Everyone can benefit from a stable support system, particularly teens. Due to the many unique changes that happen during this age, they often struggle with big emotions. Puberty, increased stress levels, and jobs and college applications are among the many challenging parts of teenage life. It’s common for teens to feel overwhelmed or increasingly stressed, and they are often not equipped with the right tools to navigate through these pressures.
However, that’s completely okay: there are ways to help manage these feelings and healthily work through them. One possible tool for emotion and stress management is therapy. Therapy for teenagers ranges from simply discussing their thoughts and feelings in a safe space to developing coping strategies or working with their families to navigate big challenges.
What is Therapy?
Therapy is defined as treatment that helps an individual recover from mental health issues and alleviate emotional distress. Therapy can be greatly beneficial in working through issues that teenagers face in their day-to-day lives as they work through monumental change. Building stronger relationship skills, defining goals, changing difficult behaviors, and learning to cope with symptoms of stress or anxiety are some examples. As it becomes more common in practice, it’s important to stay educated on the many facets and types of therapy that can support teens.
What are the benefits of therapy for teenagers?
Therapy for teens can be hugely beneficial. Through talks, lessons, and other interactive elements, teenagers and their therapists can form a bond that makes the student feel safe when discussing vulnerable subjects. Therapy can help treat a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to OCD, depression, learning disorders, academic stress, social anxiety, and even ADHD.
Common Misconceptions About Therapy
Therapy is a well-known practice, but can sometimes be misunderstood. Especially in the judgemental world that teenagers live in, it’s important to clarify and define common myths about therapy.
Myth: All therapy is the same.
Fact: There is a wide variety of types of therapy offered, each of which can address and treat various mental health issues. It’s important to identify the type(s) of therapy that works best for each individual’s needs and goals.
Myth: Therapy is only for serious issues.
Fact: Therapy can be used to work through any type of mental health challenges, big or small. It’s never too early to ask for help, and going to therapy before an issue gets serious can work as a preventative measure to ensure things don’t get worse. It can also simply be a beneficial practice to develop a better sense of self and create healthy habits.
Myth: It’s embarrassing to go to therapy.
Fact: Attending therapy sessions is not something to be ashamed of whatsoever. In fact, it implies that individuals are working towards self-improvement, an admirable quality. Getting help for our struggles is never something we should be embarrassed about or hide.
Myth: Few people go to therapy.
Fact: Although there may be a stigma around therapy and many people may not be open about their experience with attending therapy, there is in fact quite a high number of individuals who go to or have gone to therapy. You are not alone!
Building and maintaining an emotional connection between parents and teens is essential for a healthy family dynamic, and ensures that teenagers feel safe asking for help and sharing vulnerable moments. This trust can be established through open conversation and empathetic support. Supporting teenagers through struggles like teenage depression and anxiety can sometimes present itself as a struggle: teens might be resistant to therapy or embarrassed about going to sessions. Parents can help by encouraging their children to shift their mindset and view therapy as lessons or coaching in life skills instead of ‘treatment’ for challenges. Parents should prioritize making their child feel safe and supported in their mental health journey, and remain open and ready to help in any way possible.
If you, a loved one, or a teenager you know are struggling with mental health challenges, therapy is a great option. to work through feelings, discuss difficult experiences, and learn about methods to cope and improve one’s outlook on life.
If you would like more information about local therapy resources please reach out to our counseling office at (208) 773-5411 or our partner Care Solace.
Care Solace is a free, confidential service that connects students and their families to mental health providers and substance use treatment matched to their needs regardless of insurance.
(888) 515-0595
caresolace.com/pfsd
