Adolescent Therapy

Adolescent therapy is a form of therapy designed to specifically address the needs of adolescents. Adolescence is often a challenging phase of life and it is common for teens to feel uncertain of themselves or out-of-place in some way. For parents of adolescents, it can be challenging to know effective ways of providing support and striking a balance between offering support while respecting your teen’s sense of independence.

Teens are often searching for a sense of control in their lives and are typically starting to make more decisions for themselves. Conflict is common during this time. Teens and parents may feel left out, disrespected, and/or misunderstood. Adolescent therapy can be a helpful resource for navigating this complex phase.

Emotions can be intense during adolescence and teens may feel stuck between childhood and young adulthood. Therapy provides a safe space for teens to process their thoughts and emotions and can address concerns such as emotional regulation, helpful decision-making, effective social skills, and developing healthy habits. Therapy can also be useful in addressing concerns or changes such as parental divorce, bullying, coping with academic stress, or navigating social media.

Adolescent therapists are trained in child development and have expertise in the unique challenges of this period of life. For example, per psychologist Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, the developmental stage of adolescence is identity vs. role confusion. During this stage, the adolescent’s main task is to explore their independence and develop a sense of self. They may grapple with questions such as “Who am I?” and “What do I want to do in my life?” Adolescents become more independent, set goals, and form identities by trying out new behaviors and roles. The overall development goal of this stage is for the adolescent to develop a stable sense of identity. This article provides an overview of identity vs. role confusion.

Similar to adult therapy, adolescent therapy utilizes evidence-based techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and social skills training. It can be difficult to understand and effectively express emotions at any age, and adolescents, in particular, may have trouble understanding and expressing themselves. Therapy can help to develop emotional awareness and effective communication and coping skills.

Common concerns that may be addressed in therapy include

-       Anxiety

-       Depression

-       Mood Swings

-       Unhelpful/disordered eating behavior

-       Behavioral changes/impulsivity

-       Emotional dysregulation

-       Sleep difficulty

-       Social concerns (e.g., bullying, peer pressure)

-       Academic stress

-       Changes in the family (e.g., divorce)

To learn more about adolescent therapy, please contact us at CBT Denver.