Tools for Teens: Three Ways a Therapist Can Help

There’s a point where adolescence and adulthood overlap. We call this point our teenage years. Teens are much more independent than younger children, but not quite as independent as adults. This is a time when teens, and their parents, may need a little extra help.

Many teens struggle, whether it’s high levels of stress, school, peers, sports, parents, mental health, or substance use. Therapy can be a huge component in ensuring your teen has the help they, and you, need. Therapy can help put some perspective into teenage lives, and give them the skills they need to succeed.

1. Self-Awareness

Many teens struggle with self-awareness, as it’s a skill that tends to develop with time and maturity. Therapy can give teens the necessary tools to step back, observe their own thoughts and behaviors, and check in with themselves. This can lead to less reactivity and more compassion. 

2. Emotional Self-Regulation

Teens are continually dealing with substantial cognitive development, along with physical and emotional changes. This can lead to teens expressing their emotions in unhealthy ways. Therapy can help teens regulate their own emotional responses. Instead of outbursts due to frustration and anger, they can identify and manage those difficult emotions in healthy ways.

And it’s not just negative emotions. Therapy also helps teens learn how to express positive emotions like love and excitement in healthy ways as well. 

3. Communication Skills

At the heart of any healthy interpersonal relationship is communication. Communication can be another learned skill, one that takes years to develop and master. Therapy can help teenagers, and their parents, better hone their communication skills. 

Through therapy, teens will learn how to advocate for themselves in various situations. They will also learn the importance of active listening, and how to grow that skill. Healthier communication skills lead to more solid relationships, now and in the future. 

Interested in learning more about our specialized program aimed at teens and young adults? Visit our page here to get more information.