Counseling for Teens

Teens can be overly emotional and dramatic at times; however, if you notice extreme changes in your child’s behavior or hear complaints from their teachers or friends, it may be time to seek professional help.

The therapy professionals at Plano Christian Counseling have worked with teens and their families for years, employing psychological methods and faith-based and Scripture-backed philosophies. The following is a small list of some of the topics teens feel safe to share with the counselors in Plano:

Life changes – As families grow, transitions are bound to occur. Children move from one school to another, parents change jobs, or families move to a new area. On the other hand, these life events can spiral downward with the loss of a parent’s position or the parents deciding to divorce. Whatever transition your teen is experiencing, a counselor can walk them through the best way to handle their feelings and reactions.

Grief and loss – Teens cannot always express their grief as adults. They may bury the pain deep inside only to have it evolve into destructive behavior. Grief and loss can lead to mental health conditions, illness, or violent behavior. Complicated grief is another issue where the teen does not cycle through the grief cycle as usual but becomes stuck and unable to move forward. Professional help is a must if you believe your teen suffers from complicated grief and loss.

Serious illnesses – Unfortunately, severe illnesses and diseases can hit children too. Teens can face diagnoses that would emotionally paralyze an adult, such as learning they have cancer or an autoimmune disease. We need to remember that although teens are rapidly growing into their young adult bodies, they are still frightened children.

As a parent, you want to keep your child safe, and illnesses do not play by those rules. How do we fight this unseen enemy? By employing the best medical treatments, learning to manage perspective, and believing in God. This is where Christian counseling for teens in Plano can benefit both your child and your family.

Bullying – Bullying is still prevalent today and just as damaging. Even worse, with the popularity of social media, cyber-bullying has become a more significant problem. Teens can slander and gossip about their peers and upload embarrassing videos. A counselor can step in and advise the family on how to handle bullying and help the teen overcome feelings of worthlessness, embarrassment, and anger.

Behavioral problems – In adults, the region of the brain that manages our reactions and behaviors is known as the prefrontal cortex. However, this region is still developing in teens, so the area in the brain known as the amygdala works overtime.

The problem with the amygdala calling the shots is that it results in impulsive behaviors. Teens frequently make short-term decisions without considering the long-term consequences. A therapist can help your teen make wiser decisions and learn to manage their behaviors.

Teen pregnancy – Thankfully, teen pregnancy rates are trending downward, but the U.S. still has higher rates than other developed countries. Teens who have grown up with a Christian background may be frightened of telling their parents or feel that they will disappoint them.

If your teen is pregnant or has fathered a child, know that this does not mean the end of the world. God already knows about this innocent unborn child, and He will bless their life. A counselor can aid the family in accepting and making plans to bring this child into the world while helping their teen learn how to be a mother or father.

Sexual promiscuity – Risky behaviors like sexual promiscuity can lead to all sorts of problems, but what is driving this behavior? Our therapists work with your teen to uncover the why behind their actions. We help them realize that God created their bodies to be used as a temple for the Holy Spirit and that He created sex to be enjoyed between a husband and a wife for physical, emotional, and spiritual reasons.

Parental expectations – Teens can become overwhelmed trying to meet parental and school expectations. For example, if a teen believes they must get all As and qualify for a scholarship to feel accepted and loved by their parents, they might go to great lengths to ensure they have those grades.

This might sound dramatic, but it happens all the time. Although a parent loves their child regardless of their GPA, teens can associate what they do with whether or not they are accepted. A therapist can work with your teen to break those negative thoughts and reframe them into positive and less stressful self-talk.

Addictions – Addictions are anything that negatively controls your teen’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. We have seen teens addicted to alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex, gaming, and television. There are others, but addictions only get worse without professional help. Addiction can be beaten, and it takes commitment and hard work. We will walk through the fire with your teen so they can have a bright future again.

Mental health problems – Mental health professionals specialize in disorders of the mind and know first-hand how it can affect a teen and their family. We use the best psychological methods to personalize a plan for your teen based on their unique condition.

If any of these topics sound familiar, reach out to us today. Sometimes a teen feels more comfortable being vulnerable in front of a therapist than a parent or guardian. We provide them with a judgment-free zone to listen to what is holding them back.