Ask anyone you know if they would want to relive their teenage years if they could and the answer will almost always be no. It’s not that being a teenager wasn’t fun and exciting and full of adventure, because it was, it’s just that hormones, high school, and big decisions during that time combine to make our teenage years some of the most challenging we will experience.
Although a lot of teenagers feel lost or overwhelmed, they seldom turn to their parents for help. Parents are, after all, the very people teenagers want time and space away from. Because of this, teen therapy may be a very good option as a way to help teenagers navigate the challenges they are experiencing and to help bridge the gap between parent and teenager. As you consider if this is the right path for you or your family, here are five things you should know about teen therapy.
1. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Most of us don’t think twice about going to see a doctor when we have an earache or a broken leg, so why the stigma about seeing a mental health professional for our mental health? Mental health is everything from our mind, thoughts, feelings, and emotions, and as each one of these impacts our actions, behaviors, relationships, and therefore our lives, it’s very important we learn to take good care of this part of health.
2. There are many reasons to see a mental health professional, a.k.a., a teen therapist.
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Depression – feeling sad from time to time is ok, but feeling sad, hopeless, and/or overwhelmed for long periods of time may be an indicator that something bigger is going on.
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Stress – with school exams, the social scene, and pressure to decide what to do after high school, being a teenager can be stressful. In therapy, you will learn tools for coping with stress that will last a lifetime.
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Social-related issues – a therapist can help you learn to navigate the social dynamics of high school, grieve the loss of a best friend, or work through the confusion of a first breakup. You will also learn what it means to be a good friend and take steps towards creating healthy relationships.
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Anxiety – with everything going on right now, it’s understandable to feel anxious about the state of the world, but if anything ever feels overwhelming or is affecting your ability to function, therapy is a great place to sort through what you are feeling and learn new ways to cope.
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Conflict with family members – upheaval at home, parents who are fighting, financial stress, or the loss of a family member, all of these are things that can greatly affect our health and well-being and should be addressed head-on.
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To learn healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Everything from how a healthy lifestyle – including nutrition, exercise, and sleep – affects the way we think and feel, to positive self-talk, the benefits of self-care, and the power of mindset.
3. Teen therapy can take many forms – individual, group, or family therapy – so choose whichever flavor feels most comfortable and productive for you and your family.
4. The teen brain has a TON of plasticity. This means it is ready to learn, grow, change, and adapt as new information comes its way. For this reason, the teenage years are a great time to learn mental and emotional health practices that will last a lifetime.
5. Teen therapy is a great way to prevent minor problems from turning into major problems that stick with us for years to come. For teenagers to take down their walls and share openly about their experiences, they need someone, other than a parent, who they trust and feel comfortable talking to. A therapist can guide you to identify and resolve core issues so they don’t show up as problems in the future.
If you think you or your family could benefit from this type of therapy, The Relationship Therapy Center offers teen therapy both online and in person. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your first appointment.
Other Services offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
In addition to teen therapy, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.
Teen therapy can be beneficial, with the right therapist. Our compassionate therapists are trained to walk you through the process and help you find healing and peace.