Counseling For Teens

Does Your Teen Often Feel As If No One Understands Them, Or Are They Unsure About Who They Are?

Is your teenager struggling to understand themselves and figure out who they are in the transition from child to teen? Are the new territories of understanding their sexuality, first relationships, and breakups making things even more confusing?

Perhaps your teen is having difficulties at school. Maybe they’re falling behind on their homework, struggling with ADHD, or dealing with bullying and peer pressure. These issues may lead them to believe they don't belong or no one else understands them. 

At this point, it is perfectly natural that you, as a parent, would be starting to worry about your teen's well-being. The good news is that your teen doesn't have to continue to live with fear and doubt. Counseling can provide a safe, non-judgmental space for your teen to express themselves, discover new things about their identity, and be their authentic self.

Your Teen May Feel Overwhelmed By Pressure To Succeed In School And  Have It All Together

You may find that your teen spends more time on their smartphone or playing video games than usual. They may even start isolating themselves from human interactions or have difficulty keeping friendships. They may also disconnect from their emotions, often distracting themselves, or even numbing their feelings because what they're experiencing is too painful to face.

As school demands increase and social pressures to "have it all together" mount, coupled with a constant barrage of conflicting messages on social media, it can be overwhelming for young people to figure out who they are and not get lost in all the "noise" around them. Luckily, teen counseling provides the perfect environment for quieting that noise and allowing your teen to breathe. This is a chance for your teen to learn valuable skills for managing their distress, improving their confidence, and navigating all the ups and downs of this challenging time of life.

Counseling Can Show Your Teen How To Have Compassion For Themselves

At Tate Chang Therapy, our professionally trained counselors will guide your teen through the process of recognizing their emotional needs, showing self-compassion, and connecting with their true selves. We’ll help your teen identify patterns that they may need to work on in addition to acknowledging their strengths and beauty. Clients gradually develop a genuine interest in their unique journey by nurturing a deep curiosity about their life story.

Our highly-trained therapists have worked with teens with diagnosed ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. We understand that teenagers already have it hard enough without these conditions. It can be difficult for any teen to open up and show themselves compassion, let alone a teen with a diagnosed mental health condition. That's where we come in, as we understand the crucial need for support in the teenage years.

As mentioned before, the ultimate goal is for your teen to "quiet the noise" on their own and better understand who they are as a person. That second part includes seeing the beauty and strengths within themselves. They may be unable to recognize their uniqueness and tenacity now, but with the right guidance, those positives will flourish and be built upon.

Modalities Used In Counseling For Teens 

At Tate Chang Therapy, our staff understands that each teen is unique. That’s why we offer a variety of different treatments and techniques to find the best plan of action for your teen, some of which include:

• Strength-Based Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on the strengths, good points, and beauty that your teen already possesses. 

•  Acceptance Commitment Therapy: ACT for teens is all about figuring out how to live their lives according to their values and ultimately accepting themselves for who they are.

• Mindfulness:  This therapeutic approach utilizes techniques that help teens slow down and regulate the nervous system through deep breathing, allowing them to be more kind to themselves.

• Integrative Customized Approach: This approach allows the client to pick and choose what treatment preferences they would like based on their personality.

Your teen can find inner peace even in uncertain times. With support, they can become more comfortable in their own skin and prioritize self-acceptance over seeking constant external validation. They can achieve a sense of harmony between their body, mind, and emotions, leading to a more positive self-image.