Should I take my teenager to counseling?

Teenagers sometimes deal with the same life challenges that adults face, including the effects of: moves, divorce, illness, crime, addiction, uncertainty about the future, loss of friends, or the death of a loved one. 

Teens often respond to these life challenges in a variety of ways. Their response may include: loss of interest in activities, poor school performance, appearing sad, depressed, anxious or angry. They may say "I just don't care," regarding personal goals, family rules, or academic performance. They may also exhibit physical symptoms in response to emotional issues.

Challenges that often bring a family into counseling are frequently emotional or relational in nature. Many times parents/caregivers and teens just need a fresh way to understand each other. Sometimes complicated family problems should be explored with a trained professional to help the teen with his/her transition into adulthood.

What should I expect from the first counseling session?

As family therapists, we view your role as a parent as vital to your teen's development and future success. We schedule a first session with at least one parent/caregiver and the young person in order for everyone concerned to  establish goals for counseling. 

Topics might include:                     

• Reasons you and your teen are seeking counseling

• A short personal history and relevant details regarding your current situation

• What changes you both would like to see and the future you both might envision
  
  

** Banyan Counseling and/or its associate therapists do not perform custody evaluations or provide court testimony for custody related cases.