Navigating the youth can be challenging, both for the kids themselves and their families. With the complexities of adolescence, it’s crucial to find a suitable “teen therapist or counselor near me” who can help young individuals understand and cope with various mental health issues. At Theravada in Las Vegas, we offer teen therapy. Through therapy, teenagers can gain a better understanding of their emotions and acquire the tools necessary to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. It can also help them thrive while in school. It starts with just one session and the potential for a therapist or counselor to step in and help. Let’s explore different aspects of therapy for teenagers, including the types of therapy services available, common mental health conditions in teenagers, popular therapy approaches, and the benefits of teen therapy!
Types of Therapy
The type of counseling used for a specific teenager will depend on their unique circumstances and the type of provider they seek out. Different providers use different approaches and treatment plans with their clients, and it is important to remember that there isn’t a single gold standard of care for therapy. Likewise, what works well for one client may not have the same results for someone else.
Some types of therapeutic interventions and methods used when treating youths include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This widely used first-line approach can enhance the teen’s wellbeing by focusing on identifying and modifying distorted thoughts that negatively affect their mood and behavior. In different adaptations, CBT can work well for adolescents with disruptive behavior, depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep disorders, and many other concerns.
- Behavioral Therapy (BT): Behavioral therapy (BT) is a precursor to CBT with the primary focus being on behavior change. BT is often a suited therapeutic option for addressing anxiety, phobias, ADHD, or disruptive behavior disorders in teens. Using a variety of interventions, BT aims to modify/discourage troubling behaviors and reinforce positive ones, as well as build the teen’s self-confidence to cope with stressful situations and life challenges.
- Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT): Stemming from a psychodynamic framework, MBT centers around increasing an understanding of one’s own and other people’s emotions. MBT can be used across different settings and can help teens who have emotional problems, poor self-control, depression, anxiety, relational difficulties, and more.
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): An evidenced-based, brief therapy, IPT targets maladaptive thoughts and behaviors but only pertaining to peer friendships and family members. IPT may be an effective intervention for adolescents struggling with depression as they learn to better relate to parents and friends, and effectively manage conflicts.4
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is an evidence-based therapy that often involves a combination of group and individual sessions. It stresses taking responsibility for one’s own setbacks and can help teens explore how they cope with intense feelings and difficult situations. It can be useful for treating older teens who exhibit suicidal thoughts, engage in self-harm, or may have borderline personality disorder.5
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This type of treatment has a flexible framework that focuses on embracing distressful feelings, unwanted experiences, or negative thoughts, while also being able to create healthy life changes. With a therapist’s guidance, teens can use their in-depth understanding of their emotional strains to commit to moving forward in a healthy manner.6
- Family Therapy: Family therapy can be an effective intervention particularly for troubled teens. In general, a family therapeutic approach seeks to bring a healthy balance within the family dynamics. Thus, finding a family therapist/counselor and engaging the entire family in treatment with a difficult teen can enable them to gain the skills to better interact and communicate with one another, and learn ways to support the teen and manage their behavioral problems.7
- Mindfulness: Among the many benefits of mindfulness several studies have shown that mindfulness-based interventions can help regulate intense emotions. This can be particularly useful for a teen’s mental wellness during a period in which their emotions tend to be high. Practicing mindfulness can increase their self-awareness and improve the teen’s ability to identify situations when they can tone down their reactions.(Source: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/find-teen-therapist/)
Types of therapy services for teens
Our teen therapy or counseling services can be offered in various formats, including individual, group, and family therapy, each addressing different aspects of a teenager’s mental health. Individual therapy or counseling focuses on the teenager’s personal issues and emotions as well as behavioral issues and academic pressure, relationship issues, providing a safe space for self exploration and growth. Therapy or counseling for teens can also incorporate parenting issues when parents take an active role in their child’s treatment.
Group therapy or counseling allows teenagers to connect with their friends and peers facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and shared understanding. Family therapy or counseling involves the entire family unit, addressing communication issues and strengthening bonds with others.
Understanding the different types of therapy or counseling services we offer can help parents and teenagers choose the most appropriate approach for their specific needs.
Individual therapy or counseling
Individual therapy is a type of counseling that focuses on the individual’s personal issues and emotions, providing a secure environment for self examination and development. This one on one therapy or counseling session can help through the teenage years by:
- A therapist/counselor helping them better understand and manage their emotions.
- A therapist/counselor helping them address mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
- A therapist/counselor helping them to uncover and treat trauma and attachment wounds.
- A therapist/counselor helping them to cultivate self esteem.
An individualized treatment plan will be created to address the specific needs of the teenager.
