Kudos to the teens out there who are navigating this world day to day. We see you! Teens are at the forefront of every latest and greatest or not-so-greatest, so much so that most of us 30 years and older never dreamed of having to navigate. Technology is advancing daily, and while that has allowed for more communication to happen in different ways, it has changed the way we process emotions. Luckily, teen therapy has grown—along with the stigma around mental health—to help teens navigate processing all that life is throwing their way.
Stuff Stressing Teens Out
Teenagers come face to face with many unique stressors every day. Regardless of positive or negative forces, it can all become overwhelming and bring about a need to seek teen therapy. Academics bring on their own set of stressors. Pressure to excel within the educational system , make good grades, and push towards a career path can leave teens feeling a huge weight being placed upon them. Every teenager learns and achieves things differently, and figuring out their academic strengths can be a challenge that can lead to anxiety, sleep issues, and feelings of inadequacy.
Social relationships play a major role in teen stress issues. Teenage years come with all kinds of changes in body image, hormones, and identity with the desire to fit in and make friends. Social media has made this more difficult for teens to navigate as they scroll through seeing the highlight reels of those around them. It has opened the door for bullying to happen not only in person but online as well. Teen therapy helps identify where feelings of isolation and self-doubt come from—as well as helps teens build self-esteem.
Family dynamics might seem to be an issue that would get swept under the rug, but it can be a big stressor for teens. Teenagers may deny it but conflict in the home can become a battleground for anxiety and isolation. A family that is dealing with financial struggles, constant instability in the home, or the long road of grief from the loss of a loved one can create all kinds of emotions that can be difficult for a teen to work through. Teen therapy can help with balancing all of these pressures as your teenager is trying to discover their own identity.
What is Teen Therapy?
Teen therapy is different for every teen, whether it’s focusing on struggles or what they would like to improve, helping with learning disabilities, or understanding ADHD—just to name a few. Teens are invited into a safe space where they are allowed to share all kinds of thoughts and feelings without pressure or judgment. What is told in therapy stays in therapy, with some exceptions related to safety and abuse. We take confidentiality seriously and want your teen to feel safe to open up, knowing that their feelings are kept private. The therapist you have chosen will listen and talk with your teen to help them learn new skills, manage their emotions, create boundaries, and so much more.
Ways Therapy Can Help
13%-17% of teenagers are engaging in self-harming behaviors. That statistic is alarming and can usually be found alongside other signs a teenager is struggling with their mental health. Most teens who participate in teen therapy have shown signs of:
- Irritability
- Withdrawn and Isolating
- Performing poorly in school
- Changes in sleep and eating habits
- No longer enjoying activities and friends that they would normally enjoy
- Emotional and physical outbursts
If your teen is showing any of these signs, teen therapy may be just what they need. Teen therapy helps by giving your teen a safe place to talk. Once trust is built with the therapist and the teen feels comfortable, they can begin to work on connecting the emotional dots. Teen therapy guides them to learn more about their emotions and ways to process those emotions safely. It’s a time when self-esteem is built as well as learning problem-solving skills. Teen therapy can teach your teen how to navigate the thoughts they face while gaining clarity and reducing anxiety. The dynamic of teen therapy providing a safe and non-judgmental space gives teens a foundation to create emotional stability of their own.
We are Here to Help
Greater Houston Counseling Services offers support to teens. The teenage years are a journey that can be difficult to process and navigate. Sometimes all that is needed is a safe space to freely talk about the deep thoughts and feelings that are raiding your headspace, while other times more support is needed to work through certain issues. Whatever you are struggling with, our therapists are here to listen and guide you. Book an appointment today to get started.
