Individual Counseling for Teens
If you are a teen and you landed here, congrats! More and more teens are proactive about their mental health and that might include doing your own search for therapy. Maybe you parents suggested it, or a counselor at school, or you just know you want some support.
The internet has lots more resources about mental health now than in the past, and teens can get information on topics that are hard to get in school or from friends. There are on-line therapy sites, and even AI therapy, and they all have something to offer.
But here’s a caution for you.
There really is a lot of junk floating around and when it comes to your well-being, you want to know the source has your best interest as a core value.
Friends often have various degrees of knowledge and/or experiences with mental health issues;their own, or a family member’s. Sometimes, they can be really helpful in talking with you about what they know. They may have strong opinions on types of therapy, medication, confidentiality, ect., and it’s important for you to do your own research, to get accurate information.
Here’s where talking to a real therapist can be most helpful. A therapist who works with teens and has a way of connecting with them, is someone you can count on to tell you the truth, and help you have a good first experience with therapy.
How do you find the right therapist for you? You gotta shop around!
Your parents might have gotten some recommendations from a school counselor, or a friend, and you can be open to hearing about their suggestions about a therapist. You are also capable of doing your own research and getting some suggestions from an adult that you trust.
Most therapists offer a free consultation. Your parent(s), and you can talk to one or several therapists, , usually by zoom or phone, and ask questions to get a sense of if they are a good fit for you.
You aren’t obligated to a certain number of sessions, but it’s important you attend at least 3-4 to get a good sense of how the therapy is going to go. There are lots of types of therapy, and many different methods, but all of them should include steps for you to take: first,learning about how they will help you, and then practicing them in real life. This kind of homework can be life changing!
If you are here, there is a good chance you know you want support to make some changes. You probably know many different reasons why teens go to therapy.
Here are issues I can help you with
-School problems: avoiding or refusing to attend, or a negative change in your school participation.
-Struggling with ADHD, or coping with being on the autism spectrum
-Feelings of sadness that may relate to family conflict, divorce, death of a loved one, or on-going symptoms of depression
-Anxiety that may be about your lack of confidence, or the unfair expectations of others
-Changes in your sleep or eating patterns
-Dependence on drugs or alcohol
-Problems with peers, loss of friendships, loneliness
–Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
– Avoiding school
– Feeling like you are good enough
– Increasing conflicts with family or friends
Why do I love working with teens?
All my life I have felt a connection with teens, their families, and young adults. I have been a foster parent to many teen boys, and supervised a group home for it girls. In my many years working at the high school social worker, I have walked along side students and their times of grief, anxiety, isolation and yes times of joy. I am grateful for every encounter with a teen who is ready, and asking for help, even when their behavior is confusing. After all these years, yes, it’s a lot of years!, I love partnering with teens and their families as they take steps to improve their confidence and relationships.
Whats’ next?
I’d love to meet you and see if we are a good fit for helping you get to a better place. Yes, you can contact me on your own, by clicking the free consult button. I’m happy to introduce myself to you and listen to what brings you to considering therapy. After that, if you want to take the next step, let your parents know and they can contact me to set up an appointment to talk with me.