Is your teen acting out or rebelling? Do you find it difficult to communicate or connect with your teen? Feeling overwhelmed and not sure what step to take next?
The teenage years can be a difficult time, for both the teenager and family. In today’s society, teenagers are faced with increasing pressures and stress. More times than not, this may lead teens to act out behaviorally, to rebel against rules and pull away from parents. These are all signs that the teen is asking for help. Although one of the most difficult steps for a parent may be asking someone else to help with their child, it is a step in the right direction! Having a professional that provides a safe, judgment free space, often allows the teen to discuss their feelings that they may not feel comfortable sharing with parents.
It is my goal to help you reconnect with your teen by increasing communication, strengthening your relationship and supporting one another.
Call me today to learn how I can help and to schedule an appointment! I look forward to speaking with you. (407) 800-3881
Some reasons why a teen may enter therapy may include:
- Behavioral concerns
- Truancy
- Substance abuse/Addiction
- ADHD
- Depression/Anxiety
- Body Image/Eating Disorders
- Low self-esteem
- Fear of coming out as LGBTQ to parents/Struggling with gender identity
- Teen dating violence
- Teenage pregnancy
- Coping concerns
- Decrease in academic performance
- Trauma/Abuse/Neglect
- PTSD
- Anger/Aggression
- Social issues
- Attachment issues
- Grief/Loss
- Adoption/Foster care
- Divorce/Separation
- Blended families
- Adjustment/Life transitions
- Cutting/Self harming behaviors
- Suicidal ideation/Suicidal Attempts
- Bullying
- Medical/Health issues
- Learning disabilities
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Phobia
These are just a few examples as to why a parent may seek counseling for their teen. If you do not see your identified concern listed, I encourage you to give me a call to discuss your unique concerns and learn how I can help!
Therapy for Teens
Expressive Therapies: Some teens find it overwhelming to come to counseling and difficult to verbalize their thoughts. Their expression is fostered through alternative mediums such as music, clay, bead making, poetry, art, journaling or media or other forms of expressive arts.
Music: Music can elicit memories or help a teen process their emotions and experiences. Teens find it easy to express themselves through music. Something as simple as processing their favorite song can create a lense into their world. Art: Similarly, art allows a teen to speak their thoughts, all without having to say a word. This may be through drawing, painting or craft making. Poetry and journaling also foster a teens expression in a safe space where they do not feel "on the spot." Media: Media such as videos, movies or books may also be used therapeutically to foster expression, growth, to educate, build self esteem and allow teens the medium to express themselves non-verbally. |
Sand Tray Therapy: Sand Tray is a type of therapeutic intervention utilizing sand and what are known as miniatures, to generate expression and communication. The miniatures are carefully selected that can be used to symbolize various emotions and experiences. The teenager will work through their experiences by building "their world" and scenes in the sand tray. This provides the child with a non-threatening environment that allows them to release their emotions and process conscious or unconscious experiences at a safe distance.
Talk Therapy: Through traditional talk therapy, teens can verbalize their thoughts and feelings, make sense of their experiences, build mastery, increase self-esteem, and identify their strengths and solutions to the presenting concerns. 
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It is imperative that you as the parent/caregiver are an active participant in the therapy process with your child as well. Through this process, it can help you to gain insight into your child's world and feelings, strengthen your relationship, repair attachment wounds and strengthen your communication.