Group therapy or counseling
Group therapy or counseling is a form of counseling in which a collective of individuals with common issues or experiences come together to discuss their struggles and provide one another with support. This type of therapy or counseling can help adolescents feel less isolated and more understood as they connect with others facing similar challenges. Group therapy or counseling fosters a sense of belonging and mutual understanding, as well as providing a safe space to practice communication and emotional regulation skills.
Family therapy or counseling
Family therapy or counseling is a form of counseling that involves the entire family, focusing on improving communication, developing friendships, and helping families work together to resolve conflicts. By involving all family members, including parents, siblings, and other relatives, a family therapist or counselor can enhance communication, problem solving skills, and trust and honesty within the family unit.
This type of therapy or counseling can be particularly beneficial for teenagers and their parent, as it can help build better relationships with a parent, sibling, or family member and provide additional support for their emotional health
Signs that your teen needs to see a therapist/counselor
While there may be signs that your teenager is struggling, such as a depressed mood and sudden behavioral changes, there is a high probability that you may not know whether your teen needs professional help. Children may be more secretive and withdrawn from their families at this age and internalize their suffering. As a result, they might not come forward with how they feel, especially if they worry about being shamed or judged.
That said, some potential signs that your teenager may benefit from seeing a therapist or a counselor:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or depression
- Talking or making gestures about suicide
- Isolating from friends and family
- Sudden feelings of grandeur and mania, associated with bipolar disorder
- Evidence of self-harm (cutting, burning, hitting oneself)
- Dramatic changes in appearance or weight
- Concerns or evidence of substance use or addiction
- Sudden behavioral changes (new friends, drop in grades, disregard for usual hobbies)
- Heightened anxiety in some or many situations
Therapists or a counselor can provide effective treatment by providing child and parent assessing teen girls or boys for their needs in the first session. Teen mental health requires that therapists or a counselor actively engage with the child, placing their needs and expressions as a top priority while keeping in mind the parent or parents and their role in therapy or counseling.
The therapeutic process is explained by therapists or a counselor in a setting that should make the child feel comfortable talking throughout the first and each subsequent session. A session should be directed by the therapist or counselor so that the child and parent are guided as to how the process goes and what to expect and that feeling nervous is a normal part of the process.
Common mental health conditions in teenagers
Teenagers may experience various teenager mental health related issues, such as a mental health condition like:
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Self esteem issues.
- Trauma.
These conditions can be addressed through therapy or counseling. According to data from 2020, 17.0% of the US population aged 12 to 17 experienced at least one major depressive episode.
Youths belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community may face unique challenges related to their evolving sexuality and gender identity, such as bullying and an increased risk of suicide. By seeking therapy or counseling, teenagers can learn to cope with these mental health conditions and develop the skills necessary to navigate the challenges of childhood.
Depression and anxiety
Depression and anxiety are common mental health concerns among teens. These conditions can have a significant impact on a teenager’s daily life, affecting their ability to function at school, maintain connections with others, and engage in activities they once enjoyed.
Therapy or counseling can help teenagers in the following ways:
- Develop healthy behavioral strategies.
- Learn emotional regulation skills.
- Manage depression and anxiety more effectively.
- Address the root causes of these conditions.
- Create plans to control symptoms.
- Provide necessary support to overcome challenges.
By utilizing therapy or counseling from one of our mental health care providers, teenagers can develop the necessary skills and support to overcome their mental health challenges.
Self image and body image issues
Self image and body image issues can arise during childhood, as youths go through significant physical and emotional changes. These very low self esteem issues can lead to:
- Feelings of insecurity or dissatisfaction with one’s appearance.
- Comparison to others.
- Negative self talk.
- Social withdrawal.
- Disordered eating behaviors.
- Depression or anxiety.
These issues can potentially impact a child or teen girl or boy’s mental health, overall well being, and life, but counseling can help.
Therapy or counseling can help teenagers in the following ways:
- Build a positive self image.
- Develop confidence.
- Navigate the challenges of adolescence with greater ease.
- Address underlying issues.
- Provide support.
Past trauma and stress
Past trauma and stress can impact a teenager’s mental health, potentially leading to issues such as depression, anxiety, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Therapy or counseling can provide a safe space for youths to process and heal from past traumas, allowing them to better understand and manage their feelings.
By addressing the root causes of trauma and teaching coping strategies, therapy or counseling can help teen girls and boys build resilience and effectively navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Popular therapy or counseling approaches for teens
Different therapy or counseling approaches target different aspects of mental health and can be effective in helping youths navigate their feelings and challenges. By understanding the various therapy or counseling approaches, parents and their children can choose the most appropriate method for addressing their specific concerns.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well established and effective treatment approach for a variety of mental health needs, including anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBT focuses on the relationship between a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, helping individuals recognize and modify destructive thought patterns and behaviors.
