Teenagers and college-age students today face an ever-growing number of challenges. From exams and deadlines to the lure of the internet, adolescents have all kinds of pressures to deal with. If left to spiral, these can result in them suffering from depression, stress-related conditions, low self-esteem, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and relational difficulties. When adolescences experience emotions or engage in behaviors that interfere with their happiness and ability to thrive, they may benefit from meeting with a therapist.

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Who is an adolescent?...Adolescence is the stage when a person makes the transition from child to adult. This begins at 13 and can end as late as 26. This is a time when a great deal of physical and mental changes take place. These changes may predispose adolescent to be impulsive and sensitive, to experience mood swings and to have swings in confidence levels. For this reason, adolescent therapy takes into account this period of vulnerability when engaging clients.

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What is therapy like for an adolescent?...The therapeutic process is aimed at helping the adolescent make sense of their feelings, thoughts and behaviors. This can entail traditional talk therapy, or can use other techniques which draw on the expressive nature of an adolescent such as art therapy, activity therapy, drama therapy, and sandplay therapy. These proactive and creative strategies can help an adolescent to thrive in therapy, and develop the social skills and emotional intelligence necessary to lead healthy, satisfying lives.

 

Parents are often invited to attend therapy sessions together, as therapy can be a safe space in which to address the thoughts, feelings, and emotions experienced by all members.