Teen Therapy

The teenage years are not all fun and games.

Teens strive to reach adulthood, yet they still require your support as parents. They are like hamsters, nocturnal, racing on the wheel all night, and filling up with food, friends, and Fridays. Yet, the roller coaster of development can keep parents in for a wild ride.

It may feel like one day you are connecting with your teen, and the next day it seems like an alien has taken over your home. They need your advice but sometimes would rather seek relationships with their peers.

The brains, hearts, and minds of teens are evolving. They are trying to figure out the evolution into adulthood, yet cling to what is familiar, which can bring tension. Challenges are everywhere, including demands of school, navigating relationships with peers, worrying about the future, and a host of other issues that can make life stressful.

At the same time, parents strive to understand their teen and worry about their mental state. The question is, “How do I help my teen survive this transition?”

Teen therapy is all about survival and thriving.

At Sierra Oak Counseling, I believe that to pave the way, relationships are essential. There are three pillars to relationships: self, others, and the world. Helping a teen find connection is of utmost importance.

I specialize in anxiety, self-confidence, and a growth mindset, as well as college prep with teens. I understand that navigating the lens of a teenager is complex and complicated, but working with the teenager and their parent fosters connection as we work toward a healthy adulthood.

And as parents, sometimes, we need others to be in the ring while navigating this stage of development.

Therapy may be right for your teen if:

They are displaying a loss of self-esteem or lack confidence. Making friends can be challenging, especially for those who struggle with communication skills. They may procrastinate instead of completing their assignments, which can lead to poor performance in their classes.

The thought of what happens next can create a level of anxiety, especially with the stress of preparing for graduation, applying to college, and potentially moving away from family.

Perhaps they show a lack of maturity as a result of developmental delay, which makes the teen years even more stressful. Additionally, they may demonstrate sleep difficulties from all the pressure they feel. Loss of a loved one or pet and pregnancy are other issues that the teen may deal with at this critical stage of their life.

Unfortunately, many teens may be hesitant to share their innermost feelings with their family and even their friends, fearing judgment.

What can we actually do to help your teen?

First, we meet with you! At Sierra Oak Counseling, we believe in working with parents who hold vital insight and influence to support their teens’ wellness and development.

In one session, we take the time to sit down, gather a thorough history, and hear your concerns. Next, we meet with your teen and build a relationship with them. Then, we schedule four subsequent sessions.

After these four sessions, we will meet with you again to review the treatment plan and determine if any additional follow-up sessions are recommended. Of course, your teen will also have input in this review of goals and subsequent sessions. This helps role model the steps towards adulthood.

Next Steps? Connect with me for a consultation by clicking here. I look forward to supporting you during this stage of your teen’s life.