A Look into Teen Counseling: How It Can Help Your Child

counselling

Teen counselling is a type of therapy designed specifically for teenagers. It involves teens attending talk therapy in a safe space led by a mental health professional. It helps to understand and convey their feelings better, determine and address problems, and develop and practise healthy coping mechanisms. Counselling can take the form of one-on-one or group therapy sessions.

Talking to a skilled therapist can support and help your teen through this critical period of their life. Read on to learn more. 

When Counseling Is Necessary

Therapy can help your teen deal with various issues, including self-discovery, stress, life events, and mental health issues. It can also keep minor issues from becoming major ones later on in their life.

Even a few therapy sessions can make a significant difference in your teen’s overall well-being. Here are some of the most common reasons and conditions for which teens seek counselling:

  • Anxiety disorder
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Autism
  • Behavioural issues
  • Bullying 
  • Coping with a chronic health condition
  • Cultural and racial discrimination
  • Depression
  • Eating disorder
  • Gender identity, sexuality, and sexual orientation discovery
  • Grief
  • Loneliness
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Personality disorder
  • Relationship problems
  • Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
  • Stress management
  • Substance abuse
  • Trauma

Types of Teen Counseling

Counselling for teenagers comes in a variety of forms. A therapist may recommend a combination of treatments depending on the problem. Among the most common types of therapy for teenagers are:

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is frequently used for teens suffering from anxiety, depression, or trauma. A therapist will assist your teen in identifying harmful thought patterns and replacing them with positive ones.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT will assist your teen in accepting responsibility for and developing healthier coping strategies for conflict and overwhelming emotions. DBT applies to adolescents who self-harm, are suicidal, or have a borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Family Therapy 

It involves family members, such as parents, grandparents, and siblings. This type of therapy aims to improve family communication and support.

Group Therapy

A therapist leads a group therapy session with multiple patients. This approach can help your teen’s social skills and teach them how other teens constructively deal with mental health issues.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT focuses on an individual’s relationships, addressing issues and how interpersonal events can impact emotions.

Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) 

MBT assists children and adolescents struggling with their identity.

Supportive Therapy

Supportive therapy assists teens in dealing with problems in a healthy manner while also aiming to enhance their self-esteem.

How to Select a Therapist

Credentials

The therapist should be licensed in most cases. There are some exceptions, such as a religious or drug counsellor who has received special training. Keep in mind, though, that most insurance companies will only cover sessions facilitated by a licensed mental health professional.

Experience

Choose a therapist who specializes in and has experience working with teenagers. All teens are different; their problems and how they deal with them are unique to their age group.

Find teen therapists in your area by searching online and carefully reviewing their websites for information about how they work with teens and specifics about their practice. Request referrals to a specific therapist who has been recommended by another healthcare professional you trust.

Therapeutic Approach

Consider the therapist’s therapeutic approach and training. Counselling teenagers can be done in a variety of ways. Familiarize yourself with the various methods and base your decision on your teen’s issues.

Conclusion 

Your adolescent may be ready to meet with a therapist, or they may be resistant to the idea. In any case, try to persuade them that therapy is a team effort. You could begin by displaying the therapist’s website and explaining what they do and how they can guide your teen.

It’s normal for your teen to be nervous about going to therapy for the first time, especially if it’s their first time. Assure them that they are not required to share anything they feel uncomfortable doing. They don’t have to talk about something if they aren’t ready, and the therapist shouldn’t force them to do so at that.

If you need counselling services for your child, turn to Chettiar Counselling & Associates. Our therapists provide support for managing anxiety, depression, anger management, addiction counselling, relationship issues, parenting support, separation and divorce, fertility challenges, grief and loss, trauma recovery, eating disorders, and gaming addiction. Book an appointment with us today.