Teen Therapy | Hanson Counseling

Teen THERAPY

Guiding Teens Towards a Brighter Future

"Is My Teen Struggling?"

It's normal to question when to intervene in your child’s life. Triggers such as self-harm, eating disorders, questionable friendships, online bullying, declining academic performance, or concerning relationships can be distressing for parents. Trust your instincts; intervening sooner rather than later can make a crucial difference. We're here to help guide your decision-making process and provide the therapy services your teen needs.

A young man with a backpack is walking down a hallway.

It’s never too early to intervene.

It’s never too late to seek help.

Navigating adolescence can be tumultuous. For many teens, it's a time riddled with emotional ups and downs, social pressures, and a quest for identity. But sometimes, what we might pass off as typical teen angst can actually be more. The moods swing from jubilant to despondent, the once vibrant communication dims to sullen silence, and the child you knew seems like a distant memory.

Your teen is retreating into isolation.
Their behavior disrupts the peaceful rhythm of family life.
Activities that once brought joy are now dismissed.
Academic performance is dwindling.

These troubling signs may point to deeper issues like self-harm, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, unhealthy influences, failing grades, cyberbullying, and distressing relationships.

Our Approach to Teen Therapy

We prioritize building a trusting and supportive relationship with your teen, fostering a safe haven where they can be candid about their internal struggles. Keeping an open dialogue, we explore:

The recurring thoughts that cloud their judgment.
The complex feelings that weigh heavily on their hearts.
The impulsive behaviors that might deter them from realizing their potential.

We acknowledge the possibility of deeper-rooted issues such as anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma influencing their current state. Together, we cultivate coping mechanisms and problem-solving techniques to equip them for life's inevitable challenges.

Two women are sitting at a table looking at a cell phone.

What To Expect in Teen Therapy

Entering the world of therapy, especially for a teen, often arrives with a mix of apprehension and hope. Adolescence brings about rapid changes, complex emotions, and distinctive challenges—and sometimes, teens need a little extra support to help manage it all. If you are a parent, school counselor, or a teen yourself venturing into this realm, it's essential to understand what teen therapy entails.

Mental Health Awareness: Teen therapy is a vital tool in fostering mental health awareness. It offers a structured environment where teens can learn about their emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns. This understanding is crucial in addressing issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma, which frequently manifest during these formative years.

Family Dynamics: Another critical aspect of teen therapy is exploring and enhancing family dynamics. Teens' attitudes can sometimes disrupt familial harmony. Therapy helps to address these interactions, encouraging better communication and stronger relationships between teens and their family members.

Coping Strategies: A significant focus of teen therapy is developing coping strategies for handling stressors and emotions. Whether it's managing feelings related to self-harming or eating disorders, navigating peer influence, or coping with the repercussions of cyberbullying, therapy equips teens with techniques to handle life's curveballs.

A Non-Judgemental Space: Above everything, we provide a safe space where teens can feel heard and validated. It's our mission to cultivate an environment where they feel secure and comfortable to open up and work through their concerns without fear of judgment.

The Journey Together: While the therapeutic relationship centers on the teen, we understand the integral role you play as their parent or guardian. Consequently, we may involve you to gain a comprehensive understanding of your teen's environment and to enhance the family dynamics through:
Improved communication channels.
Strategies to reinforce trust and mutual respect.

Taking this step to give your teen the support they need is an act of profound courage and love. It's establishing a foundation for them to build upon, to face their current struggles, and to step into a promising future with confidence and vigor.

How to Prepare for Your First Session

Starting therapy can be a significant step in a teenager's life, and approaching the first session can come with a mix of emotions and questions. Whether you're a parent prepping your teen or a teenager preparing yourself, knowing how to get ready for the initial meeting can help make the process less daunting. Here's a guide on how to best prepare for the first therapy session.

Before heading into the first session, consider these strategies:

Find a good time to talk to your teenager about therapy and reassure them that they are not in trouble for undergoing therapy.
Listen actively and take your teen’s concerns, experiences, and emotions seriously.
Try to be open, authentic, and relaxed when discussing therapy to make them feel more at ease.
Normalize their issues by talking about how common the problems they are experiencing may be.
Explain that the therapist's role is not to assign fault but to provide help and support.

Reassurance Techniques for Your Teen

Ensure teens that their feelings are valid and worthy of being heard and treated with respect. Remember, your therapist will work to understand you, not judge you.
Remind them that they can share as much as they feel comfortable — it's a process, and trust builds over time.
Research to make informed decisions about the right therapist, using recommendations, reviews, and consultations.
Trust in the therapist's professional ethics to maintain confidentiality, fostering a safe space to discuss sensitive topics.
Explain a typical first session layout, which includes ground rules about confidentiality, areas of focus for therapy, and the chance to start sharing personal experiences.
Frame therapy as a personal growth path where progression happens over time and varies from person to person.
Always keep the lines of communication open. If discomfort arises, it's encouraged to communicate these feelings as part of the therapy process.

Help your teen emerge, stronger and surer — start the transformation today.

Whether your teen is having trouble with school or exhibiting concerning behaviors, we're here to help guide your teen towards a happier, healthier path. Reach out to us today 817-992-1509 for a free consultation—because the right time to intervene is the moment you start asking yourself whether it's necessary.