Parents were teenagers once. They feel they know what it's like to be a teen. After all, they've been through it all before.

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Teens, on the other hand, feel that the world has drastically changed and parents have no idea how it feels to be a teen today.

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It almost seems like parents and teens are speaking two different languages. 

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At Luminare Counseling, we're fluent in speaking parent and are very well versed in listening to teens. So, we can help translate for both, which results in a better understanding between parents and their teens.

 

The truth is that it’s more complicated than ever to be a teen. The pressures of expectations they face from their parents, teachers, and friends are constantly on their minds.

 

We still haven't talked about the two biggest factors in those pressures & expectations - social media and themselves.

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Social media adds immense pressure for teens as they’re constantly comparing themselves to others and finding that they aren’t good enough. Social media has also changed the way teens are bullied. Bullying is not just confined to school anymore as they may also be experiencing bullying online.

 

As they go through all of this, they’re also at a stage in life where they're also constantly going through physical changes and those changes are combined with the fact that they are trying to figure out things like who they are, their likes, and dislikes, sexuality, and romantic relationships.

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Worst of all, they may feel alone when going through all of this.

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The reason teen therapy works are that sometimes teens just need someone to talk to who isn’t a family member, about the complex, difficult topics they’re experiencing. Someone whom they feel won't judge them and will provide objectivity as they look to navigate all of the constant issues they're facing.

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The common issues that teens face:

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• Depression and Anxiety

• Bullying

• Anger

• Trauma

• Grief

• Stress (Academic & Personal)

• Low Self-Esteem & Confidence

• Relationships with Family & Friends

• Body Image

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

• Attachment Disorders

• Codependency 

• Social Issues

• Substance Abuse

• Self-Harm such as cutting and hair pulling

• Suicidal ideation

• Sexuality

• Isolation & Loneliness

• Panic Attacks

• Perfectionism

• Career Counseling

• Behavior Problems

• Divorce

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Specific Phobias

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Teen therapy isn't just about the present. It's also about helping teens in their future lives. Mental health treatment can address minor concerns so they don’t turn into serious ones. For many people, many mood & anxiety disorders often start during the teen years. If left untreated, teens are not able to utilize coping skills that can help them navigate through life.

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Benefits of Teen Therapy:

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• Increased self-esteem and sense of wellbeing

• Less vulnerable to bullying and social pressures

• Better grades

• Better decision-making abilities

• Improved self-confidence and social skills

• Improved relationships

• More assertive communication with family and peers

• Greater self-awareness

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