In the public school setting, I get this question a lot. “How do I know if my teen needs counseling and will it help?” When I meet with students and families usually following a crisis or significant behavior infraction, I often recommend therapy for the student. Understandably so, parents want to know what therapy is going to do to help their child. This is a big question and while the answer is not simple, I feel it is a resounding YES with a few caveats.
Adolescence is a time of significant emotional, social, and cognitive development, and therapy can provide valuable support and assistance during this challenging period. Therapy is sitting down with someone who is there purely for you with no preconceived notions, no agenda, no judgment, and who wants to help you make sense of your thought patterns, feelings, and reactions to the world around you. When we think of adolescents today and everything they are dealing with in an uncertain world, with endless information and social media at their fingertips, one can begin to see how therapy can be helpful to work through these issues. Therapy can help in the following ways:
-
Emotional Support: Adolescence often brings about heightened emotions and increased stress. Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for teens to express their feelings, fears, and frustrations. Having a supportive and non-judgmental environment can help them navigate complex emotions.
-
Coping Skills: Therapy helps teens develop effective coping strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other challenges. They can learn practical skills to manage their emotions, make decisions, and handle conflicts in a healthier way.
-
Improved Communication: Teens may struggle with communication, both with their peers and their parents. Therapy can enhance their communication skills, enabling them to express themselves more clearly and build healthier relationships with others.
-
Identity Exploration: Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and therapy can provide a space for teens to explore their identity, values, and beliefs. This self-exploration can contribute to a stronger sense of self and increased self-esteem.
-
Academic and Career Guidance: Therapists can assist teens in setting and achieving academic and career goals. They can provide guidance on decision-making, time management, and developing a sense of purpose for the future.
-
Crisis Intervention: For teens facing crises such as substance abuse, self-harm, or thoughts of suicide, therapy can be a crucial intervention. Therapists are trained to assess and address immediate safety concerns while working towards long-term solutions.
-
Parental Support: Family therapy or involving parents in the therapeutic process can improve parent-teen relationships. It helps parents understand their teen’s perspective and provides them with tools to support their child’s emotional well-being.
-
Building Resilience: Therapy can help teens develop resilience, the ability to bounce back from challenges. This is a valuable skill that can contribute to long-term mental and emotional well-being.
-
Social Skills: Adolescents may face difficulties in social situations, including peer pressure, bullying, or social anxiety. Therapy can provide a platform for practicing and enhancing social skills, leading to improved interpersonal relationships.
-
Addressing Mental Health Issues: If a teen is struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders, therapy can be an essential component of treatment. Therapists can work with teens to develop coping mechanisms and provide ongoing support.
Finding the right therapist for a teen can be challenging. From a parent perspective, it has to be someone you can trust. It is important to meet with the therapist, ask questions, and find out his or her therapeutic approach, so that you are comfortable as a parent. It’s also imperative that your teen feels comfortable with this person. The rapport between client and therapist is extremely important for therapy to be at its best! If you do not make a great connection immediately, give it a few sessions, but don’t be afraid to try someone else. Connection is key!
Cara Espey, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Intern