Teen Counseling
Becoming and being a teen can be challenging to say the least. It is a time of great transition both for the teen and for their family. Teens often feel caught in between childhood and adulthood. They are also seeking to be independent from their parents and struggling to find their own identity. Relationships begin to change with peers, family and with themselves. The pressures that teens face today to fit in and to be accepted are tremendous.
When difficulties arise such as divorce, crisis or problems in school, teens and their families often feel overwhelmed. Counseling can help teens work through challenges, find solutions and get back on track.
Some of the issues that bring teens to counseling include:
- depression
- anxiety
- stress
- anger
- trauma and abuse
- grief and loss
- school or academic issues
- attention span difficulties
- disruptive behavior
- conflicts with family, peers or teachers
- divorce and separation
- blended family issues
- chronic illness
- low self-esteem
- self harming behaviors
- body image issues
- social skills
Counseling Approach
Some teens are eager to get help in dealing with problems while others would rather be anywhere than in a counselor's office. In either case, my first task is to establish a good working relationship based on trust with the teen.
While some teens prefer simply to talk, others enjoy including more creative techniques in the counseling process such as art, play, sandplay, poetry or music. Thus, treatment usually combines traditional talk therapy with more creative approaches and is tailored around the needs and preferences of the teen.
When working with teens, I often use techniques from the following counseling approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Impact Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Play Therapy, Positive Parenting with a Plan: F.A.M.I.L.Y. Rules and Mindfulness.
Getting Started
To schedule an appointment or to discuss any concerns, contact me by phone at (256) 655-6762 or by email at christie@footstepscounseling.net
"To live is so startling, it leaves but little room for other occupations."
Emily Dickinson
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it."
Helen Keller