Christian Counseling for Teens

The teen years can be exciting for teenagers and parents with new changes and growing independence, but these years can also be a difficult time. Sometimes teenagers feel comfortable discussing their problems with their parents but might be more comfortable talking with peers or other adults. Counseling for teens at Laguna Christian Counseling can be a way for them to work through hard situations with a trusted third party who will listen without judgment and help them overcome their struggles.

The Christian counselors in Laguna will work with the teen individually, assessing and getting to know them and their presenting issues, working together to create counseling goals, and then working toward those goals on a regular basis. The main issues that teenagers present in counseling are relationship problems, family issues, substance use, suicidal ideation, or self-harm, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and identity/self-confidence issues. Sometimes teenagers are resistant in therapy at the beginning, but if they feel safe with a counselor, they begin to engage more.

The counseling relationship is the most important aspect of therapy for teenagers. If they feel as though their counselor respects them, listens well, can relate to them, and does not come across as another authority figure, they can thrive in therapy. When seeking a counselor for a teenager, consider these things, as well as the counselor’s experience with teenagers.

The Christian counselors in Laguna will make use of various types of therapy with teenagers, depending on the teen’s personality and needs. Some common types of therapy are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Art Therapy, creative interventions, Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and others.

A person might seek a counselor for his or her teen if they:

• Ask for counseling
• Are not acting like his or herself
• Are isolating more than usual
• Seem anxious or irritated a lot of the time
• Are not eating or sleeping in healthy rhythms
• Are misusing substances
• Are having issues in relationships
• Struggle with some issues in school

If any of these issues are true of your teen, it may be time to seek counseling. Call Laguna Christian Counseling or visit us online to find the help your teen needs.