How therapy can help teens/youth
We've all been there - teen-hood. and I don't know about you, but I remember how hard it could be some days! feelings are so strong, our friends are our whole world, we don't want to listen to our parents, and we crave an independence that we can't quite have.
It's normal that it's Complicated
Adolescence is such a complex stage in life where we're simultaneously building our identity, managing interpersonal relationships, handling academic pressure, navigating new emotions and striving for independence. Many times, it can feel lonely, confusing, and overwhelming. That's where therapy can help.
Supporting the Whole Family
Teen therapy isn't about "fixing" your teenager. It's about giving them a safe, neutral space to explore what they're feeling and dealing with. as we know, teens often are adverse to wanting advice from their parents, but having another safe adult relationship can make a world of a difference. It not only can help your teen navigate challenging waters, but also bring sense of peace to you family know they have a safe place to explore all of these things.
Building Emotional Awareness
Did you know that anger is a secondary emotion? We often feel it because there are other emotions happening underneath that we haven't dealt with. One important part of teen therapy is helping them not only know how to deal with emotions, but also to build clarity on why they are there in the first place. Sadness showing up as anger? anxiety looking like withdrawal? frustration that comes from not feeling heard? By understanding these emotions at a deeper level, we can then know exactly how to deal with them, in a specialized way just for you.
Developing Coping Tools
Everyone's experience is different, but teenage hood brings on social pressures, self esteem struggles, academic demands and family conflicts. One thing that your teen will explore in therapy is learning how to identify what's within their control, and how to manage what isn't. Other things that commonly come up for teens is challenges with attention and executive functions, they may also learn some personalized tools to help them succeed academically.
When to Consider Teen Therapy
Parents often reach out when they, or their teen, notice:
Withdrawal or loss of interest in things they once enjoyed
Mood changes or irritability
Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
Self-criticism, perfectionism, or feeling "not good enough"
Anxiety about school or friendships
If anything stated above resonates with you or your teen, then you are in the right place! Therapy is an opportunity to discover yourself, learn, and heal. At Kindred Counselling, we help teens feel seen, supported, and understood - because every young person deserves a space to be themselves.
Warmly,
Britney Bingham MACP, LCT, Owner of Kindred Counselling