Through various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques, and various therapy or counseling approaches, therapists or a counselor use CBT to help youths develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to situations, ultimately improving their life and teenage years.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
IPT is a form of psychotherapy that concentrates on alleviating symptoms by enhancing interpersonal functioning. IPT targets current issues and interactions with others, helping individuals recognize and articulate their feelings while honing communication and problem solving abilities.
By fostering healthier connections with others, IPT has been shown to enhance communication and emotional regulation, promote family relationships, and build resilience and healthy strategies in teenagers.
Exposure therapy
This type of therapy or counseling is a psychological treatment plan that assists individuals in confronting their fears by systematically exposing them to the feared stimulus in a secure environment. This type of therapy is particularly effective for anxiety disorders, phobias, and other mental health issues that involve fear and avoidance.
This type of therapy or counseling functions by gradually exposing the patient to the feared stimulus in a secure environment, allowing the patient to confront their fear and anxiety and acquire coping strategies to manage their reactions.
Benefits of therapy or counseling for teens from a mental health professional or mental health care providers
Teen counseling offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improved communication.
- Emotional regulation.
- Resilience.
- Coping skills.
- Strengthened family bonds.
Additionally, counseling can provide a non judgmental and confidential atmosphere for youths to openly discuss their experiences and concerns, ultimately leading to a more positive sense of self and well being.
Improved communication and emotional regulation
Therapy or counseling can help youths develop better communication and emotional regulation skills, allowing them to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. By learning to recognize and articulate their feelings, youths can better manage their feelings and respond appropriately to situations.
Improved communication skills can lead to better interactions with peers and adults, as well as increased self confidence and problem solving abilities.
Building resilience and coping skills
Seeing a therapist or counselor can build resilience and healthy coping mechanisms in youths, empowering them to face adversity and bounce back from setbacks. By developing the following skills, children can better manage stress, anxiety, and other challenging emotions.
- Problem solving.
- Self care.
- Self awareness.
- Communication.
- Emotional regulation.
These skills are critical for youths to cultivate in order to manage the obstacles of life and maintain their mental wellness.
Strengthening family bonds
Family therapy or counseling can strengthen family bonds by:
- Addressing communication issues.
- Fostering a supportive environment for all members.
- Improving communication.
- Resolving conflicts.
- Cultivating positive relationships.
Summary
By understanding the various types of therapy services or counseling we offer, popular therapy approaches, and benefits of teen counseling, parents and teenagers can make informed decisions about the most appropriate therapy or counseling options for their situation. By investing in therapy at Theravada Mental Health, parents can help their children navigate the complexities of adolescence and build a strong foundation for lifelong mental health.
Frequently asked questions
What is adolescent counseling?
Finding a therapist or counselor and therapy for your child can be a daunting task. If you are seeking therapy or counseling for your teenage daughter or son, therapy for this population helps young people make sense of their feelings, thoughts and behaviors. It can involve traditional talking therapy or other techniques such as art therapy. The age group for youths is typically 13-18 years old.
A therapist or counselor will engage your child in exploring their thoughts and feelings in the first session and each subsequent counseling session.
What age should you get therapy or counseling?
Therapy or counseling for young children can be beneficial and there is no age limit to start. For older children, it is usually recommended to seek therapy around ages 7-9, when they have developed the necessary communication skills and independence. Therapists who work with younger children may need specialized training.
How do I talk to my teen about the decision to start therapy or counseling?
Many parents feel nervous or unprepared to talk to their teen about therapy or counseling or for their teen. However, modeling openness can help your child feel more comfortable talking about their own feelings.
If you seem angry, uneasy, or disconnected about your child needing help, they will likely shut down as a result. The goal is to get them to be open to seeing a therapist or counselor for the first session.
Start by stating your observations: You may acknowledge the symptoms you have noticed, but aim to be objective without shaming. For example, you might say, “I’ve noticed that you stay in your room most of the day and struggling in school. You no longer spend time with your friends. Want to talk about it?”
Be ready for defensiveness: Your teen might deny any problems or get upset at you for highlighting their issues. This usually comes from a place of fear or shame. Try not to fight against their defensiveness, and remain calm instead. Let them know that you want to listen and you want what’s best for them.
Provide them with options: Options can be helpful if your teenager exhibits resistance to therapy or counseling. For example, if they’re against seeing a counselor on their own, you might ask if they’re open to family therapy or other types of therapy or counseling.
You can also try to get them involved in the search process, or ask what it would take for them to feel excited about therapy or counseling.
Give them space and autonomy: Some teens balk at the idea of therapy because they worry their parents will become overly involved in their treatment.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to establish ground rules with your teenager and encourage them to do their own research about confidentiality in counseling.
It may also be helpful for the therapist or counselor to overview what will and will not be discussed. Do your best to respect that your child needs a safe space away from you to talk about their feelings.