Teen Counseling

Maybe your teen has been demonstrating changes in mood or behaviors.

 

Maybe your family has recently undergone a change and your teen is having difficulty adjusting to the transition.

 

Maybe your teen is struggling with peer interactions and having challenges interacting in healthy ways.

 

Maybe you have found your teen beginning to experiment with substances and don’t know how to help.

 

Or maybe you have recently learned that your teen has been engaging in self-harming behaviors and you feel scared.

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Here at Flourish Counseling Services, we are passionate about working with teens. While the adolescent years are often a difficult time of development, the changes of the COVID-19 pandemic only exaggerated these challenges. Additionally with the pressures of social media today, teens are facing more obstacles than ever before.

 

Whether your teen is exhibiting difficulties or just needs an additional, unbiased person to have on their side, we always recommend counseling for teens. Learning the skills to work through difficult emotions and situations at an early age will help your teen to thrive, not only now, but also later on in their lives.

 

We have years of experience working with teens in a variety of settings and situations. We have particular experience working with teens of blended families and in foster/adopted families. We’d love to help!

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Will I be in involved in my teen’s counseling?

 

Absolutely! The involvement of a parent in a teenager’s treatment varies widely based on the family situation and the desire of both the child and the family. We do regular check-ins with caregivers (either with the child present or without) to discuss progress, as well as any additional concerns that might have arose.

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How do I know if my teen needs counseling?

 

If your teen has demonstrated any changes in behavior or is having difficulty adjusting to changes within the family (such as a separation or a move), then this is the perfect time. We always stress to parents that it is important to seek services as soon as you start to notice these patterns rather than waiting until the concern has escalated. It is important to be proactive about your child’s mental health.

 

Ultimately any teen could benefit from counseling through having additional support, learning healthy emotional regulation and communication skills, and developing appropriate social skills. However, here are some specific warning signs to monitor for: 

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• Isolating self from others

• Significant change in interests (ex. usually engaged in sports, but all of the sudden not interested)

• Significant irritation

• Change in sleeping/eating patterns

• Significant change in friend group/social interactions

• Substance use

• Self-injurious behaviors

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How long will my child need counseling?

 

The duration of treatment is extremely variable based on the child’s needs and symptoms. Some teens find that their initial challenge that brought them into therapy (such as social anxiety) is resolved quickly. Others find that as they continue through the counseling process, they enjoy having a safe space to communicate and work through their challenges and emotions. We will evaluate progress throughout the duration of treatment and agree on the course of therapy together.

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How frequently should my teen be coming to counseling?

 

Again, this is highly individualized based on the child and family’s needs. Flourish Counseling Services offers sessions on a weekly, twice-monthly, or monthly basis. Typically sessions begin on a weekly or twice-monthly basis and as progress is made, the frequency is reduced. It can always be increased again if there is an additional concern or the teen needs added support. This is a collaborative process and our goal is to best benefit both the child and the family.

 

 

Do you offer teletherapy or a remote option?

 

We do. Teletherapy sessions will offer you the flexibility to schedule sessions around your family's busy schedule and not have to worry about getting your teen to therapy in-person. Our teens find teletherapy just as enjoyable and effective as in-person sessions.

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Ready to start?

 

You can call us at 804-203-2778 or email us at jenna@flourishcounselingservices.org any time. We are happy to address any outstanding questions or concerns to get started in the counseling process. Give us a call today!