In Person and Online Therapy Sessions Available | (616) 309 0737
2460 Burton St SE #101, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
In Person and Online Therapy Sessions Available | (616) 309 0737
2460 Burton St SE #101, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Counseling For Teens

Is Your Teen Facing Challenges With Their Identity And Mental Health?

Have you noticed that your teen is experiencing mood swings or is overwhelmed with intense emotional reactions? Are they displaying symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and depression? Has your teen begun acting out by skipping school or displaying rebellious behaviors at home?

As a teenager, maybe you feel confused about your sexual identity and have questions about your path in life. Perhaps academic stresses and the pressures of extra-curricular activities are significantly affecting your mental health and self-confidence. Even making and maintaining friendships and relationships can be challenging at this stage in your life. 

Going through this challenging transitional period or watching your child experience these difficulties is never easy. Sometimes, both parents and teens alike may realize that they need extra support, reassurance, and the best resources to ensure a purposeful future.

Life As A Teenager Is Not A Walk In The Park

During the adolescent years, teens can face overwhelming and distressing experiences as they navigate the complexities of growing up. 

Teenagers may be dealing with symptoms of anxiety or ADHD. They may be experiencing sadness, irritability, or moodiness. Rapid and extreme shifts in emotions can further compound mental health struggles—making it challenging to regulate their feelings and potentially leading to isolation, loneliness, or depression. This can also result in teens developing a sense of hopelessness about their future or a belief that their lives will never improve.

It’s not uncommon for teens to struggle with low self-esteem, characterized by a negative self-image, feelings of worthlessness, or a lack of confidence in their abilities—often feeling like they don’t fit in.

Evolve Therapy Group can provide the resources and support that teens need to manage and effectively navigate this difficult period in their lives.

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group of teen girls sitting on rocks smiling

It’s Typical For Teens To Encounter Mental Health Problems During This Transformative Period In Their Lives

It’s normal for teenagers to grapple with challenges related to mental health, identity, and self-esteem, as these issues are natural during adolescent development. However, the intensity and frequency can vary. When these issues become overwhelming and debilitating, seeking support and guidance from an experienced professional is necessary. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), around 20 percent of adolescents aged 13 to 18 in the United States grapple with severe mental disorders within a given year. (1)

How Society Single-Handedly Contributes To Teenage Mental Health Struggles

Teenage mental health struggles often stem from various societal and cultural factors. The increasing influence of social media platforms frequently promotes unrealistic beauty standards and body image ideals among adolescents. The constant exposure to edited and filtered images often fosters feelings of inadequacy and diminishes self-esteem among teenagers as they compare themselves and their lives to these unrealistic standards.

Moreover, the pressure to excel academically is another significant contributor to teenage mental health challenges. In many cultures, academic success is highly valued, putting immense pressure on teenagers to perform exceptionally well in their studies. This relentless pursuit of academic excellence and perfectionism results in heightened stress and anxiety, having a detrimental impact on self-esteem. 

Teenagers often find themselves constantly comparing their academic accomplishments to their peers, further exacerbating their feelings of worthlessness or not being good enough.

Whether you’re a teen or a parent of one who may be struggling—counseling is a viable solution that offers you the opportunity to understand your difficult experiences and learn effective ways to cope with and overcome them.

Therapy Can Help Teens Feel Confident And Motivated

teen boy at desk smiling

Counseling offers teenagers a supportive and confidential space where they can explore, learn, and apply essential life skills. In this space, we encourage teens to embrace their unique identities, values, and aspirations without judgment.

We are also an LGBTQ+-affirming practice. This means that all teens are welcomed into a safe and supportive environment where their identities are respected and validated. 

During sessions, we aim to earn their trust so they can relax and know that we are on their side with their best interest at heart. We give teens the space to express themselves, set personal goals, and work with a compassionate therapist to create a plan toward achieving them. 

Through therapy, teens can learn to approach life’s obstacles head-on and handle them in a healthy, positive manner.

Teen Counseling—A Tailored Approach

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for teens incorporates mindfulness techniques, providing them with practical strategies to manage intense emotions. Through activities like chain analysis, teens gain insight into their behavior patterns and develop skills for distress tolerance and emotion regulation. We also use worksheets and exercises to help increase self-awareness and help teens identify and express their feelings. Additionally, DBT emphasizes self-compassion, empowering teens to cultivate a more positive relationship with themselves.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps teens learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts that contribute to their emotional distress. By recognizing and reframing distorted thoughts, such as “I’m a failure because I got a B in math,” teens develop a more balanced perspective and build resilience against negative thinking patterns.

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) encourages introspection and exploration of underlying emotions and motivations. By delving into questions like “Why do I react this way?” and “Where is that coming from?” teens gain insight into their emotional experiences and help them feel seen, heard, and validated.

Narrative Therapy focuses on exploring and reshaping personal narratives, empowering teens to rewrite their stories in a way that aligns with their values and goals. Through this process, adolescents gain a sense of independence over their lives, fostering resilience and self-empowerment.

At Evolve Therapy Group, our therapists help make sure that teens feel heard and supported. Seeking help is a courageous step toward feeling better. It is normal to face challenges and struggles during adolescence, it’s also important to understand that with help and support, there is hope for positive change and growth.

 

Perhaps You Are Considering Teen Counseling But Still Have Some Questions…

How do I know that what I say during therapy remains confidential?

Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of therapy. What you share during sessions is kept confidential, meaning that your therapist will not disclose your personal information or struggles to anyone without your consent, except in specific situations where your safety or the safety of others is a concern.

Does seeking therapy for my teen mean that I’ve failed at parenting?

Absolutely not. Seeking therapy is a proactive step toward addressing challenges and promoting your teen’s well-being. It does not reflect negatively on your parenting. In fact, it shows how much you care for them and want the very best for their future. 

Can therapy really help me, or is it just a waste of time?

This is a common concern. However, teen counseling can be highly effective in helping you develop coping skills, improve emotional well-being, and make positive changes in your life.

At Evolve Therapy Group, Teens Can Feel Happier About Themselves And Their Future

It’s not easy being a teenager. Growing up and figuring out who you are, what you want and your place in this world can become an overwhelming experience. Our experienced therapists can guide you toward a fulfilling future.

For a free 15-minute consultation or to find out more about how our approach to teen counseling can help you or your teen, call (616) 309-0737.

(1) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health

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COUNSELING FOR TEENS IN GRAND RAPIDS, MI

2460 Burton St SE #101, Grand Rapids, MI 49546