Therapy for Teens

Is your teen under a lot of stress? Do they not seem as happy as they once did?

Maybe you’re worrying because they no longer seem to want to talk with you or seem irritable when they do talk with you, sometimes acting out in ways that concern you. 

Let’s just start with acknowledging that this could describe all of us at this point—in the midst of a global pandemic that has radically changed everybody’s daily life.

In the best of circumstances, being a teenager comes with hormonal shifts that can make them feel out of control. They may feel a greater need to do well academically and fit into social groups. Many of us remember our teenage years as a period of excitement as we grew into ourselves and tried on different ways of being. Most of us also remember how stressful and uncertain that time felt.

What looks like anger, irritability, or a lack of direction or motivation might actually be depression, anxiety, or signs of trauma.

Common Life Stressors Among Teens

• Loss: death of a loved one, including a pet, parental separation/divorce, relocation, friendship and/or social circle changes
•  Stress: pressure to succeed in school, sports, other activities, hold down a job, and be accepted by peers, etc.
• Violence: bullying, threat of violence (at school or at home), which can result in PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) symptoms
• Identity/acceptance: body image, gender identity, or sexual orientation

All of this can take its toll on a teen’s mental health and overall well-being.

This is not an exhaustive list of reasons why a teen may want to speak with a therapist by any means. If you think your teen could benefit from therapy, please reach out to me.