By Jessica Burrows, MA, LPC, CFLE
Although teens may have a negative view of counseling, it has many significant and positive benefits. Most importantly, teen counseling provides adolescents the opportunity to work through their problems and stressors in a safe and healthy way with a trusted professional. Below are more notable benefits of counseling for teenagers.
Development of Stress Management Skills
Usually, adolescence is the first time in someone’s life that they begin to experience significant stress. Teens face more pressure from teachers, parents and peers than young children do, and this increased pressure can lead to serious stress. Plus, teenagers are also typically learning new skills, developing new friendships and maybe even dating, all of which can be stressful. Counseling provides teens the space to talk openly with a trusted adult about their stressors, and it helps teens develop healthy stress management skills. Learning to handle the stress of school, interpersonal relationships, family issues and employment is much easier when done alongside a trusted professional.
Early Detection of Mental Illness
Teen counseling provides the opportunity to detect signs of mental illness early on in life, which makes treatment and management of these illnesses much easier. Teen counselors are trained to spot the warning signs of mental illnesses like mood disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders, all of which can cause serious impairment if left untreated. Luckily, if these illnesses are caught early on and treatment is started promptly, adolescents will learn how to effectively manage their mental illness through coping skills and can live healthy lives.
Healing from Trauma
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 5% of teens have developed post-traumatic stress disorder as the result of a traumatic experience. Luckily, counselors can help teens work through their trauma in order to find peace and healing. Through counseling, teenagers can learn to heal from their trauma and begin to lead lives that are significantly healthier and less stressful.
Development of Healthy Coping Skills
Adolescence can be a difficult time for many teens, especially those who deal with major life changes, the loss of a loved one or bullying, but counseling can help. Teenagers who go to counseling will learn the coping skills necessary to handle life’s biggest challenges. Plus, teens who attend counseling can develop everyday coping skills that allow them to be more present and live each day to the fullest.
NextGen Teen Counseling Can Help
Whether you are stressed about school, dealing with the loss of a loved one, looking to heal from a traumatic event or seeking treatment for a mental illness, counseling is an overall positive experience for teens. At NextGen Counseling, each of our counselors specialize in working with teens and are trained in handling issues that are specific to teens, so we can help you overcome any problems you may be facing. Give us a call today for your initial consultation at 940-228-2171 or visit us on the web at www.nextgencounseling.org.
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