Therapy for Teens and Adolescents
Even on a good day, it’s difficult to be a teenager/Pre-teen.
The teenage and young adolescent years are not easy. Many teens have high levels of anxiety or depression. Or they struggle to deal with life transitions such as going to a new school, starting college, or moving. These transitions are scary and exhausting. On top of that, they have to worry about making friends and fitting in. Perhaps, they dread going to school, withdraw from their social groups, and avoid family because the stress of fitting in is too much.
The truth is that being a teenager or pre-teen is more stressful now than it's ever been.
As if normal life wasn’t hard enough, they also have to deal with a pandemic and social distancing. Many teens have to navigate online schooling and being separated from their friends and family.
Maybe your child is taking their stress out on you or your family. This is causing the tension in your home to build and the environment to feel toxic.
Here is the thing…
The constant arguments, anger, and hostility from your teen or pre-teen can be very frustrating and exhausting. Perhaps, you and your family avoid your teen in an attempt to avoid conflict, but this leaves their needs unaddressed and makes them feel like they can’t trust the adults in their lives.
This certainly isn’t the teenage years either of you was expecting. Life just doesn’t feel good right now. Ultimately, your teen needs support while they navigate this challenging time. Especially if they feel misunderstood, neglected, or have low self-esteem.
If your teen/pre-teen is struggling, I am here to help. At Healing Generations Counseling, working with teens and families is my specialty. Whether you’re a blended family, a single-parent household, or have a traditional family outlay, I am here to help your teen through their time of transition.
Does Your Child Seem overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious?
Have you noticed any of these feelings and behaviors in your teen or pre-teen?
Your child feels like the problem child, or the first one blamed.
Trouble seems to follow them at school
Their academic performance is declining and motivation is low
They struggle to be around friends and family
Most days your pre-teen/teen is isolated
It feels like there is no point in taking care of basic needs such as showering and getting dressed
You have noticed your child is in unhealthy friendships or relationships
They are engaging in risky sexual behavior
Recently they have turned to drugs and alcohol to cope
Your child is overeating or you’ve lost your appetite entirely
You’ve seen a dramatic change in your weight or appearance
Perhaps self-harm behaviors are showing up
Or your teen/pre-teen is acting out and feels out of control
If these resonate with you and your teen then, I want you to know that therapy is a place where they can be heard. What they are dealing with matters. I offer therapy in Long Beach, CA, and provide a place for teens to open up and be real with what they’ve been dealing with. At Healing Generations your teen’s feelings matter.
Counseling can help!
Teens and adolescents come into therapy for many reasons. They may feel ashamed, weak, or embarrassed about seeking therapy. Perhaps, they have had previously worked with a therapist that they didn’t like or they just don’t have positive interactions with authority.
I get it. Talking about sensitive subjects can be uncomfortable for teens, especially if it’s with an adult they don’t know well. Teens may be fearful of being judged or being spoken down to. Or commonly, they may think the therapist will just jump to conclusions and talk to them based on societal stereotypes of teens. Which can make them feel misunderstood and alone.
My Approach to therapy for teens and Adolescents
As a therapist in Orange County, and Los Angeles County, my therapy approach does not box clients into stereotypes, nor do I believe that your teen/pre-teen needs to be “fixed”. They are independent and are becoming their own person. Therefore, they are capable of experiencing normal emotions and events such as unexpected grief, sorrow, and dealing with trauma, crisis, and strong emotions. While you want to shelter your pre-teen/teen, these things are inevitable at times.
Every child is different, and I’m an out-of-the-box person myself, so I see the value in your uniqueness. I know how it feels to be different and not belong. Therefore, I am not here to change your pre-teen/teen or to fit them into a box.
Instead, I want to understand your pre-teen/teen and help them with their goals, in order to help them feel heard and seen for who they are. In counseling sessions, we will work on their mindset. Over time, they will start to develop a more flexible view of life's craziness. This may mean we will address "failures" in order to understand them as learning opportunities.
We will address control, talk about responsibility, and address the shame that they have held onto. If your pre-teen/teen is feeling ashamed or guilty, they will learn to give themselves grace. They’ll learn what it means to forgive themselves so they can move forward. I provide guidance so your pre-teen/teen can manage the ever-changing hardships of today.
Here is the good news...
When I work with pre-teens/teens, I will help them increase their self-confidence, lessen mood swings, learn how to tolerate distress, become resilient and independent. Through therapy, they’ll learn to set boundaries, communicate, develop a support network, and discover new strengths and skills. Therapy for pre-teens/teens is a collaborative effort. I am here for your child as an ally!
A Note for Parents
I recognize and know the struggles that you go through when you see your pre-teen/teen suffering, and looking desperately for a solution. Therapy for teens and adolescents is not about fixing them, it’s about preparing them to manage and identify what isn’t working for them, and helping them find alternative and new perspectives that will. I provide tools to help you and your pre-teen/teen create an open dialogue as well as improving your evolving relationship.
Please keep in mind that everything your child discusses in therapy is confidential(unless of course if I see that your pre-teen/teen is in danger or at risk of harming themselves), however, I will provide updates and suggestions on how you and your child can connect, and how you can help continue their growth at home,
Note to pre-teens/teens
In the therapy process, I believe in earning your trust. In other words, I don’t expect that you’ll automatically trust me just because your parents brought you to counseling.
I know that trust takes time. As a therapist, I am here to hear your story at your pace, in your words, and in your time. I am here to understand and listen from your perspective and be your advocate. I will provide tools to help you cope, manage emotions, and overcome difficult situations that are unique to you.
What is holding you back from beginning therapy for teens and adolescents in Long Beach, CA?
I know trusting a stranger with uncertain feelings can be scary, but I want to help your teen feel understood. This may be the first time someone has provided space for them. In my therapy sessions, I find that pre-teens/teens often feel that I get them. My own goal is to be an advocate because navigating this adolescence is hard.
My therapy goal for pre-teens/teens is to have a more positive and realistic view of themselves. Improve positive peer interactions and have a decrease in negative and self-harming behaviors/thoughts that your teen is struggling with. When a client feels that she/he is able to handle future situations, they learn to speak up for themselves, set healthy boundaries and continue to maintain them for the well-being of themselves. I can’t wait to start this therapy journey with you and your child!
Begin Group Therapy for Teens In Long Beach,CA Today!
Being a pre-teen/teen comes with many life transitions. This is both exciting and scary. If you notice your child is struggling to grow and function, it may be time to take them to therapy. At Healing Generations Counseling, I offer in-person and online therapy for teenagers. If you’re looking for a caring therapist to help your teen navigate the complexities of adolescence, then let’s begin their counseling journey today. To begin counseling in Orange County, follow these simple steps:
Meet with Connie Hsu, a pre-teen/teen therapist
Start seeing your pre-teen/teen work through the tough spots, so they can become the person they want to be.
Other Mental Health Services at Healing Generations Counseling
Therapy for teens and adolescents isn’t the only service I offer in my Long Beach, CA counseling office. Other mental health services Healing Generations Counseling provides include individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, life transitions, divorce recovery, PTSD treatment and trauma therapy, support groups for women, and support groups for teens. All sessions are offered via online therapy in California, with limited in-person options.
As a therapist, I specialize in cross-cultural issues, families, and trauma. If you’re dealing with hurt across generations, my counseling services may be for you and your loved ones. I also provide therapy for families and parents for support. Lastly, I offer blended family sessions, parent-child conflict counseling, and counseling for sibling rivalry. Begin therapy today in Long Beach, CA. I serve Orange County, CA, Los Angeles County, CA, or anywhere in the state of California.