Setting Your Child Up For Success
Is Therapy Right For Your Teen?
As a teen and adolescent therapist, I know that therapy can be incredibly beneficial for teenagers struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression. I understand that on a daily basis adolescents have to face a wide variety of issues, pressures, and difficult or confusing emotions. Often what is most needed is a safe space where they can sort through these feelings without fear of judgement or ridicule. This is precisely what I strive to offer in my practice. Before diving into therapy, it is important that all parties determine whether or not I am the right therapist for your teen. During our first session, my goal is to gain an understanding of what challenges your teen is facing and determine whether or I am a good fit for him or her.
Helping your child get start in therapy is just one part of the solution. There are additional ways in which you can set your teen up for success via your general approach to communication. The following suggestions can help promote a teen who is both self-aware and resilient.
How You Can Set Your Child Up for Success
- Understand That Your Child Is Unique and Love Them for Who They Are: All kids develop at different rates, have different strengths and weaknesses, as well as talents and abilities. Be considerate of your child’s originality, and praise them for what they excel in while supporting them in their weaker areas. Don’t force square pegs into round holes.
- Strive for Success Without Avoiding Failure: Embody a “growth mindset,” which sees challenges not as a negative experience, but instead as a springboard for growth. For example, the effort your teen puts into something such as a math test should be valued more highly than them receiving an “A.” Certain subjects in school don’t come as easily to some, but if they’re putting in the time and energy, they should be acknowledged for that.
- Teach Your Child The Ability To Let Things Go: When certain situations are causing undue stress, it is important to teach your child to do their best to let it go. Holding onto past hurts, resentment or anger will only hurt them in the long run. If all action has been taken that is within his/her control, then it is time to move on
- Promote Mental and Physical Health: Encourage your child to incorporate things like healthy eating, time for relaxation, and time outdoors into their lives. This will help promote mental and physical well-being, allowing your child to cope with tough situations and form healthy habits that will last a lifetime. The best way to do this is to model it in your own life and invite them to participate in these types of activities with you.
- Help Your Child Understand the Difference Between Perceived Stress and Reality: We live in a time where stress and anxiety are extremely prevalent in the lives of adolescents. As a teenager, it is easy to get consumed in worrying about school or what may happen in the future. Because of this, it’s very important to have these conversations with your children. It will be beneficial for them to hear you recognize their anxieties, and from there, you can help them discern which types of thoughts are productive and which aren’t. It is helpful to talk about what reasonable expectations look like as a point of reference.
Contact Your Hermosa Beach & Greater South Bay Therapist
It is my mission to ensure that your adolescent feels comfortable and safe in therapy from the get-go. Choosing the right therapist should not be taken lightly, as it is an extremely personal and significant decision. If you have more questions about my approach or would like to set up an initial session in my Hermosa Beach location, please reach out to me on my contact page. I look forward to speaking with you soon!