Teen Therapy

Adolescence is a time of intense emotion as teens crave independence and figure out who they are and their place in the world. Throughout the teen years, mental health struggles are not uncommon. For young people with mental health issues or those who are experiencing difficulties, therapy can help address underlying problems, help them manage their emotions, and navigate challenges healthily. 

What Is Teen Therapy?

Teen therapy is a form of psychotherapy tailored to the unique pressures and experiences teens face. Therapists use various evidence-based approaches to help teens develop healthy coping mechanisms, improve communication skills, and navigate being a teenager in today’s world. 

Often, a school counselor provides a great starting point for addressing many challenges teens face. Teen counseling aims to support the overall well-being of the students within the school environment. Licensed therapists are more suited for in-depth exploration of emotional or behavioral challenges, developing coping mechanisms, and addressing mental health problems. Both play crucial roles in supporting the well-being of teenagers.

Teen therapy can address a wide variety of issues adolescents experience, such as:

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Anger management 
• Self-esteem and body image issues 
• ADHD 
• Stress 
• Trauma
• Loss and grief 
• Relationship problems 
• Substance use disorder
• Identity exploration 
• Self-harm 
• Eating disorders 

This isn’t an exhaustive list. Teen therapy can help any teenager struggling with emotional, behavioral, or social challenges. But it can be especially useful for those who: 

• Have experienced trauma or a traumatic event
• Feel isolated from their peers or family
• Have difficulty managing their emotions healthily
• Are engaging in self-destructive or risky behaviors
• Are experiencing distress that interferes with their daily function

What Are the Benefits of Teen Therapy?

Therapy for teens offers a range of benefits: 

• Develop healthy coping skills like relaxation techniques and communication strategies. 
• Address specific mental health conditions like depression, trauma, or anxiety disorders.
• Boost confidence and build self-esteem to grapple with self-doubt and insecurity. 
• Improve emotional regulation and develop resilience to deal with stress and setbacks. 
• Navigate adolescence and learn tools to deal with academic pressure and family dynamics. 

Ultimately, teen therapy can help promote a teenager’s overall well-being. It fosters emotional resilience, strengthens relationships, and empowers teens to navigate life’s challenges with a positive mindset. 

What Types of Teen Therapy Are There?

Teen therapy encompasses a variety of approaches, each with different techniques and focus. Here are some commonly used types of therapy for teenagers: 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and teaches teens to challenge them using techniques like journaling and exposure therapy. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and anger management. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Through mindfulness exercises and communication skills training, DBT equips teens with skills to manage emotions more effectively.

Family Therapy

Family therapy involves the whole family to address communication issues and family dynamics that impact the teen. Family therapy sessions are often helpful for communication breakdowns and family conflicts that affect a teen’s well-being. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps teens accept their feelings and focus on living a values-driven life using mindfulness and acceptance strategies. This can be useful for managing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. 

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT aims to improve interpersonal relationships by helping teens identify communication patterns and develop healthier connections.  

Art Therapy/Play Therapy:

Art therapy uses creative mediums like art, music, or play to help teens express emotions and develop coping skills. This may benefit teens struggling with verbal communication or expressing their feelings. 

How Long Do Teens Do Therapy?

The number of therapy sessions and duration of therapy depends on several factors: 

• The severity of the issue 
• Progress and response to therapy 
• Treatment goals 
• Form of therapy 
• Teen’s commitment and preference to therapy 

Regular attendance and active participation are essential in moving forward. Therapy is a journey that takes dedication and patience. For instance, complex issues that require ongoing mental health treatment will take much longer than addressing mild concerns. 

While it’s not the first line of treatment, medication management may be considered alongside therapy in cases where therapy isn’t sufficient to manage symptoms. Thriving Center of Psych therapy and psychiatry services. 

How Can Parents Help?

Offering online therapy for teens alongside traditional in-person therapy can empower your teen to choose the format they feel most comfortable with. Online counseling provides flexibility and helps reduce the stigma associated with therapy, making it easier for teens to get the help they need. 

Other ways parents can offer support include: 

• Talk openly about mental health and challenge any negative stereotypes about therapy. 
• Help your teen choose a therapist and find someone they feel comfortable with. 
• Attend initial sessions, if appropriate, especially for younger teens. 
• Express your support and encourage them to attend regular therapy sessions. 
• Help your teen with the logistics of going to therapy, such as scheduling appointments. 
• Respect your teen’s preferences and privacy. 

When to Contact a Qualified Therapist

Several signs could indicate that your teen may benefit from seeking professional help, including: 

• Significant changes in mood
• Withdrawal from activities they previously enjoyed
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Academic difficulties, skipping school, or a sudden drop in grades
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Bullying or cyberbullying
• Trauma or major life change 
• Difficulty managing emotions
• Dealing with low self-esteem or body image issues 

If your teen seems overwhelmed, or you have any concerns about your teen’s emotional well-being, contact Thriving Center of Psych to see how we can help. We are dedicated to providing therapy services to help teens overcome challenges and reach their full potential.