You may not remember it yourself, but being a teenager is tough. Teenagers have a lot to deal with, from physical and emotional changes to the pressures of school, family, and peer relationships.
Physical changes in puberty can be challenging to manage, and teens often feel awkward and uncomfortable in their own skin. Emotional changes can be just as tricky as teens navigate their changing feelings and hormones. For this reason, it’s normal for teenagers to seem moody, distant, and irritable.
However, what may seem normal can sometimes signify something more serious. For this reason, parents must try to stay in tune with their teenagers and learn to be supportive and understanding during this difficult time. However, if you feel unable to provide adequate support to your teenager, there’s no shame in asking for professional help from a licensed psychotherapist.
What Does a Psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. They provide counseling and support to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Through various therapeutic approaches, psychotherapists help clients become more in touch with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and develop healthier ways of coping with life’s challenges.
Psychotherapists work with clients to gain insight into the roots of their issues and provide them with tools to help them make changes. They may use talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.
Psychotherapists also provide mental health education and referrals to other professionals when needed. The goal of psychotherapy is to help clients better understand themselves, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve their overall quality of life.
When Should You Call a Psychotherapist?
Parents must be aware of the signs their teenage child may need to speak with a psychotherapist. If your teen exhibits signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, it may be time to call a psychotherapist. Some signs that your teen might need professional help include changes in sleeping and eating habits, withdrawal from friends and family, difficulty in school, increased irritability, self-harm, and thoughts of suicide.
If you notice these signs, talk to your teen and ask if they feel overwhelmed or need help. If they are open to it, you should reach out to a psychotherapist to discuss treatment options. It’s crucial to be supportive and encouraging. Your teenager needs to understand that what their going through does not define them and that there is no shame in undergoing therapy to treat their condition.
A psychotherapist can help your teen learn how to manage their emotions, identify coping strategies, and learn how to communicate more effectively. With the right help and support, your teen can learn to manage their mental health and lead a happier, healthier life.
How Do You Find a Good Psychotherapist?
Besides the necessary educational background, a good psychotherapist should know the latest treatments and have experience working with teens. They should be empathetic, understanding, and patient with their clients.
Furthermore, effective psychotherapists should create a safe and trusting environment for their clients to share their feelings and experiences. The best psychotherapists are also open to working with the parents and other family members to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients.
Conclusion
Psychotherapy can be a beneficial tool for teenagers to manage their mental health. It can provide them with a safe space to express their feelings, work through their challenges, and develop healthy coping skills. A psychotherapist can help your teen learn how to manage their emotions, identify coping strategies, and learn how to communicate more effectively. With the right help and support, your teen can learn to manage their mental health and lead a happier, healthier life.
Teenage years can be rough, but it doesn’t have to result in deep-seated trauma. Sarah J. Person, LCSW-R is one of the best psychotherapists in Brooklyn, and she has been helping teenagers thrive for 15 years. Contact us today to set an appointment.