As a parent, seeing your child struggle is one of the hardest experiences you’ll face. When your teenager is grappling with the challenges of adolescence, it can be a heart-wrenching time. You want to help them navigate the stormy waters of the teen years, but often, you may feel at a loss for how to best support them. This is where therapy comes in – a powerful tool to help your teenager find hope, healing, and a path forward. But with so many options, how do you find the right therapist for your child?
The Challenges of the Teenage Years
The teenage years are a time of intense growth and change. Academic pressure, social media, body image issues, and the threat of bullying and violence are just a few of the challenges they face. Anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are increasingly common, and the stakes have never been higher. Counseling provides a safe, supportive space for your teenager to process their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and build resilience.
Finding a Therapist for Your Teenager
When seeking a Christian therapist for your teenager, it’s essential to find someone who specializes in adolescent counseling and shares your values. Experience working with teens is key, as they have unique developmental needs and challenges. Look for a therapist who uses approaches proven effective with teenagers, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) who can integrate Christian principles into the therapeutic process. A therapist with a warm, non-judgmental style can help your teenager feel comfortable opening up. Jerred has over 15 years working with pre-teens and teenagers.
The Power of Christian Counseling for Teenagers
As a Christian counselor, I believe in the power of faith to transform lives. Christian counseling offers a unique approach, integrating spiritual principles and practices to promote healing and growth. Christian counseling isn’t Bible study, but integrating researched interventions with elements of faith. By exploring their struggles through the lens of their faith, teens can find deeper meaning, purpose, and hope. If your family values are important to you, seek out a Christian counselor who can provide a faith-based perspective.
Cooperative Care
Parental involvement is crucial in therapy. While maintaining confidentiality between Jerred and his clients is paramount, we actively encourage parents to participate in sessions. They are welcome to debrief with us before or after each session, and we also facilitate parent-teen and family meetings as needed. We understand that parents play a pivotal role in their teen’s life beyond therapy.
Additionally, we coordinate care with schools and doctor’s offices, and provide excuse notes for school absences when necessary.
Taking the First Step
If you’re concerned about your teenager, don’t hesitate to reach out. That initial step of seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I’m here to support your family, offering a safe, compassionate space for your teenager to grow and find their way. Let’s work together to help them build a strong foundation for a healthy, fulfilling life. You can book here or ask a question below.