The tween and teen years bring so many changes, not only in rapid physical growth, but also in big emotions, difficult social situations and the desire to develop independence and their desire for autonomy. Tween and teen therapy is a great solution to providing the support your tween/teen needs during these difficult times.
We understand the struggles during these years. Additionally, we understand the demands and distress their relationships cause not only for them, but also for their family. Tweens and teenagers often turn to maladaptive behaviors, such as self-harming, alcohol, and drugs when they are not provided the right skills and tools to use when life gets hard. Therapy provides this framework, as well as how to recognize when their brain and body is experiencing distress so that they may choose behaviors that are helpful, and not harmful. At Embark Counseling Services, we have experienced counselors who specialize in providing tween and teen therapy!
Our tween and teen therapists are trained in creative ways to connect with them, even if they are avoidant or resistant, develop rapport that leads to trust, and provide interventions that challenge their struggles, and help the teen to develop awareness of their strengths, abilities, family values and desires for their future. Not only do tweens and teens trust us, but we truly enjoy listening to what is bothering them, talking and connecting to help them overcome their challenges, and grow.
Oftentimes, a teen will take some time to warm up or open up. Sometimes, they may even resist or refuse to talk. But when they do open up, they have a lot to say, and we are here to be that trusting place for them! Therapy is a great place of safety for your teenager to talk about all of the many issues they are experiencing, while providing practical and effective coping and calming skills to handle whatever life pressures is coming at them. Therapy also provides skills in communicating, setting boundaries and standing up to peer pressure and various social skills that cause tweens and teens to struggle. Developing these skills early is a protective factor for developing resiliency, and ultimately success later in life.
Throughout the tween and teen therapy experience, they learn how to navigate big feelings, break-ups, life transitions, disappointments and family conflict. When the tween and teen experiences a higher confidence in their abilities, they can handle life’s difficulties and manage conflict better. Our counselors are trained in trauma approaches, in addition to Play Therapy and CBT. Collectively, our tween and teen therapists can meet your child or teen right where they are, and help them navigate their challenges. We even have groups to provide healthy social connections and deepen their learning of themselves and the skills they need for success during this period in their lives.
Throughout the therapeutic process, parents are encouraged to attend separate parent sessions to develop a deeper understanding of what is happening in their tween/teen’s brain. These sessions also provide practical guidance and tips on how to best support your tween/teen with their challenges during this critical time in their development, as well as during their growth and healing.
