What to Expect from Counseling for Teenagers

As children grow and start the wonderful world of being teenagers, their worlds are changing in so many ways. As a way of supporting them through these turbulent times, some teens might need counseling for teenagers, which can also be referred to as adolescent counseling.

This has been seen to be of immense value as it provides teenagers and parents with a safe space to deal with challenges, get support, seek information, and get tools for this stage of their lives.

There are so many factors affecting teenagers as they start their adolescent journey. With the onset of puberty comes physical, sexual, hormonal, and interpersonal changes which can be confusing and challenging. Though some may go through this life stage unscathed, other teenagers might need a little bit of help.

That’s where counseling for teenagers comes in. The counselor provides a space where their feelings, hurts, and thoughts are heard without judgment. They get help in making sense of what they are experiencing and are given tools to cope effectively.

Benefits of counseling for teenagers

There are a variety of reasons why a teenager might seek the help of a counselor. It might be scary or uncomfortable to think of taking your child to see a therapist, but below are some benefits that have been seen.

• Help with dealing with a crisis.
• Family interventions when there is transition or change.
• Recovery from an addiction.
• Help in diagnosing and treating mental health issues.
• Support when dealing with grief and loss.
• Recovery from abuse or bullying.
• Developing stress management skills.
• Engaging in personal development.

What to expect in counseling for teenagers

Counseling for teenagers is a lot like any other type of counseling in terms of how a counselor interacts with a client. A major concern usually for teenagers is the issue of confidentiality. They can sometimes be uncomfortable going to counseling for fear of being reported to their parents.

It is important to know that they are covered by the confidentiality rules. This means that the only time the counselor must disclose information about their interaction is when teens are a danger to themselves or others.

Depending on the reason for first contact, most counselors will meet with the teenager alone or with a parent to get an overview of the situation. Then the teen will meet with the counselor alone.

During this process, the counselor may use different therapeutic techniques which will be informed by the client’s needs, abilities, and the therapist’s discretion. Below is a list of the different therapeutic techniques used when counseling teenagers.

Individual therapy.

Individual therapy is when the teen gets to see the counselor alone to work on their problems or struggles. This is more of a collaborative relationship where both the counselor and teen foster a relationship that enables them to work for the teen’s benefit.

Group therapy.

This is when a therapist leads several clients at once. The clients are usually in the same age range and going through the same struggles. This is important for teens as they get support, understanding, and help from their peers. Group therapy also means they don’t feel so alone in their struggle.

Experiential therapy.

This type of therapy involves activities and exercises that aid in emotional healing and self-growth. Teenagers do well with this therapy because it involves hands-on work which can remove the fear of an office. Examples are art therapy, play therapy, adventure therapy, or psychodrama therapy.

Family therapy.

Family therapy is when the teen is joined by one or more members of the family. It depends on the needs of the teen. Family therapy helps the family understand what the teen is going through, fosters good communication channels, and is a safe space to have difficult family conversations.

Trauma therapy.

When teenagers experience something traumatic, they will need trauma-focused counseling. This will help them deal with the effects of the trauma. They will get tools for processing their trauma and find help in developing healthy coping mechanisms.

Signs a teenager needs counseling

It is important to note that being a teenager comes with a lot of changes and their behavior might vary from day to day. This is normal. However, if your child displays any of the following signs, it is time to consider seeking professional help. All these changes could be a cry for help.

• A drastic change in sleeping patterns (either sleeping too much or too little).
• Social withdrawal.
• A sudden drop in grades at school.
• Sudden change in behavior patterns.
• The onset of drug or alcohol.
• Long periods of sadness, anxiety, fearfulness, and hopelessness.
• Lack of interest in activities and hobbies they once enjoyed.
• Self-harm.
• Suicidal ideation and constant talk of death.
• Debilitating fatigue.
• Failing to cope after a traumatic situation.
• Struggling with grief and loss.

Next steps

It can be a distressing time when your child is not doing well. We are here to let you know that you do not have to do it alone. At Santa Clarita Christian Counseling in California, we have trained therapists with the qualifications and temperaments to work with teenagers. Please get in touch with our offices so we can start the process.