NYC Teenage Counseling
The question, “Could your teenager benefit from professional counseling?” can be a difficult one to address. Adolescent children may not always be forthright in communicating their struggles to parents. If teens aren’t openly asking for help, how can parents know when to intervene?
Seeking emotional or behavioral health should be celebrated, as you are taking the first steps toward healing.
At Eclectic Psychotherapy Group, we believe this includes teenagers, who are already struggling with the ups and downs of adolescence but might also be dealing with additional underlying troubles.
Many Teenagers Struggle Through the Ups and Downs of Adolescence
As parents, we rightly believe that these teens are still our children, but as they grow through this transitory period into adults, confusing emotions only highlight underlying stressors and troubles.
Teenagers are often reluctant to open up to their parents, as they may feel guilty or ashamed to have the thoughts or emotions that they do. This makes it difficult for parents to get through to their children, and it can inadvertently come across as scolding or anger at the problem.
Still, teenagers are in this time of their life where they feel like they are no longer children. They are beginning to see the world in a different light, developing their own opinions, and adapting to new social structures.
Counseling can help your teen navigate this new world and ensure they can transition into adulthood with a healthy mindset and the tools to create positive habits and behaviors.
Do You Feel Like You’ve Lost Your Teenager?
It is normal for teens to stop relying on their parents as they grow into teenagers. They are learning independence in their new social circles and exploring the world outside of the home.
Still, there is room for concern when a teenager is excessively detached from the parent, distracted, or getting involved in dangerous social circles.
If you feel like you’ve lost your teen and they are experiencing troubles, counseling can help.
When Should a Teenager Seek Counseling?
As a parent, it can be difficult to determine when your child should seek counseling.
Teenagers are not often forthright with parents in expressing their needs and concerns, making it difficult to see the warning signs, especially if your child is quiet-natured.
Behavioral or emotional problems may be a sign that your teen is struggling and needs professional help, especially if your teen expresses thoughts about death or excessive worry often, or their sleeping habits change frequently.
If you have expressed concern to your teenager and it hasn’t encouraged them to open up, or if they express complex emotions that they need help working through, it is time to consider professional counseling services.
Signs of Anxiety in a Teenager
Every teenager will experience anxiety in some form before an important test or during hard life changes. Chronic anxiety, however, can be a warning sign for deeper emotional trouble that can follow them into adulthood without help.
Emotional signs of anxiety in teens include feeling on edge, irritable, distracted, or restless.
Physical signs of anxiety can manifest in unexplained aches, fatigue, or headaches. They may be avoiding extracurricular activities, isolating themselves from others, and spending more time alone, prone to sudden and unexplained outbursts.
Signs of Depression in a Teenager
All teenagers experience depression in some form, but it is often fleeting. When the feelings become chronic troubles, there is a real concern for depression, which can take a significant toll on their mental health.
Emotional signs of depression include feelings of anger, sadness, hopelessness, and irritability. They may also feel worthless, have trouble remembering things, and practice self-blame and criticism frequently.
Physical signs of depression can come in the form of self-harm, outbursts of anger, poor performance in school, social isolation, and poor sleep habits, often in combination with chronic fatigue.
Get Help with Teen Counseling Staten Island – Eclectic Psychotherapy Group
The old adage “raising a child takes a village” is still true today, which is why we have placed such a strong focus on teen counseling in Staten Island. Early counseling can help resolve mental health troubles in adolescence while they are fresh, helping your child break free of troubling thought patterns and behavioral patterns.
Our counselors are available to talk to you about teen counseling options. Contact us today for more information.
The Warning Signs of a Struggling Teen
Teens who could benefit from professional counseling often give warning signs that they need help. If your teenager consistently seems down, depressed, sad, or anxious, he or she may benefit from speaking with a psychotherapist.
Similarly, if your teenager experiences frequent mood swings, displays concerning behaviors, or focuses on death or other dark topics, he or she may need to see a therapist. Teenagers who are struggling may also become disinterested in school or allow their grades to slip. Sometimes, teens who are struggling also become socially isolated and distance themselves from their families and peers. They may even become irritable or easily angered.
How will teen counseling benefit my child?
Teen counseling offers adolescents a safe and non-judgmental environment to express their feelings and concerns.
Our team of empathetic therapists will work with your teen to help understand and identify their challenges, provide insight, and offer solution-focused interventions to foster growth and overall mental wellness. Counseling can help your teen resolve inner conflict, and improve his or her interpersonal relationships.
What is a parent’s role in teen counseling?
Professional counseling is meant to be confidential, and teen counseling is no different. Teen therapy sessions are confidential, and information shared within sessions is privileged. Your teen may decide to discuss sessions with you on a personal basis, but a psychotherapist is only allowed to provide parents with general statements regarding therapy progress.
Occasionally, a child engaging in teen counseling may agree to sit in on a joint family therapy session. These sessions are great opportunities to bond with your child and identify struggles within the family dynamic. Therapists may break confidentiality in teen counseling if your teen reveals information that leads the counselor to the belief that he or she poses a danger to himself or others. This is called “Duty to Warn”. If such an instance occurs, parents will be notified immediately.
Many people believe that raising a child takes a village. If your teenager is struggling, he or she will benefit from your support, and also, the support of a trained therapist. Read our reviews to see why we are the best teenage counselors in NY!
