Age Group: 13-18 years old

Preteens and teens may not particularly be fond of therapy, but the benefits can be tremendous.  There are many stressors affecting our teens today that do not have to be ignored.

Some of these stressors may include:

Trouble with school work
Difficulty in relationships with friends
Family conflict
Divorce
Hormonal changes
Low self-esteem
Sexuality
Worry of the Future
Feeling unheard

Many times preteens and teens may internalize their feelings because they may not know where to turn.  If they do not have a positive support system in school and/or home they may turn to negative habits that increase their symptoms.  Some of these negative habits include substance use, isolation, self-harm, increased thoughts of suicide, and even attempts to kill self.

Artimova Counseling & Consulting will work with each teen to find their voice.

In general, most of us want to be heard.  For preteens and teens it is even more prevalent in wanting to be heard and yearning for someone who is willing to listen.  In particular, they are experiencing uncomfortable stressors that they are not familiar with.  Being able to have a safe space to share can help them build their autonomy.  Autonomy is important because it will help them learn to become comfortable in their own skin.

Some of the interventions that are helpful during the therapeutic process include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) will help the teen identify any negative emotion/thought/behavior.  Once the teen is aware of their negative patterns they will work on challenging their distorted thoughts/emotions and change their destructive behaviors.  CBT does not ignore inappropriate thoughts/emotions/behaviors, but rather works to help address these issues and find solutions that work for each individual.

  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a helpful intervention that works on helping the teen learn how to self-sooth and self-regulate by using relaxation techniques.  The teen will learn to use breathing exercises, guided imagery as well as art/music to help with grounding self.  Please check out one of my favorite relaxation music videos called Love is Space.

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) will work with the teen to decrease painful emotions and conflict in relationships.  The teen will become mindful of present negative emotion and learn acceptance. They will learn to increase tolerance for negative emotions instead of avoiding them.  Further, they will learn coping strategies to self-regulate and use interpersonal effectiveness, which includes assertiveness, respecting oneself, and strengthening relationships with family/friends.

Below are some examples of how therapy can help:

  • Develop positive coping skills to manage anxiety and depression
  • Reduce feelings of not being “good enough”
  • Learning to understand their sexuality
  • Explore and understand changes in their life 
  • Explore future goals and learn to identify what is important to them
  • Develop a healthy inner ego of self
  • Build confidence and improve self-esteem
  • Explore uncomfortable feelings and emotions 
  • Process and integrate traumatic experiences
  • Learn healthy ways to communicate with others
  • Develop healthy relationships

    Book an appointment today!