Adolescence is a period of rapid change and self-discovery.
It’s a time when teenagers grapple with various challenges and emotions, often feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of life.
This is where therapy can play a crucial role in providing support and guidance.
In therapy, teenagers have a safe and confidential space to explore their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
So, if you’re just getting into therapy, congratulations on starting this journey! This might be a really exciting time, but it might also be mixed with some fear or questioning.
I have often found that teenagers may be really looking forward to starting therapy, but need some guidance on what therapy actually looks like.
Since many teenagers aren’t sure what happens in therapy, I’m often asked: what should I talk about in sessions?
Emotional Well-being
Adolescence is often equated to an emotional rollercoaster. From changing hormones to friendships, you may be experiencing a wide range and cause of many emotions.
Therapy can be a supportive place for you to explore these new and changing emotions. Some emotions that might be coming up for you are fears, anxieties, sadness, anger, and even moments of joy.
Your therapist should provide a safe and supportive environment to help facilitate your exploration of emotions.
Learning to identify and manage your emotions is a vital life skill that you can begin to develop in therapy.
Peer Relationships
Peer interactions are a significant aspect of teenage life. There is a developmental component to teen friendships, in the sense that they help you create an identity that is separate from your nuclear family.
While strong, positive friendships can affect a teens development, bullying and negative peer experiences can have a detrimental impact on your mental health.
You may be facing issues related to friendships, bullying, peer pressure, and even romantic relationships. Discussing these topics in therapy can help teenagers gain perspective and build healthier relationships.
Family Dynamics
Family plays a central role in a teenager’s life.
Adolescence can also be a tough time for teens and their parents, as conflict is common as teens navigate their role in the family and start to become independent.
Talking about family dynamics, conflicts, and communication issues can be extremely beneficial and can allow you to explore strategies for improving your family relationships.
Academic Stress
Academic pressures can be overwhelming for teenagers, especially in high school.
Maybe you’re applying to colleges soon, or feeling swamped trying to navigate school, friendships, sports and extracurriculars. High school is not easy!
One of the major components to this overwhelm may also be the tough transitions from middle school to high school and high school to college.
Discussing school-related stress, study habits, and time management in therapy can help teenagers develop effective coping strategies and set realistic goals.
Self-esteem and Body Image
Adolescence often brings about concerns regarding body image and self-esteem as your body begins changing during puberty.
Teenagers might struggle with self-worth, body image issues, or even eating disorders.
Therapy can provide a supportive environment for exploring these concerns and building self-confidence.
Identity and Self-Exploration
Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and identity formation.
You may be on a journey of self discovery about your values, beliefs, and identity.
Therapy can be a safe space for exploring these questions and gaining a better understanding of yourself, especially in relation to your family and friendships.
Substance Use and Risky Behaviors
Substance abuse and engagement in risky behaviors are challenges that some teenagers face.
This is a time of exploration and peer pressure, which may create a concoction that makes you uncomfortable or worried.
Discussing these topics in therapy is essential for early intervention and providing guidance on making healthier choices.
Goal Setting and Future Planning
Teens can benefit from discussing their goals, aspirations, and plans for the future.
Whether it’s college planning, short term plans or long term plans, you will have the space and support to explore your options and preferences for the future.
Therapists can help teenagers set realistic goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
Coping Strategies
Learning healthy coping mechanisms is crucial for teenagers.
By learning how to sit with and accept uncomfortable emotions, you develop resilience and practice for navigating future challenges.
Discussing stress management, problem-solving skills, and strategies for dealing with difficult situations can empower you to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
Mental Health Concerns
Adolescence is a time in which you may start to experience mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, OCD etc.
It’s important to discuss these concerns openly in therapy to receive appropriate support and treatment.
You are not alone on this therapy journey. Adolescence is such a challenging time, and I encourage all teens to seek therapy.
One misnomer to therapy is that you have to focus on all of the bad things, but that is not true!
Your therapist wants to celebrate your triumphs, successes and your joys with you.
I encourage you to talk about a wide range of topics in therapy, as it will provide you with valuable tools to navigate the complexities of adolescence.
By addressing these topics in therapy, you can develop the skills and insights needed to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives as you transition into adulthood.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and therapy can be a powerful resource for teenagers on their journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
