A Parent’s Guide to Counseling for Teenagers

For many, the teenage years can feel awkward and challenging. However, these feelings can go beyond typical growing pains for some. Even if it seems your teen has nothing to be anxious or depressed about, it’s vital to remember that most teenagers don’t share everything with their guardians.

Addressing mental health concerns is an essential way to prevent them from becoming a significant obstacle, and that’s why the therapists at Mind Matters are here to help. Our expert team has compiled a guide for parents for counseling teenagers.

A teen therapist’s office is a safe place for teens to discuss their feelings without fear of judgment. These honest discussions are essential for helping teenagers learn healthy coping skills to navigate complex emotional and social situations.

Mastering these techniques can build their confidence and self-esteem, which is necessary for forming their identity into adulthood. Therapy can also teach conflict resolution strategies that your teen can practice at home.

Mental health issues have a stigma surrounding them, making it difficult for many individuals to seek treatment. These stigmas can be especially true for parents of teenagers who don’t want to make them feel like they’re not normal or different from their peers.

Here are some common myths surrounding therapy for teenagers and the truths that debunk them:

Myth: Once a teenager begins therapy, they’ll always need it.

Truth: Individuals may require therapy at several different points in their lives, or they may only attend for a period of time. Teenagers can benefit from several therapy sessions and only have check-ins a few times a year.

Myth: Therapy is only for individuals with severe mental illness.

Truth: Many individuals who attend therapy may experience some or no mental illness at all. Therapy can help individuals set goals, have someone listen to them, or establish healthy coping skills to use during challenging times.

Myth: You look like a bad parent if your teenager needs counseling.

Truth: Recognizing that your child needs help and providing assistance shows that you’re a loving, caring parent with your teen’s best interest in mind.

Myth: Mental health struggles will dissipate as teens get older, so they don’t need therapy.

Truth: The opposite is true. Without treatment, anxiety and depression can get significantly worse and negatively impact your teenager’s life.

When your teenager needs therapy, you want to begin as quickly as possible with one-on-one or even group sessions. Mind Matters has no waitlist for new clients and offers convenient telehealth visits.

Our professional clinicians provide compassionate care and a personalized approach for your teen. Mind Matters understands the importance of empathy, confidence-building, and meeting your teenager’s needs with modern-day solutions.