Therapy for Adolescents & Teens

Help Your Teen or Adolescent Navigate Difficult Changes

How do I know my teen or adolescent needs help?

A few indications your teen or adolescent might need help:

  • Extreme mood swings
  • Self medicating (drugs, alcohol)
  • Eating disorder
  • Self-harm
  • Neglect of personal appearance
  • Showering less often
  • Anger, hostility
  • Withdrawal from friends & family
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Lack of motivation

 

Here's what an emotionally healthy teen looks like:

  • Developing good interpersonal skills
  • Is becoming better at conflict resolution
  • Can express emotions constructively
  • Is learning to delay gratification
  • Is learning to accept responsibility for self
  • Is developing healthy decision making skills

 

As a parent, you may find your teen is a little reluctant to come in for counseling. I’ve found that it can be helpful to suggest that you come in as a family, or to explain that you as a parent need some advice on how to improve your relationship.

The most important thing is that the teen feel cared about, rather than feeling like you’re trying to “fix” them. If they feel you’re trying to “straighten them out”, they will most likely resist therapy. It’s best to approach your teen casually, and with sincerity. Never demand or pressure teens into counseling – the old adage “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink” applies.

We can’t even begin to comprehend the pressures and difficulties teens today face. Remember that no matter what they’re communicating verbally, on the inside, your teen really would appreciate having someone to help them deal with their life struggles and challenges. The most important thing you can do for your children is get healthy yourself! Depressed or anxious teens benefit greatly from therapy, but studies show that kids of parents who are currently depressed or anxious do not benefit as much

Recent Posts About Counseling for Teens

Navigating the Roller Coaster: A Parent’s Guide to Your Teen’s Mental Health Treatment

October 14, 2023

5 Tips for Encouraging Your Teen Through a Difficult Time

August 10, 2023

Should My Teen See a Counselor?

April 12, 2023

Hope. Heal. Connect.

With Therapy for Adolescents & Teens that's Focused on Results

On the other side of our time together, our goal is for your teen to to experience:

Better conflict resolution

Learning to express emotions

Developing better relationship skills

Developing healthy decision making skills

Moving from Social Isolation to Connectedness

Learning to accept responsibility for self

End Result:

a more fulfilling, enjoyable life

The end result is to help you make step by step changes that result in a more fulfilling, enjoyable life.

Get in Touch.

Have Any Questions?

Here’s my FAQ, or I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. When I’m in session it’s not possible to answer phone calls, so it’s best to call & leave me a detailed voicemail message at 253-952-4147. You can typically expect a reply from me within 24 hours.

Ready To Make An Appointment?

You can make an appointment by emailing me, using the “Schedule an Appointment” form, or leaving me a voicemail message. I will reply as soon as possible.

© 2024 Counseling in Federal Way by Paul Croft LMHC Therapist