Counseling for Teens

Articles in mental health journals often allude to two developmental tasks of adolescence, developing a strong identity that relates to a vocational or career interest and learning to use advanced social skills, such as the ability to have empathy and to see another's perspective. As a result, problems that bring adolescents to counseling often relate to either school or relationships. Adolescent counseling helps teens learn how to identify and regulate emotions, improve relationships, and develop skills for handling conflicts and solving problems. Developing these skills also builds self-esteem in any adolescent.

Psychotherapists who offer adolescent counseling work with families, groups, or individuals. Even though therapists provide a safe place for teens to discuss the issues that are of concern to them, teens are sometimes hesitant to begin counseling. If your teen is reluctant to see a therapist, ask about specific concerns and address these openly and honestly. Explain that therapy is about growth and that people who participate in therapy learn to understand themselves better. Be sure to discuss confidentiality as well. Â

 

Your teen may enjoy looking at the profiles of the healing professionals listed on this site. If you notice that he or she is drawn to a particular therapist, there's a good chance that the person will be a good match for your adolescent. Counseling, as you know, is most helpful when there is strong relationship between the therapist and client.Â