and honestly. When your teen sees that they are valued for who they are as a person, regardless of their opinions or behavior, they can feel empowered to make healthy choices for themselves.

I recognize how difficult it can be for many teens to trust adults, and communication issues may be contributing to some of the challenges your teen is experiencing. During teen therapy, my goal is to foster a respectful and trusting relationship. By exploring areas they want to discuss and focusing on what is important in their life, your teen can decide for themselves whether this is a safe therapeutic space and how much to share. Then, when your teen is ready to move forward, I can work with them to identify and address any unhealthy or problematic behaviors that might be harming their sense of self and their opportunities for the future. In some cases, if your teen’s behavior represents an immediate danger to themselves or others, I will take a more directive approach.

Parents or guardians are required to attend the first session so you can sign necessary papers.  We can discuss how therapy will work, and I can respond to any questions you may have. At that point, your teen becomes my client, and I afford them the same rights to confidentiality as I would an adult patient. Teenagers need to have a place that is private and safe, without having to fear that their words will get them in trouble at home. That said, if your teen says they are going to harm themselves or others – or if they claim to have been harmed – I am legally bound to inform you as parents or guardians as well as possible hospital or law enforcement.
I have been working with teens and parents of adolescents for 25 years in my private practice. I have seen how beneficial teen counseling can be in helping young adults understand and address a variety of common issues, including harmful behavior, lack of motivation, anxiety, depression and questions about teenage sexuality and teen sex. In my experience, when a teen begins healing or finding coping strategies, it can positively affect the entire family system. With teen therapy, your teen can find the guidance, support and skills they need to feel valued and empowered.

But, you may still have questions or concerns about counseling for teens…

My teen isn’t crazy. Do they really need therapy?

Teenagers and adolescents are going through a variety of changes that can leave them confused, embarrassed, upset or uncertain. Rough patches are common for young adults, and your teen is probably dealing with challenges that all adolescents face, which can be painful regardless of their shape or manifestation. Together, we can work as a team to figure out what is going on and how we can help your teen feel more confident and empowered.

We don’t like to share family secrets outside of the family.

Boundaries are important. If, however, your teen is suffering or behaving in a harmful way, perhaps it is time to share with a trusted professional outside the family. I can help your teen and you understand the difference between secrets that are harmful and secrets that are kept for privacy and safety. I honor you and your teen’s privacy. Together, we can work toward healing and growth.
Why should we spend money for our teen to speak with a stranger when they won’t even share with their parents?

There are many reasons why teens choose not to speak to their parents when they are dealing with a personal or relationship challenge. Adolescents are trying to learn how to become independent, healthy adults, and this change in communication is a natural part of learning how to be on their own. But, we all need a safe space where we can feel appreciated for who we are at any given time; where we can share our thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. In addition to helping your teen respond to physical or emotional challenges, therapy can help them learn how to trust others and manage their adult and peer relationships.

Your Teen Can Feel Happy And Empowered

You can give your teen the resources and support they need to work through difficult or stressful changes, thoughts and emotions in a healthy way. If you are ready to get started, or if you have additional questions about counseling for teens, I invite you to contact me in Lafayette, CA, at 510-528-4718 to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.