Change is inevitable in life, but it can be highly disruptive. When you’re used to doing things one way, suddenly switching things up can leave you at a loss and unsure of yourself. One aspect of being a teenager is that you must deal with copious changes in your life – your body is changing, you develop sexual attraction to others, and you grow in your desire for independence from your parents or guardians.

All these changes can be highly disruptive and confusing, and they are often difficult to navigate. Counseling for teens can help a teenager ground a healthy sense of self as they traverse the uncertainties of life.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(424) 438-2888

How Can I Tell If My Teen Needs Counseling?

The teenage years are a time of experiencing many bewildering changes, and these can leave anyone feeling confused and out of sorts. Your teen may be struggling with these changes, and his or her mood may be affected as a result. That means some things you notice about your teen that are atypical may simply be how he or she is coming to terms with the new normal. As a parent/guardian, you can make a call on whether your teen’s behavior is beyond typical teenage angst. Some things that you can look out for that may indicate your teen may need counseling include the following:

  • Drastic changes such as taking on risky behaviors, or being in different friendship circles that encourage harmful behaviors
  • A decline in grades
  • Getting in trouble with authority figures such as teachers
  • Changes in eating habits and appetite, possibly accompanied by significant weight gain or loss
  • Prolonged feelings and expressions of sadness
  • Withdrawal from others
  • Expressions of self-loathing, threats or acts of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts
  • Change in sleeping patterns, such as sleeping too little or sleeping too much
  • Being inexplicably irritable with others
  • Using drugs or alcohol

If you feel like your teen needs counseling, do not hesitate to seek help.

Counseling for teens addresses many different types of issues, from the mundane to significant health challenges that threaten well-being. Counseling can address the following concerns:

  • Anxiety and anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Behavioral and discipline problems at home and school
  • Anger management issues
  • Eating disorders
  • Body dysmorphia and body image issues
  • Issues of gender and sexuality
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Finding support for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other concerns that can affect schooling and relationships with others
  • Learning difficulties and other challenges at school such as bullying
  • Trauma and abuse
  • Substance abuse
  • Chemical dependence
  • Addictions, such as addiction to pornography, social media, and gaming
  • Shyness and loneliness
  • Conflict with siblings
  • Relationships, including romantic relationships and forming friendships with peers

If your child goes for counseling, doing either individual or group counseling has its benefits. However, whatever the pros and cons of these different platforms for receiving counseling, what matters most is that your child gets the help he or she needs. One benefit of group counseling is that teens usually open up more easily with their peers than with older authority figures, so that form of counseling might be beneficial for your child.

Parents or guardians may hesitate to take their child for counseling because of the fear of stigma about seeking help, or they may feel uncertain about bringing in a third party. Counseling often works precisely because your child might open up to a stranger much easier than with you. Some issues and questions may be considered too embarrassing to discuss with parents, or your child may be reluctant to talk with you because of fear of disappointing you. Don’t take this personally but consider counseling as a tool in your parenting tool belt.

Conclusion

Adolescence can be a bewildering, complex, and difficult time of life to navigate. Sometimes the challenges can seem overwhelming and hard for a teen to manage on his or her own, and his or her sense of well-being suffers as a result. However, counseling can help provide a teen with tools to cope with life’s difficulties and the myriad changes getting older brings. Loma Linda Christian Counseling can help you and your teen to work through concerns and any issues that stand in the way of flourishing.

If you want to find a Christian counselor for your teen in the Loma Linda area, consider Loma Linda Christian Counseling. Using effective and rigorous counseling techniques based on a Christian faith-based outlook, the counselors at Loma Linda Christian Counseling can help your teen thrive, so contact us for a risk-free trial session.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(424) 438-2888