Middle school and high school age children face specific challenges in their development as they begin puberty and move toward independence.
At Counseling By Design, I understand most teens do not choose to go to counseling on their own. Usually they are encouraged to go by a parent, guardian or school personnel, which can cause challenges in the counseling process. I believe the resistance exhibited in counseling can be used to build a trusting relationship with teens.
More than anything teens want to be seen, heard, and understood. Often times, they don't know how to go about doing that in a way that is acceptable to their parents, peers or educators. My biggest desire is to see teens become secure in who they are, and learn to communicate and advocate for themselves in a healthy manner.
In counseling teens, many times I serve to educate parents and offer mediation when needed in difficult conversations. I understand the importance of teens having a secure relationship with their parents or guardians, and work with families to develop a stronger connection and depth of empathy and understanding of one another.
Teens who have experienced the following can benefit from counseling:
