Counseling for Teens 

By Craig Rogers

Teenage years are a confusing and complex time in the lives of almost every individual, and issues like sexual confusion, parental conflict and rebellion can all be part of a healthy transition from childhood to adulthood. However, in some cases, there is an underlying pathology so severe that traditional methods of handling issues may not be enough. It is in this type of situation that seeking teen counseling may be called for.

Teen counseling is mental health counseling that is administered by a practitioner who has special knowledge and experience in dealing with teens and their issues. The teenage years represent an important stage of development, and counselors who are accustomed to working with adults, or even children who are not yet approaching puberty may not have the skills or information needed to effectively counsel teenagers.

What does Teen Counseling Consist of?

As with a standard mental health counseling situation, the counselor will usually begin with an intake, exploring what brings the teen into the counseling situation, what they have been struggling with, and what their therapy goals and concerns are. The counselor may also wish to meet with the parents separately to learn their impressions of the situation, although the goal of the counseling is to help the child, not the parents. Once the goals are established, the counselor will work with the teen to learn new coping mechanisms and explore the roots of the issues at hand, so that ultimately the teen will be happier and better able to function during these difficult years.

Our family advocates at Therapy Insider specialize in finding counseling or other alternative treatment for troubled teens. Our professionals at Therapy Insider are here to walk with you, pray with you, and assist you in finding the counseling or treatment that will be of the greatest benefit to your troubled teen.