Teen Therapy
The teenage years are full of both exciting growth and unique challenges for both teens and their families. Some of the factors that make adolescence unique are a teen’s increased technology use, a shift in the importance and dynamics around peer relationships, developmental changes, school pressures, and their fight for autonomy. Because learning to navigate the often choppy waters of adolescence can be difficult, therapy can be a great resource for teens and their families.
Signs your teen may need to see a therapist:
Withdrawal from the family
Increased risk taking behavior
Poor decision making
Drastic change in appearance and/or behavior
Isolation from peers
Increased anxiety
Anger outbursts
Defiance
Drop in grades
Self harming behavior
Withdrawal from activities
The therapists at Family Therapy Center of Bethesda have a passion for working with teens and their families. Here is what you can expect from both family therapy and individual therapy for your teen.
Family Therapy Focus
Rebuilding and strengthening communication
Exploring and negotiating rules, expectations, and consequences
Discussing healthy boundaries
Finding creative ways to promote a balance between dependence and your teen’s growing need for autonomy.
Teen Therapy Focus
Building a sense of self-worth and esteem
Learning ways to manage anxiety and/or depressive symptoms
Learning ways to navigate and negotiate peer relationships
Exploring and creating personal goals
Developing skills to assist them in reaching future goals
Developing healthy decision-making skills
