Therapy for Teens in San Antonio, Texas
Is your teen under a lot of stress? Do they not seem as happy as they once did? Are they suffering from an eating disorder? Do you suspect they may be using drugs?
Most of us remember our teenage years as a combination of great fun, burgeoning freedom, and a tremendous amount of stress. During this time our hormone levels are skyrocketing, making us feel emotionally out of control. We also feel a greater need to perform well academically and fit into social circles.
All of this stress can take its toll on a teen’s mental health and overall well-being. Therapy is an effective tool to help your teen develop valuable, life-long skills such as—emotion regulation, socialization, self-esteem, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Common Challenges Among Teens
Some serious events that can impact a teen's mental health and well-being include:
- Loss & Change - Loss can come in the form of a death of a loved one—including a pet, and it can also come in the form of parental separation or divorce. A loss also happens when a family moves to a new location and the teen must go to a new school.
- Stress & Anxiety - A little stress is normal in life and can even be motivating. But too much stress can cause unhealthy levels of anxiety and burnout at any age. Many teens face tremendous amounts of pressure to do well in school, hold down a job, and be accepted by their peers.
- Bullying & Violence - Teens that face violence or bullying at school, or at home, often suffer and can feel alone. If not dealt with, this can result in depression, self-esteem issues, anxiety disorders and PTSD symptoms.
Therapy can help by providing teens a safe space and a trusted adult with whom to share their difficulties, learn to problem solve, boost their confidence, and develop lasting coping skills.
What Are the Best Types of Therapy for Teens?
Therapy gives teens the tools to improve behaviors, communicate effectively and make healthier life choices. There are three general types of therapy for teens & adolescents:
Individual Therapy
In these private, one-on-one sessions, a therapist will typically use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help the teen make a connection between their thoughts and feelings, as well as understand how these impact their behavior. These can be in-person, or telehealth sessions to meet the teen's individual comfort level and needs.
Group Therapy
Group therapy can be very effective because it shows teens they are not alone in their experiences and feelings, and it allows them to see how their peers handle similar problems. Most groups have five to seven teens and one leader who will ask questions and guide the conversation.
Family Therapy
In this scenario, the teen would go to therapy with their parent(s) and sometimes even their siblings. This style of therapy can be very beneficial as it allows the family to communicate effectively and respectfully.
Which type of therapy will be most effective for your teen can be determined by their therapist. Often, he or she will use a combination of all three of these types of therapy.
Schedule an Appointment
If your teen is struggling and you feel they could benefit from speaking with someone, don't wait. We have clinicians available who specialize in teen & adolescent services, ready to help.
Our therapists offer both in-person and telehealth appointments to accommodate your family's needs. Reach out today, and see how therapy can be a transformative step in your child's well-being and overall success.