“If you are always trying to be normal, you’ll never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou
Teen Therapy
Has your adolescence turned into a child that you don’t understand anymore?
Do you feel helpless as to what to do about it?
The teen years are a time of significant change and exploration in a person’s life. Many teens are experiencing a tremendous amount of pressure in their day-to-day life. Some teens may experience constant “what ifs” or self-critical thoughts. Teens may be looking around at others who seemingly have things figured out and are thinking, “How do I fit in?” Maybe they are withdrawn and don’t have energy to engage. Your teen may be lashing out at you or others. Some teens have experienced a traumatic event, or extremely stressful situation that they are trying to navigate.
As parents, we all want the best for our children. However, as our children get older this can start to become far more complicated. Parents start to feel helpless and confused about how to reach their teenage children. This can lead to feeling left out, isolated, and worried by both the parent and the teen. Parents often need help and guidance to ensure making sure their teenager is going to thrive through these often-challenging years and be ready to move into adulthood.
When things start to go awry with teenagers, it’s important to take steps to ensure that both you and your teen are getting the support you need to thrive.
Is your teen struggling with any of the following?
- Friendships and/or social anxiety?
- Experiencing mood swings, anger, anxiety, or depression?
- Isolating from others?
- Having difficulties in school, extracurricular activities or with family?
- Believing they are not as good as others are (low self-esteem)?
- Having identity struggles?
- Tending to keep things inside and not tell anyone?
- Using self-harm to numb or escape the uncomfortable feelings?
Our Approach to Therapy for Teens and Adolescents
Therapy for teens is a safe space for them to process their own needs, thoughts and feelings. The process is guided by the teen’s goals and is a collaboration between the teen and the therapist. A therapist who the teen believes is a “good fit” and understands them is of utmost importance for therapy to be successful.
When counseling adolescents, we utilize a strength-based approach, emphasizing each adolescent’s unique positive attributes. We also assist adolescents in building healthy and meaningful relationships. When adolescents feel connected to others, they are more likely to experience joy and contentment in day-to-day activities.
We also work alongside parents to help them bridge gaps in communication and assist them in building a relationship with their teen that is based on mutual respect and a sense of understanding. Sessions can be held both in-person or virtually in our Milwaukee office.
