Counseling for Teens

Sometimes a teenager can feel like they’re the only one who is struggling with their mental health but as discussed already, it’s quite common for children and teens to need and receive help with their mental health. According to the CDC:

“In 2019, 13.6% of U.S. children between the ages of 5 and 17 years had received mental health treatment in the past 12 months. In total, 10.0% of children had received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional, and 8.4% had taken prescription medication for their mental health.”

Seeking counseling is a sign of courage and should never be stigmatized. There is nothing “wrong” with someone who needs help with their mental health, and any struggles they are having are not their fault. Counseling for teens in Texas can help them begin to take responsibility for their mental health, which is a habit that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Teen Mental Health Concerns: Symptoms and Warning Signs

A young person doesn’t need to be experiencing major red flags in order to warrant going to counseling. If they are willing to go and they’d like to talk to someone, that is a good enough reason. However, there are specific signs you can look for when considering whether to seek Christian counseling for teens.

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental illnesses in teens, and sadly, suicide is now the second leading cause of death in ages 15-19. It’s so important to know the signs of teen mental illness, because early and consistent treatment can make a huge difference.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) lists the following general symptoms as red flags for adolescent mental illness.

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

If you notice a change or increase in symptoms, or new symptoms in your teen, counseling can help identify the underlying cause and work with parents and any medical professionals to create a treatment plan.

Whether a young person is struggling with a serious mental health concern, behavior issues, social problems, academic issues, or lower-level emotional problems, counseling can be effective in helping them resolve underlying concerns and manage symptoms.

Christian counseling for teens in Texas can also help with self-development, planning for the future, identifying and managing emotions, and setting and maintaining healthy interpersonal boundaries.

Adolescence is a time when people naturally become more outward and peer oriented and less parent oriented. As teens become more independent and sometimes less communicative, parents might feel confused, left out, or lost as to how to help. How can you encourage your child to open up when they don’t seem interested in sharing with you?

Christian counseling for teens in Texas offers a safe, compassionate space where a young person can be themselves in a non-judgmental environment. The counselors at Texas Christian Counseling are trained and experienced in working with a variety of age groups, including adolescents, and are knowledgeable in child development and therapeutic approaches for use with each age group.

Different types of therapy may be indicated depending on your teen’s treatment plan and main concerns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy are a few examples. Christian counseling integrates proven therapeutic techniques with biblical truth to meet each client, including teens, where they are.

The counselors at Texas Christian Counseling are experienced professionals who love the Lord and are trained in counseling methods. Each counselor’s Christian beliefs provide a setting of care and compassion, and will inform each session with wisdom and without judgment.

Adolescence is a unique time of life, presenting unique struggles and a complex stage of development. We believe that each teenager is first and foremost an individual created and loved by God. Each person’s struggles will vary, and meeting your teen where they are will involve an approach tailored just for them.

Mental health treatment can make all the difference, and the earlier it’s started, the better.

If your teen is reluctant to go to counseling, but you believe it would be helpful for them, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Depending on the issue(s) your child is struggling with, consult their primary care doctor and/or school counselor to assess safety risks and other concerns.
• If your teen is in a place where they will talk to you, have a conversation with them about counseling. Listen to them with an open mind, validate their feelings, and offer one or two reasons why you think counseling would be helpful for them. But don’t make it a power struggle. Show your love, concern, and respect for them.
• As a parent, sometimes the most helpful thing you can do for your child is to go to counseling yourself. Individual counseling can help parents manage their own emotions and stress, discuss family and household concerns, and receive guidance on how to support their teen. Setting an example that therapy is not embarrassing can help remove any stigma surrounding it for your teen.

Sometimes a teenager may change their mind about counseling over time. Forcing them to go is rarely beneficial, but avoiding a power struggle, staying in contact with other professionals if necessary, and setting an example yourself may help them overcome resistance and be open to trying it for themselves.

During all the uncertainty and upheaval of adolescence, it’s easy for both teens and their parents to feel alone. But, you are not on an island, and there are people who are here to offer help, support, and guidance along the way.

No matter what your teen is struggling with, the counselors at Texas Christian Counseling can offer direction and assistance to find the best way forward for them.

To get started on the counseling journey, browse our online counselor directory.

To schedule a risk-free initial session, contact our office or fill out our contact form.

Resources:

• https://www.developmentalscience.com/blog/2019/5/7/our-teens-are-more-stressed-than-ever
• https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db381.htm#:~:text=In%202019%2C%2013.6%25%20of%20U.S.,medication%20for%20their%20mental%20health.
• https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms
• https://www.prb.org/resources/suicide-replaces-homicide-as-second-leading-cause-of-death-among-u-s-teenagers/