Does your teenager have trouble dealing with their emotions? Is their behavior sometimes disruptive to your home life? Have they experienced sudden loss or trauma that may be contributing to these recent changes?
As they grow, children develop social skills and emotional intelligence. However, some children have trouble processing their emotions, and this leads to behavior that negatively impacts their school life, home life, and overall well-being. There’s no easy solution, but specialized therapy for adolescents can go a long way in supporting these individuals as they discover themselves and learn how to be well-rounded adults. Here at Summer Counseling, we offer a safe space for youths in Oakdale, Minnesota, to receive guidance during the tumultuous teenage years. Our therapists are here for you and your family!
Effective Forms of Therapy for Children and Adolescents
With the help of a therapist for adolescents, children and teens can modify their problem behaviors and make lasting positive changes. The following are a few different types of psychotherapy available to children and families:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
CBT is used to identify and change harmful thought patterns. Once a child recognizes that their thoughts create their feelings and moods, they can learn to control their behavior. Research has shown that CBT is highly effective at treating depression and anxiety as well as helping individuals, including teenagers, deal with traumatic experiences.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps children and adolescents process their inner emotions. ACT provides context and understanding to emotions that can seem overwhelming. This allows kids to work through emotions and move forward.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is great for helping families improve communication so they can resolve issues. Sessions used as counseling for adolescents can include the entire family, with children, siblings, parents, and grandparents, or just one or two individuals.
Expressive Therapies
Creative or expressive therapies, such as art or play therapy, are especially beneficial for younger teenagers and children who may struggle to verbalize what they’re feeling. Through play or artistic representation, a child and adolescent therapist gains a window into a younger patient’s inner world.
Sometimes a therapist may choose to use just one specific treatment, and other times he or she may find a combination of modalities is the best approach. In this way, therapy for adolescents can be tailored to suit the needs of each client.
Who Can Benefit From Therapy?
Children can face challenges at any age. The following are just some of the scenarios that can impact a child’s mental health and well-being:
- The death of a loved one
- Bullying
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Domestic violence
- Moving or attending a new school
- Divorce
- Social anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD
- Eating disorders
Therapy is not a quick fix. Instead, it is a thoughtful and comprehensive process that provides children with insights and skills so that they may become masters over themselves and develop into happy, healthy, and successful adults. If you are exploring treatment options for your teenager in Oakdale, get in touch with Summer Counseling! Our therapy for adolescents may be just what your child needs to turn things around.