Starting Teen Counseling: Tips for Teens
While it definitely still feels like summer outside, fall and back-to-school are upon us. Excitement and anticipation are in the air! Students are preparing for new grade levels, new schools, fall sports and activities. They are excited about reconnecting with friends and exploring new groups. Unfortunately, the excitement of the new year also comes with the dreaded stress and anxieties of actually being back in school.
Back-to-School Stress
Students are back-to-school and back to facing many of the tough realities that come with it:
Performance expectations around grades
The emotional and physical toll that can come with Middle School and High School sports
Navigating friendships and relationships
Managing time and various commitments
Coping with the universal temptations of peer pressure and social media
Starting Teen Counseling
Parents want their young adults to feel supported and connected, but they often feel excluded from the day-to-day struggles that teens face. This disconnect parents feel can be due to busy schedules and a simple lack of face time, or it could be a result of teens naturally starting to pull away and not relying on parents as much. Finding a therapist who can act as a support, guide and sounding board for your teen can be a positive and proactive approach to starting off the new school year. Knowing your teen has a safe and engaging space to process and discuss their challenges can provide much needed peace of mind for parents.
Taking the step to begin counseling can feel overwhelming for lots of people, teens included! If your teen is reluctant to starting the counseling process, here are some tips that might help.
Tips for Teens Before They Start Counseling
Allow teens to look at counseling websites, social media and personal statements from therapists. This review gives teens an idea of who they are meeting with and what experience a therapist has and approaches they might use.
If a teen is nervous about meeting in person, find out if the therapist offers an initial 15-minute phone or zoom consultation.
It can actually be helpful to prepare for the first appointment. Encourage teens to think about what they want to gain from counseling and have them jot it down. This can help teens organize their thoughts and feel more in control during a first session.
Encourage teens to ask lots of questions during the first session! Being engaged in the counseling process means they will get the most from their experience. Asking questions such as the following: What should I expect from my sessions? How long will I be in counseling? How have you helped people who struggle with my issue?
It is also ok if a teen meets the therapist and decides that it is just not a great fit. It happens! Therapists are here to support you, and they want to help. If the connection with a therapist isn’t there, he/she can make referrals or recommendations that might be a better fit for your teen.
Try not to squeeze your teen’s first therapy session into a really busy day. Allowing a little time before and after a session can help teens feel calmer and will give them time to process what was discussed during their appointment.
Finally, let your teen know that it is ok if they don’t want to talk with you about what was discussed in their session(s). Starting counseling can be a vulnerable experience. With the exception of safety issues, teens should know that their time with the therapist is confidential.
Benefits of Teen Counseling
Teens today are of the most scheduled, connected, informed and STRESSED generation. Among other things, counseling can offer these young people the opportunity to build self-esteem, understand and process their emotions, and lower their stress. If your teen is experiencing stress or anxiety with the start of the school year, consider talking with them about the benefits of meeting with a counselor. The suggestions listed above can give your teen the information and confidence needed to start getting support today.
How The Mind Spot Can Help
Does your teen need help with back-to-school stress and anxiety? The Mind Spot can offer strategies to manage the stress and is a comfortable environment for teens starting counseling. Make an appointment with Aimee Rodriguez or one of our counselors today. Meet Our Counselors