Teen Therapy & Counseling

Teen Therapists & Counselors in Westchester, NY

Being an adolescent is tough – in fact, it’s one of the most challenging periods of a person’s life. Societal pressures, social media and bullying are issues that teenagers are facing on a daily basis. They’re no longer children but not quite adults. They’re expected to make choices that will last a lifetime without knowing who they truly are. 

Everyone is unique, and our teen years are met in different ways. Some find ways to cope, to thrive and to enjoy this period of their lives with minimal stress. But some don’t experience it so easily and knowing when to reach out for help is incredibly important. There’s no shame in reaching out for support, as the parent or the teen.

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Does My Teen Need Therapy?

It may be hard to accept that your teenager needs counseling. A lot of parents struggle with the idea of this, but it is important to understand that your teen needing therapy doesn’t mean there’s something ‘wrong with them.’  

Here are some key signs that your teenager would benefit from therapy or counseling:

• Feelings of anxiety
• Feelings of depression
• Social isolation
• Sudden changes in appetite
• Sudden changes in sleep patterns
• Self-harm or suicidal ideation
• Substance abuse
• Academic struggles
• Noticeable negative changes in mood or behavior
• Behavioral issues at home
• Behavioral issues at school

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Providing your teen with a safe space to speak freely is important. At Westchester Therapy Match, we want your teen to enter adulthood equipped with self-help tools that will enrich their lives and help them to become a happy, settled individual. If you’re wondering “is there a teen therapist near me?” scroll to the bottom to find out more.

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The Benefits of Therapy for a Teenager

If you’re wondering what the benefits are of having therapy as a teenager, look at it this way. By instilling a sense of ownership over their thoughts, feelings and wellbeing you are effectively giving your teenager a higher chance of becoming an emotionally aware and settled adult. 

If you’re an adult, think about your childhood. Were you given a safe space to convey your thoughts and feelings? Were you taught how to safely manage negative, intense feelings? If not, would it have helped you to become a happier adult?

Sadly, there are many adults that struggle to cope with their mental health issues and find themselves falling into negative cycles or thought patterns. But this doesn’t have to the case for your teen – here is how therapy can help:

• A safe space to talk

The main activity in therapy is to talk. And when you have a space to put your feelings into words, you will learn new things about yourself. Talking through difficult or negative feelings allows a teen to process their emotions in a healthy way and build on their communication skills.

• Strength-building

Through therapy, your teen will be supported to find their inner strengths, such as courage, confidence and open communication. It helps them to recognize their strengths and capabilities. 

• Positive coping-mechanisms

With therapy, your teen will learn about their own emotions and thoughts. Through this, they will learn how to face negative situations and fears. Tools like mindfulness, positive self-talk and breathwork are likely to be used to help your teen work through negative emotions in a healthy and positive way. 

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Take Our Quiz

By now, you may be wondering “is there teen counseling near me?” Westchester Therapy Match wants to make sure that you’re matched with the right teen therapist for your adolescent’s counseling needs. 

We have created a simple quiz that takes less than five minutes to complete. We will use your answers to understand who you are and what you’re looking for so we can match you with the most appropriate therapist. Click here to take the quiz. 

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