When to Consider Counselling for your Teen
When to Consider Counselling for your Teen
Therapy, Mental Health, Counselling, Adolescent Counselling, Teen Mental Health, Psychological Supports, Help and Support, Child Therapy, Inner West Melbourne
The teenage years are often a time of change, confusion, and growth. It’s completely normal for teens to experience mood swings, test boundaries, and navigate their independence. But what happens when those struggles seem to go beyond the typical teenage challenges? As a parent, it can be hard to know when to step in and seek professional help.
In this post, we’ll explore some signs that might indicate your teen could benefit from counseling, and how to approach the idea of therapy with empathy and care.
Signs Your Teen Might Need Counseling
Persistent Mood Changes While it’s normal for teens to have ups and downs, persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability can be a red flag. If your teen seems disengaged, doesn’t enjoy activities they once did, or has trouble bouncing back from difficult emotions, they might need extra support.
Depression and anxiety are common in teens, and counseling can provide a safe space for them to explore their feelings and learn coping skills to manage those emotions (Hirschfeld, 2001).
Behavioral Changes If your teen is acting out in ways that are unusual for them, it could be a sign of emotional distress. This might include increased anger, rebelliousness, or risky behavior like substance use or unsafe sexual activity. These behaviors can be ways of coping with pain, and counseling can help them better understand what’s going on beneath the surface (Becker-Weidman, 2010).
Struggling with School or Relationships School stress, social pressures, and friendship issues can weigh heavily on teens. If your teen starts avoiding school or social situations, it could be a sign of deeper anxiety or social struggles. Similarly, if they seem to be withdrawing from friends or family, it might indicate they’re struggling with loneliness, low self-esteem, or self-worth (Rapee, 2017).
Experiencing a Life Change or Trauma Major life transitions—like parental separation, moving to a new town, or the loss of a loved one—can be especially challenging for teens. Even though they may appear resilient on the outside, these experiences can deeply affect their emotional health. If your teen is struggling to cope with a major life change, counseling can help them process their emotions and build resilience (Tyrrell, 2016).
Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts If you notice signs of self-harm, like cuts or burns, or if your teen expresses thoughts of wanting to hurt themselves, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. These are serious signs of emotional distress, and professional counseling is essential to ensure your teen gets the support they need.
Talking to Your Teen About Counseling
Discussing therapy with your teen can feel tricky, especially if they’re resistant to the idea. It’s important to approach the conversation with empathy, respect, and an open mind. Here are a few tips for starting the conversation:
Normalize the Process Let your teen know that seeking help doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with them—it’s just a way to get support during tough times. Reassure them that everyone needs help sometimes, and therapy is a healthy way to take care of their mental and emotional well-being.
Listen Without Judgment Encourage your teen to express their feelings, and listen actively without offering immediate solutions or judgments. Sometimes, simply feeling heard and understood can make a world of difference.
Respect Their Autonomy Teens are learning to become more independent, so it’s important to involve them in the decision-making process. If they’re open to it, let them help choose a therapist or decide what they want to work on in therapy. This can help them feel more in control of the process.
Be Patient It’s normal for teens to have mixed feelings about counseling. They may be hesitant at first, but giving them space to process their emotions and revisit the idea later can make a big difference.
The Benefits of Counseling for Teens
Counseling provides a safe, confidential space for teens to explore their feelings, gain new perspectives, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. A trained therapist can help them navigate life’s challenges and give them tools to manage stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions in a constructive way.
Through therapy, teens can also improve their self-esteem, communication skills, and ability to form healthy relationships. The skills they learn in counseling can serve them well not only in their teenage years but throughout their adult lives.
How to Find the Right Counselor
When choosing a therapist for your teen, look for someone who specializes in adolescent mental health. It’s important to find a counselor who is experienced with the unique challenges teens face, such as peer pressure, academic stress, and family dynamics.
Many teens respond well to therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which can help them understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a healthy way. Play therapy or art therapy can also be helpful for teens who struggle to express themselves with words.
It’s also essential to ensure your teen feels comfortable with the therapist. If they don’t feel like they can open up, it may be worth trying a different therapist until they find someone they feel at ease with.
Conclusion
Knowing when to bring your teen to counseling can be challenging, but it’s an important step in supporting their emotional well-being. If your teen is struggling with persistent mood changes, behavioral issues, or life transitions, counseling can provide valuable tools to help them manage their emotions and navigate difficult situations.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By offering your teen the support of a professional, you’re giving them the opportunity to build resilience, gain confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive. And most importantly, you’re showing them that it’s okay to ask for help when life feels overwhelming.
If you’re considering counseling for your teen, here are a few resources to explore:
ReachOut: Online support for teens
Contact Us
If you would like to engage with Together To Grow for therapeutic supports for your teenager feel welcome to reach out to us today. We are here to offer comprehensive mental health therapeutic support and will help you through each step of the journ
References
Becker-Weidman, A. (2010). Attachment-Based Family Therapy: A Guide to Theory and Practice. Jason Aronson, Inc.
Hirschfeld, R. M. (2001). Depression in Children and Adolescents: An Overview. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 62(7), 12–17.
Rapee, R. M. (2017). The Parent’s Guide to Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Your Child Roots and Wings. New Harbinger Publications.
Tyrrell, C. (2016). Supporting Teens Through Difficult Life Changes. Parenting Press.
