Therapy for Teenagers

The teen years – they can be challenging for both teens and parents.

It’s not uncommon for parents of teenagers to feel worried, confused, and no longer in control of their child.

The teenage years are a time of unprecedented growth in many ways: physically, socially, sexually, and intellectually. This growth can be difficult to manage and understand for both parents and teens themselves.

Parents have more questions than answers.

“Who is this person whom I barely recognize? What has happened to my child who I knew so well and was so sweet and cooperative?”

“Why is my child pushing me away, not talking to me, and why don’t they want to spend much time with me anymore?”

“What if they drink or try drugs? What if they start to experiment with sex? What if they get hurt or in trouble? Is he or she depressed? Do they need therapy?”

All of these are good questions to which parents need answers, as their teenager grapples with life.

Seeking answers to these questions is particularly important in today’s world of social media, a world in which there is so much violence, bullying, and competitive pressure.

Teens think they are adult – but their brains aren’t fully developed.

Teenage brains are not yet fully developed and won’t be until about age 25.

The last parts of their brains to develop are the parts that drive all parents crazy about their kids: the parts having to do with judgment and impulse control.

So, this period of development can be difficult to navigate for teens and parents.

The good news is that parents are still the most powerful influence on their children.

When can therapy help your family?

Often, it comes in response to a crisis. Sometimes it’s preventative. Some kids will tell their parents that they need to talk to someone other than their parents!

It can be hard to differentiate between what’s normal and what’s not.

This is where it’s helpful to consult with an experienced professional who has worked with teens and families for decades, someone who has raised their own children through adolescence to adulthood.

I would be pleased to help you and your teen navigate these challenging years.

Contact me at (224) 715-8155 for a free phone consultation. It may be one of the most important calls you’ll ever make.

Your son or daughter is worth it!