Dealing with teenagers can be stressful. One moment your teen is happy and filled with energy. And the next moment? They’re angry and despise you. For parents, these intense feelings can be challenging to manage. After all, you are human, too. And like your teen, you need to be understood as well. If you are looking for strategies to communicate effectively with your teen, a family therapy program will help you. Participating in family therapy will help your teen transition into adulthood feeling supported and understood. To learn more about repairing your relationship, reach out to the experts at Destinations for Teens at 877.466.0620.
A Family Therapy Program Provides a Neutral Perspective
It’s not uncommon for parents and teens to have opposing viewpoints on many issues in their homes. Participating in therapy is an excellent way to open lines of communication between family members. A counselor’s purpose is to help your family members share their feelings and then find solutions that will allow them to communicate effectively. Counselors perform therapy services based on the needs of an individual family. And although they are adults, counselors provide a neutral perspective to families, which will help teens understand how their behavior needs to change.
Family Therapy Helps Develop Clarity Within Families
When families are met with conflict, family therapy can help them reach an understanding. Since a counselor’s only role is to analyze the behaviors of family members, they have the unique ability to help develop a strong sense of awareness. In therapy sessions, families will be able to identify their issues, examine the behaviors that contribute consistently to conflict and then, identify ways to communicate better. In a family therapy program for teens, everyone needs to understand the critical role within their families. By reaching an understanding of each family member’s roles and the rules that need to be followed within a home, teens can begin to make stronger decisions that will contribute to their development into adulthood.
Therapy Helps Families Navigate Teenage Development
The teenage years are marked by incredible growth. Teenagers’ bodies are changing physically. They are questioning the world and have a strong sense of right and wrong. And, of course, the struggle between being dependent and seeking independence. A therapist can help teens navigate issues such as dealing with stress and navigating school. In addition, a therapist will help families understand how they can support their teens as they continue to grow and develop in a family therapy session. Attending family therapy for teens can help minor issues from becoming major problems.
Therapy Allows Families to Understand Major Mental Health Problems
It is not uncommon for teenagers to experience mood swings. However, if your teen is severely depressed, it is time to attend a family therapy program. Anxiety and depression are challenging for teens to understand. And it is also helpful for parents and guardians to consider how they can support the teens in their lives. If teens with severe anxiety or depression learn how to live with their illness, it will be less of a struggle in adulthood. Your teen needs your understanding to not turn to drugs or alcohol to subdue their feelings. Treatment for substance use disorder can help your teen get on the right path. We offer the following programs:
Seek Help and Gain Understanding at Destinations for Teens
Families are an audience and ally for the teens in their lives. Having a solid relationship is essential to a teenager’s development. Talk to your teen about attending family therapy. Even if they refuse, it can still be helpful to you. By attending treatment, you will discover new strategies to help your teenager navigate this critical phase in their lives. If you are ready to participate in family therapy sessions, contact us 877.466.0620 or use our online form.
References https://www.niehs.nih.gov/careers/research/fellows/working/policies/vacation/index.cfm