The Myths and Reality of Counseling Teenagers
The teenage years can be rough and are certainly full of changes and challenges. Even if parents want to help their teens, they may find themselves feeling stressed, confused, and not sure how to do so. This is where teen therapy comes in. It gives teens a safe place to work on getting back in control and feeling stable. But what do we really know about helping young people? In this in-depth look, we’ll bust the myths about counseling teenagers and show how it can really change people’s lives for the better.
Counseling teenagers is not about ‘fixing’ broken people. Instead, it’s a deeply personal journey of self-discovery that gives kids the skills and ways of dealing with problems that they’ll need to get through the bumps and hurdles that life throws at them. It’s a process of learning, growing, and changing that happens slowly but has a long effect on a young person’s life. At Insight Treatment, this dedication to healthy, life-changing growth is at the heart of what we do.
Myth #1: Therapy Is A Last Resort For ‘Troubled’ Teens
One of the most common misunderstandings is that therapy is a last-ditch effort to help troublesome or severely emotionally or behaviorally challenged teens. This statement could not be furthest from the truth. Therapy is very helpful for teens who are dealing with big problems, but it is also helpful for those who are dealing with daily stressors like school pressure, changing relationships, or dealing with family expectations.
At Insight Treatment, we try to handle every part of a teen’s life—emotional, psychological, spiritual, familial, intellectual, and biological—in order to make a treatment plan that is complete and well-rounded.
Myth 2: Counseling Makes People Reliant On It
Another worry that parents often have is that counseling teenagers will make their kids too dependent on therapy to deal with their problems. Fortunately, it is the complete opposite of this myth. A counselor’s job is to work with a teen and help them find their own strengths and build on them. This creates a setting where emotional independence is supported and grown.
Myth #3: Therapy Is Just A Bunch Of Drama
Another common myth is that therapy invites and supports drama that doesn’t need to happen and makes teens think about problems that might not need so much attention. Again, wrong! Counseling is about talking about, working through, and fixing problems, not making them worse. It’s a complete and planned process that helps young people manage their emotions and ideas constructively, so they may feel better about themselves emotionally and mentally instead of getting worse.
Myth 4: Parents Are In The Front Row
Many parents and teens both think that parents will be involved in every step of the therapy process for teens. Even though having parents involved can be helpful and give kids more support, it is not always necessary or right. Teenagers can talk about their thoughts and feelings without worrying about being judged because therapy is based on the idea of privacy and confidence. At Insight Treatment, we understand that every family has different needs, and we make sure that the amount of parental input fits these needs.
Unleashing the Power of Teen Counseling to Change Lives
Counseling teenagers is a complex and delicate process that goes far beyond just dealing with specific obvious problems. It is about giving kids the skills and knowledge they need to deal with life’s difficulties and complexities. At Insight Treatment, we’ve had the chance to see and help thousands of teens and their families change for the better, giving them hope and a way to a healthier, happy future. Our highly trained clinical team offers complete outpatient care for people with dual illnesses. Not only do they offer support, but they also help people find a sense of direction.
Counseling As a Process
We’re really happy that many adolescents have developed new levels of self-awareness, resilience, and self-esteem as a result of our therapy programs. With this in mind, counseling is not just a fix; it is a process. It’s a process that changes kids and gives them the tools they need to handle their emotions with understanding, strength, and grace.
As one of the first places in Los Angeles to offer outpatient drug and alcohol rehab for teens, we are proud of our unique method. Our treatment plans are made for each person and help with a wide range of problems, such as sadness, drug and alcohol abuse, behavioral issues, and actions that hurt oneself.
Counseling teenagers can make a huge difference and impact in their lives and positively set them up for a future of strength, self-understanding, confidence, and most importantly, happiness.
We’re looking forward to answering every question you may have when we speak with you. Every conversation is kept strictly confidential, and we provide a no-cost initial evaluation. We understand that it can be difficult to determine when and where to seek assistance. We are delighted to help you locate the best treatment program for your adolescent and family.