Is your teen under a lot of stress? Do they not seem as happy as they once did? Have they always experienced emotional/behavioral difficulties or is this something new for them?
Most of us remember our teenage years as a combination of great fun, burgeoning freedom, and a tremendous amount of stress. During this time our hormone levels are skyrocketing, making us feel emotionally out of control. We also feel a greater need to perform well academically and fit into social circles. All of this stress can take its toll on a teen’s mental health and overall well-being which can result in behavioral issues at home, work, and school.
Common Life Challenges Among Teens
Teens can often face some serious life challenges that impact their mental health and well-being.
- Loss - Loss can come in the form of a death of a loved one, including a pet, and it can also come in the form of parental separation or divorce. A loss also happens when a family moves to a new location and the teen must go to a new school or if a teen has to make a change in friend groups.
- Stress - A little stress is normal in life and can even be motivating. But too much stress can cause burnout at any age. Many teens face tremendous amounts of stress to do well in school, hold down a job, and be accepted by their peers.
- Violence - Teens that are bullied at school or at home suffer, and are often alone. If not dealt with, the aftermath of violence can result in PTSD symptoms.
This is not an exhaustive list of reasons why a teen may want to speak with a therapist.
What Are Some of the Best Types of Therapy for Teens?
There are three general types of therapy for teens experiencing mental health issues:
Individual Therapy
In these private, one-on-one sessions, a therapist will provide a space to help the teen openly discuss their feelings as well as make a connection between their thoughts and feelings, as well as understand how these impact their behavior. The therapist may also help both the teen and parents identify additional resources to support teen's overall well-being (i.e. school counselor, psychiatrist, updated physical from family doctor).
Family Therapy
In this scenario, the teen would go to therapy with their parent(s) and sometimes even with siblings. This style of therapy can be very beneficial as it allows the family to communicate effectively and respectfully. If family therapy may be difficult for all members of the family to attend, your teen's therapist may meet with parent(s) briefly during teen's individual session to see where any additional may be support needed for both the teen and family.
Group Therapy
Group therapy includes a therapist leading a group of a teen's peers to help them learn from each other as well as feel a sense of connection to decrease the loneliness they may experience. Groups are often specific to the issues teens are dealing with (i.e. Eating Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Social Skills).
Which type of therapy will be best for the teen can be discussed with your teens therapist. Therapists may use a combination of all three of these types of therapy.
At this time, RIZE Counseling is currently offering Individual and Family therapy for teens, and can provide referrals and resources for Group sessions. Please contact our administration team for more information on how we can help you and your teen.