Teenage Counseling Techniques and How it Helps Them

Counseling can be a great way for teens to address problems with their mental health, issues in school, relationship conflict, low self-esteem and more. Counseling sessions for teens may be structured differently than for adults and are often tailored to meet their individual developmental needs. 

Sometimes it can be difficult to get teens to open up and discuss what they are feeling. Teens may struggle to verbalize their experiences, feel ashamed or embarrassed. Teen counselors understand this and use several techniques to help build a line of trust and open communication with their teenage patients. 

Understanding the Basics of Teenage Counseling 

Sessions may look different for each teen based around their individual needs and what they are going for. Some counselors focus on problems in the home or school, while others specialize in specific mental health problems. 

In general, teens are given the same privacy and confidentiality that adults are given. Allowing them to speak openly and freely about current problems they are experiencing. However, in some cases confidentiality can be broken—this is only in the case if there is a serious threat to your teen’s wellbeing or safety. 

It can be reassuring for parents to understand what their teen will learn in counseling and the techniques used that can benefit their mental health.

What Can it Be Good For?

Counseling can help teens with a number of challenges they struggle with, or used as a direct intervention for a mental health disorder. Teens that are going through transitional periods of life or experiencing stress from external conflict may benefit from counseling sessions. Teens may not always have a specific problem to address. Sometimes they simply want someone they trust to talk to that can help them build skills to face challenges in life head on. Counseling can provide teens with the tools they need to be emotionally mature and successful adults such as communication, confidence and strategies to reduce stress. 

Some of the other reasons teens may need counseling, include: 

• Transitions such as moving schools or home
• Divorce
• Family conflict or an unstable home life 
• Loss of a loved one & grief 
• Bullying 
• Suffering an injury or dealing with a medical illness 
• Exploring their sexuality or gender identity 
• Feeling misunderstood or isolated 
• Racial, cultural or sexual discrimination
• Physical, emotional or psychological abuse 
• Building self-awareness 
• Friendship or relationship conflict 

Teenage Counseling Techniques 

Counselors may approach teens in a slightly different way than with their adult patients. Teens may take a bit longer to develop a sense of trust, or lack the communication skills to accurately describe how they are feeling. Counselors that specialize in teens often understand the barriers that come with treating them and create unique strategies to build a rapport. Below are some common strategies a counselor may use to help their teen clients. 

Building Trust 

Rapport is an essential piece of any therapy session, but may take extra time when working with a teenage patient. During the first counseling session your teen and the therapist may simply chat and get to know each other. Sometimes counselors will open up about their own struggles to let teens know they aren’t alone and there are people who can relate to their experiences. Icebreakers or activities may be used during this time to establish a level of trust & non-judgment.

They will also inform your teen of the rules of confidentiality and that it is a safe space to speak openly without fear of the counselor telling their parents (unless it is something that could harm themselves or others). 

It may take multiple sessions for your teen to feel fully comfortable with their counselor, which is normal. When a bond is built between the counselor and teen, treatment is more effective. 

Using Positive Self-Talk

One of the common reasons teens attend counseling is to improve low self-esteem and build skills that increase their confidence. It’s normal for teens to struggle with self-esteem issues, this period of development is marked by several biological changes and is a time when teens explore their place in the world. 

Teens in counseling may think the worst of themselves, or self-blame themselves for things out of their control. This can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. A common strategy teen counselors will use is to replace this negative inner voice with positive self-talk. 

Counselors may encourage your teen to write down their negative thoughts at the start of the session, and change the list into a positive one at the end. By doing this over the course of multiple sessions it can help boost confidence and allow your teen to develop more positive thinking patterns about themselves. 

Activities & Workbooks 

Worksheets can benefit teens because it helps them outline specific thoughts and feelings that drive their behaviors. When a teen sees their problems on paper it can help them process their thoughts easier, especially if they have trouble communicating these thoughts. 

Writing their thoughts down can also help release tension and emotions that they were holding inside. Some worksheets can encourage creativity, brainstorming and problem-solving that teens can apply to their life outside of counseling sessions and carry with them into adulthood 

Music 

Music can be a powerful way to connect with teens and help them get in touch with their feelings. Many teens use music as a way to express or understand their emotions. Counselors may have the teen describe to them why they like the music they do, and teach them how it can influence their emotional states. 

Music can also help teach the counselor about what is going on inside of a teens’ head. They may talk through lyrics and ask which has the biggest impact on them. Through songs, we can learn a lot about our teens.  

Art 

Like music, art has the power to inform us about what is going on in a teens’ mind. It allows teens to express themselves and what they are feeling in a more creative way. Counselors may have teens draw what they are feeling. This can be especially helpful for processing emotional distress related to trauma. 

Games 

Although it may sound odd, it’s normal for counselors to involve games during their sessions. This can help take the pressure off of only talking, and be a method to encourage teens to open up. It also gives them a space to relax and de-stress from pressure in their day to day life such as school, prepping for the future, keeping up with social media and conflict with peers. 

Teenage Counseling for Teens in Texas 

If you notice your teen is struggling with their mental health, reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment. 

At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understand the complex nature of mental health disorders in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.