Sometimes it's hard to tell if your child or teen's behavior is ordinary growing up or has serious problems. Don't wait too long to get help. Changes in grades, self-harm, changes in friends, eating problems, sexual behavior problems, and increased defiance can all be signs your teen needs professional help. We offer initial appointments as quickly as the next day, with day or evening appointments available here in downtown Mt Pleasant, Michigan.
Teens Who Can Benefit From Counseling
Teenagers will benefit from counseling if they are struggling with these types of challenges or issues, such as:
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Emotional or behavioral issues
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Depression, panic, or anxiety
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Anger or self-harm
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Family conflicts or communication problems
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Sexual behavior problems
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Academic stress or difficulties with school
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Peer pressure or social isolation
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Grief or loss
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Trauma or abuse
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Body image or self-esteem issues
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Identity or self-discovery
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Shame
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Adjusting
It is important to note that seeking counseling does not necessarily mean that your teenager has a mental health disorder or a severe problem. Counseling can be a beneficial experience for any teenager struggling with challenges or simply wanting to improve their emotional well-being and personal growth.
How Does Teen Counseling Work
Counseling for your teen typically involves regular sessions with one of our counselors. During these sessions, your teen can talk about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and confidential setting.
The specific approach to counseling will depend on your teen's individual needs and preferences. Some common approaches Chapters Counseling will include:
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This approach helps your teen find and change negative patterns of thought and behavior that may be contributing to their challenges.
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Solution-focused therapy: This approach focuses on helping them identify and achieve specific goals by building on their strengths and resources.
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Family therapy involves your teen and their family to address and resolve conflicts or communication problems.
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Group therapy(coming soon): This approach involves meeting with peers facing similar challenges. Group therapy can be a helpful way for your teen to feel more connected and able to learn from the experiences of others.
Teen Counseling Goals and Benefits
Goals will be different for every teenager, but some of the goals and outcomes could include the following:
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Better understanding and management of emotions
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Improved communication and problem-solving skills
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Increased self-esteem, confidence, and improved body image
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Improved support and guidance
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Better coping skills and strategies
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Improved eating, sleep, and exercise habits
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Getting out to enjoy more social activities
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Making more time for enjoyable and relaxing activities
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Reduction in screen time, technology, or social media use
What to expect for first appointment
During the first counseling appointment, your teen can expect to talk about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with their counselor. Their counselor will likely ask a series of questions to get a better understanding of your teen's concerns and the challenges they are facing. These questions may include the following:
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What brings you to counseling today?
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Can you tell me more about the problems or challenges you are facing?
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What has been most difficult for you about these problems or challenges?
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What have you tried so far to address these problems or challenges?
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How have these problems or challenges affected your daily life?
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What are your goals for counseling?
Your teen needs to be honest and open during this conversation, as this will help their counselor better understand their needs and allow the development of an appropriate treatment plan. For your teen to feel comfortable, the conversations between them and their counselor will be confidential unless there is a safety concern. The first counseling appointment will generally last 30-60 minutes
