Therapy for Teens in Grosse Ile and Plymouth

 

Recognizing Behavior Changes in Your Teen

Teenager with gray hoodie gazing up at the trees deep in thought

Is your teen expressing sadness or worries? Does it feel like most conversations go nowhere or end in an argument? Have you noticed behavior changes in your teen? So much happens during the teenage years. Teens and preteens are faced with many changes and challenges. These years can be exciting and challenging for both teens and parents. Some changes that are normal include wanting more space from family, “having an attitude”, wanting to spend all of their time with friends, testing limits, and fluctuations in moods. It can be difficult to tell the difference between normal ups and downs of being a teenager and a greater mental health concern. We offer a safe space for teens to talk through how things are going at home, school, and their day-to-day lives. We help teens to develop coping skills, explore their feelings, improve their relationships, and navigate life changes. We are passionate about creating a non-judgmental, supportive, and welcoming space for teens.

When should you seek additional help for your teen?

Teenage girl with a ponytail wearing baggy grey sweatshirt looking at camera

Have you noticed any of the following:

  • Increased isolation

  • Being down or depressed for longer than 2 weeks

  • Coming home drunk or high

  • Going through difficult life changes

  • Struggling to relate to peers

  • Anxiety that interferes with day-to-day functioning

  • Panic attacks

  • Self-harm

  • Suicidal ideation, suicide plan, or suicide attempt

  • Decreased attention to daily hygiene

  • Frequent complaints of body symptoms i.e. headaches, stomach aches, etc.

  • Verbally threatening or physically harming others

  • Asking to meet with a therapist

How Do We Help? 

It can feel uncomfortable at first to meet with someone new. Many teens feel weird having all of the attention on them. Others test our limits and question if they can trust us. This is very normal when first coming to therapy.

We have an ability to help teens feel comfortable and open up about problems they are facing. Sometimes we will draw or journal. We may talk about schoolwork and friends. Other days we might get deeper into worries and fears for the future. We will laugh together and sometimes there will be tears. We may incorporate some parent concerns, but our main priority is to respect teen clients’ privacy so that they feel heard during sessions. We look forward to working with you and your family.