THERAPY FOR TEENS

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Adolescence can be difficult for everyone, but if your teen is really struggling, Positive Methods is here to help. Many teens struggle with opening up to their parents. Some fear judgment and are afraid to share mistakes they may have made or embarrassing situations. They may feel more freedom to share their feelings and thoughts with a trusted a non-family member adult in confidence and privacy.

Parental Involvement

Including parental/legal guardian involvement in your teen’s counseling is critically important. You will learn how to support your child through this difficult time in their life by learning how to most effectively communicate to minimize conflict and make progress. Depending on your family’s situation, the number of sessions with the parent may vary and whether the child is present or not. One-on-one sessions between the therapist and teen will also to held.

Common diagnoses our therapists have worked with teens are the following:

  • Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
    Your child may struggle with social inclusion due to their impulsivity and academic success due to poor attention, and therefore low self-esteem. You may notice these symptoms: difficulty in remembering daily activities, difficulty starting tasks, struggling to follow directions, forgetting to turn in homework, disorganization, making careless mistakes, and frequently interrupting others.

  • Anxiety
    Adolescents may appear resistant, uncooperative, oppositional, or lazy as they avoid situations and procrastinate in completing homework or chores.

  • Depression
    Adolescents may exhibit depression differently than adults. They may not be able to verbalize their feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Instead, they may appear irritable and unmotivated. Some symptoms you may notice: difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, feeling tired, sleep pattern changes, appetite changes, isolation from family activities, failing to complete homework, difficulties in keeping friendships, self-harm, or suicidal statements.

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder
    This diagnostic category includes a range of persistent emotional and behavioral symptoms. ODD can range from mild to severe. Early treatment can prevent future problems. Symptoms may include anger and irritability, argumentativeness and defiance, and vindictiveness.

Serving the San Bernardino community, Positive Methods offers counseling for teens that is specifically designed to help teenagers deal with some of the expected stresses of adolescence, e.g., school problems, as well as the unexpected. Teens can learn effective coping strategies for dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings as they grow into confident, stable self-empowered young adults.