Teen Counseling
Counseling with teenagers takes a certain amount of finesse and relationship-building skills. My goal when counseling teenagers is to first and foremost create a safe, therapeutic relationship that allows your teenager to feel comfortable enough to open up about sensitive subjects. Teenagers today are faced with a multitude of pressures and issues, including, but not limited to:
Depression/Anxiety
Teens often experience depression and/or anxiety, especially related to school, peers and responsibilities.
Sexuality/Gender Dysphoria
Believe it or not, sexual preference and gender confusion isn't outside the norm for the teen years. As teens develop, their need for an identity also begins to develop. Sometimes, all they need is a safe place to explore this and communicate their confusion in order to find their way.
Rule-Breaking/Risky Sexual Behavior/Drugs
During the teen years, it's not uncommon for teens to test their limits. It's a confusing time where they feel like they're on the brink of adulthood and the rules/boundaries placed on them seem "stupid" or unnecessary. This can lead to choices that are harmful or risky.
Parental Divorce
While I do not offer court assistance or custody assistance, I do offer a safe place for teens to process the grief and struggle of their parents getting divorced. It can be a really tough transition, one where they feel like they have no control or say in what happens.
Self-Harm/Suicidal Thinking
Unfortunately, we are seeing a rise in self-harm and/or suicide risk in teens. Many factors play a part in this rise, including social media, peer influence, poor self-regulation, lack of coping skills, and isolation.
Family Involvement
I believe it is imperative that parents be involved in the counseling process. The first appointment will require one parent (preferably both parents) to be present for the first half of the session. The more involved you are, the better it is for your teen.