Teen Counseling

Teen Counseling

Is Your Teen Struggling To Find Acceptance?

Your Teenager May Be Struggling To Figure Out Who They Are

The teenage years are a hectic time of life. As much as your teen wants to be independent and strike out on their own, part of them probably longs to fit in and be accepted by their peers. As a result, they may have trouble saying no to people and establishing healthy boundaries in their friendships. Deep down, they may question whether they’re good enough and feel like they have to prove their worth to others.

If this is how your teen feels, we would be honored to help them find their way in life. Here at Beyond The Mask Trauma & Wellness, our goal is to give your teen a space to be completely themselves and find safety and acceptance.

Teenagers Are Expected To Grow Up And Stay A Child At The Same Time

Being a teenager is confusing. On one hand, teens are expected to obey like children, but on the other, they are supposed to take on responsibilities like an adult. As a result, many teens feel torn between two different selves. Our culture pushes them to grow up and stay a child at the same time. These contradictory expectations make it hard for teens to manage their emotions and figure out who they are.

In today’s world, teens have an especially tough time finding themselves. Between social media, pop culture, and the school system, they face intense pressure to look good, have lots of friends, and succeed academically. Little wonder, then, that so many teens struggle with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Unable to live up to the culture’s impossibly high standards, teens often feel like they aren’t worthy, lovable, or good enough.

Teenagers Are Expected To Grow Up And Stay A Child At The Same Time

Being a teenager is confusing. On one hand, teens are expected to obey like children, but on the other, they are supposed to take on responsibilities like an adult. As a result, many teens feel torn between two different selves. Our culture pushes them to grow up and stay a child at the same time. These contradictory expectations make it hard for teens to manage their emotions and figure out who they are.

In today’s world, teens have an especially tough time finding themselves. Between social media, pop culture, and the school system, they face intense pressure to look good, have lots of friends, and succeed academically. Little wonder, then, that so many teens struggle with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Unable to live up to the culture’s impossibly high standards, teens often feel like they aren’t worthy, lovable, or good enough.

Counseling Can Help Your Teen Explore Their Emotions And Improve Their Confidence

One of the hardest parts of being a teenager is dealing with judgment and scrutiny. Your teen may feel like the adults in their life are always talking down to them and telling them what to do. Here at Beyond The Mask, we want to do just the opposite. Our goal is to provide your teen with a safe space to explore their emotions, voice their concerns, and address their insecurities without any fear of how they’ll be viewed.

Counseling is a collaboration between the parent, teen, and therapist. Although our sessions with your teen are confidential and we ask that you respect their privacy, you can still expect to play a vital role in your teen’s healing process. From time to time, your teen’s therapist can give you progress reports and check in with you about any questions or challenges that come up.

What To Expect In Sessions

The ultimate goal of counseling is helping your teen get to know themselves and feel more solid in their identity. We want to know what’s behind their behavior—what motivates them, triggers them, and brings them peace and fulfilment. Your teen will learn to identify the values that are important to them. This will help them live with more purpose. Instead of people-pleasing, they will learn to say no, form contradictory opinions, and forge a sense of identity that does not rely on the approval of others.

Additionally, we want to help your teen gain new communication skills, invite more self-care into their life, and regulate their emotions more effectively. We will give them grounding strategies—such as meditation, deep breathing, letter-writing, or art-based therapeutic techniques—that they can use in daily life. These skills can help them become more self-aware and challenge negative thoughts, allowing them to engage in more positive self-talk.

The teen years may be full of uncertainty, but uncertainty means there is room for change. Therapy is a chance for your teen to find confidence and inspiration exactly where they are in life and become a more empowered version of themselves.

You May Have Some Questions About Teen Counseling…

My teen doesn’t have time for therapy because of school and other activities.

The hour your teen spends in counseling can actually give them more time to do what they love. By learning to improve their confidence and make better decisions, they can spend less time engaging in unproductive habits and negative self-talk. Besides, self-care is essential to your teen’s wellbeing. Just as you would make time for your teen to see a doctor or dentist, it’s important to give them space for reflection.

My teen doesn’t want to go to counseling.

If your teen feels hesitant about therapy, we encourage you to tell them that the healing process happens on their own terms. We’re not here to tell them what to do; we want them to choose their treatment path. In the initial sessions, we can focus on how they think counseling could benefit them. Afterward, if they decide that therapy is not for them, there is no pressure to continue. We want what is best for your teen, but at the same time, we want to respect their decisions.

My teen doesn’t want someone else knowing about their business.

Our sessions are 100-percent confidential. Unless there is a signed release of information, we cannot disclose anything your teen shares in sessions. What’s more, the therapy hour belongs to them—they are under no pressure to share their struggles before they are ready.

Your Teen Deserves Compassion And Acceptance

If your teen is tired of feeling judged and misunderstood, we are confident that we can help them feel validated, cared for, and accepted. To connect with a teen counselor, you can click below for a free 15-minute phone consultation.

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