Therapy for Adolescents
Therapy for Teenagers & Adolescents.
Adolescence is often a time of intense upheaval and transition. Balancing the range of physical, emotional and developmental shifts is like walking on a tightrope. Adolescents can feel pulled in different directions by the conflicting messages, ideals and desires of the adults and peers in their lives. Longing to be accepted; struggling to make sense of their own rapidly shifting emotions and experiences; and seeking to forge their own values and identity; many adolescents end up feeling isolated or turn to risk-taking behaviors.
Common Struggles with Teenagers and Adolescents
Some adolescents can tell their parents that they need help, while others may struggle to communicate directly. Common signs that an adolescent may benefit from therapy are:
Dramatic shifts in identity, interest or mood
Social Withdrawal/Isolation
Risk-taking behaviors
Self-harm
Depression, anger and/or irritable mood
Disordered eating or body-image distortion
Regardless of their communication, there are some common struggles that most adolescents deal with at some point in their lives, including:
Social Pressures
Self-esteem
Sexuality/Relationships
Shifting identity concerns
Drugs/Alcohol
Conflict with parents
“For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
My approach with adolescents
In therapy, I provide adolescents with a safe and non-judgmental space to reflect on who they have been and discover who they are becoming. As a neutral and caring adult, I help adolescents explore and understand their conflicting feelings and desires, develop their own ideas and values, and think through the consequences of their actions in life. I relate directly and candidly to adolescents, showing care and expressing concern around actions or behaviors when appropriate.