Let’s face it. Being a teen in today’s world is tough! Between the pressures of social media, first loves, and oh yea…hormones (ugh), there’s a lot going on during this time of life!
At Therapyology, our mission is to empower the next generation, “GenZ.” Our goal in teen therapy is to strengthen their mental and emotional well-being to lead a more fulfilled life.
What does that mean, you may ask?
Enter GenZ: Young people between the ages of 15-21. A generation growing up in a world of social media, trauma from school safety, and a radically changing society. And, they are much more open about mental health than generations before them.
From the pressures of social media to school shootings, it is no wonder that today’s teens are more likely to report mental health issues. According to a 2019 article from the American Psychological Association, “More than 9 in 10 Gen Z adults (91%) said they have experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom because of stress, such as feeling depressed or sad (58%) or lacking interest, motivation or energy (55%). Only half of all Gen Zs feel like they do enough to manage their stress.” Wow! Or should we say, “no cap.”
So, what can YOU do?
The current stats suggest that teens today are more anxious and stressed than generations before them. So, Therapyology has made it our mission to address this growing concern through teen counseling. We are proud to be millennial therapists supporting the next generation of change-makers. We may differ on fashion trends (skinny jeans vs. wide-leg jeans). But, we provide insight and expertise in navigating these challenging teen years.
We know all too well that it is normal for teens to be resistant to self-exploration. Many struggle to open up to their parents. Often, they turn to external outlets. This may include turning to friends and social media to express themselves. Sometimes they may even engage in negative behaviors to cope with stress. But, having the support of a teen therapist can provide coping skills. Together they can improve decision-making skills and strengthen relationship dynamics. We help teens improve their quality of life.
This is why it is so crucial to have a strong relationship with a trusted, supportive therapist. We will develop a strong therapeutic relationship to help define their values. Our team provides a safe, non-judgmental space for teenage counseling. This support can be crucial during these teen years. But, we understand it is not a “one size fits all” approach as we use a variety of evidence-based methods. This includes using DBT to help teens cope with the difficulties they face. These methods aim to inspire them to make a positive change.
What is “normal” vs. What is NOT Normal Teen Behavior?
Sleep:
During those teen years is when our bodies start developing, #growthspurt right? And part of that will be the increased need for sleep as our bodies grow. Though, isolation in your bedroom and sleeping all day or lacking any energy is NOT normal. This could be a symptom of a bigger concern, such as depression.
Appetite:
Who doesn’t want to come home from school and heat up a whole package of bagel bites? They’re delicious! Just as there is an increased need for sleep during the developing years there is an increased need to eat. But, when we notice a very diminished appetite or overeating/binge eating, that is a cause for concern.
Mood:
Aaaah, hormones!!!! Yes, with changing bodies comes an increased fluctuation of hormones that affect moods. But, you may notice irritability, mood changes, persistent depressive thoughts, or increased anxiety. If so, this could be another cause for concern.
Academics:
We get it. The pressures of being in high school these days are brutal! And don’t even get us started on the college admissions process! With all that pressure, it is no surprise we see higher reports of stress, anxiety, and even panic attacks. You may also be struggling with perfectionism and anxiety about academic performance. If so, this may be an indicator that outside support could be helpful.
Peers (Friendships):
In this new age of virtual everything, we tend to turn more to social media to meet new people. Social isolation has wreaked havoc on so many teens. Being apart has made it difficult to maintain their friendships and social connections. This is a big part of why we developed Camp Therapyology. We wanted to create a place for teens and tweens to build social connections with each other! Whether you or your teen have struggled with friendships or making new friends speaking to a supportive therapist can help. You can work with a teenage counselor to strengthen these relationships and skills.
Self-harm/Suicidality:
According to the CDC, youth suicide rates were at a record high, even before the pandemic. “The rate of suicide for those ages 10 to 24 increased nearly 60% between 2007 and 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reported that suicide was the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-34 in 2018. Having suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors as a teen, or any age can feel lonely. There are worries that no one will understand. A trained teenage counselor can help process these thoughts and even save a life.
Grief/Loss/Divorce:
As if teens aren’t going through enough changes, now this? It is not uncommon to feel put in the middle of a complex family situation. This may include divorce or the loss of a parent or loved one. At Therapyology, this is one of our many specialties. Our caring, supportive therapists understand what grief does to a family and teens. If your family is going through tough challenges, we can offer support. A teenage counselor can help you through these difficult times.
Specializations Within Teen Counseling
In addition to the concerns mentioned above,
we also specialize in the following areas.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Poor self-esteem
- Academic struggles
- Body image issues
- Isolation
- Divorce & Parent separation
- Peer relationships
- Self-harm behaviors
- Stress management
- Trauma
- Medical/physical illness
- Grief and loss
How Teen Therapy at Therapyology Can Help
Let’s talk about the magic that happens when teens decide to take the plunge and head to therapy. First, it’s a bit like stepping into a safe haven, where they can let their guard down, ditch the masks, and just be themselves on their journey of self-discovery. We get it, therapy might seem like a big step, but trust us, it’s worth it. With the help of a therapist, teens can find their voice, build resilience, and feel empowered.
But teen counseling isn’t just about chatting. Our teenage therapists use various techniques to help teenagers overcome negative thoughts and behaviors. Take Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for example. CBT helps teens tackle those pesky negative thoughts and
behaviors, such as self-doubt, school-related anxiety, or relationship issues and replaces them with more positive, empowering thoughts.
Another approach we use is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a crash course on emotional intelligence. We teach teens how to manage intense feelings, handle conflicts with friends or family, and stay calm under pressure. At Therapyology, we are committed to guiding teens through real-life situations, providing them with the support they need, and cheering them on every step of the way.
Begin Teen Counseling in Michigan or California
You deserve support as you grow and experience life’s new challenges. Our caring teen counselors would be happy to provide support from our West Bloomfield, MI-based therapy practice. We offer a non-judgmental place for teens to open up in Michigan and California. To start your teen counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Request an appointment at one of our locations
- Meet with a caring therapist for teenagers
- Start leading a more fulfilled life
Other Therapy Services Offered in West Bloomfield & Throughout MI
Teen mental health support isn’t the only service we offer in Michigan and California from our Farmington Hills area based therapy practice. We also offer counseling for children, including kids of divorce, and young adults. Some of the specialties we offer include grief counseling, LGBTQ therapy, and trauma-informed therapy. As well as, Camp Therapyology, parent coaching, groups, and workshops.
Our services are available in both Michigan and California. That includes our teen camp in San Francisco!
SCHEDULE A 15 MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION
Not ready to schedule an appointment? Let’s make sure we’re the right fit for your therapy needs. Just give us your name, email, and phone number so we can schedule a time to chat on your schedule.
