Do you have or know a struggling teen? If so, you know first hand the roller-coaster ride teens and their parents go through. Adolescence is a very exciting yet challenging stage of life for both teens and parents. Teens, like adults, want to be loved, accepted, and valued by both their family and the outside world. Yet for many teens this seems so out of reach to them and so easy for those around them. Teens are still in the process of learning how to manage the sometimes intense disappointments and emotional challenges of adolescence. And since teens don’t come with instruction manuals, this is often a turbulent time for parents and parenting as well!

At Redwood Family Therapy, we help teens who are struggling with feelings of low self-worth, inadequacy, depression, anxiety, insecurities, not fitting in, the pressures of living up to the expectations of family and friends, bullying, social struggles, unrealistic self-expectations, and self-image. Sometimes they may even struggle with an addiction, with trauma or intense loss, or turn to self-harm or isolation in an effort to cope. Our trained and caring therapists work with these issues frequently, and effectively.

Teens appreciate being able to talk with somebody who understands, doesn’t judge, and sees their strengths behind their struggles. In the context of an understanding and trusting relationship with a therapist, teens are likely to feel comfortable enough and open enough to discuss their biggest struggles. It takes a lot of courage to ask for and accept help with the parts of ourselves that are struggling the most. Our therapists have years of training and experience helping teens open up, accept help from others, and learn new skills. Therapy is a great place for teens to learn new skills to cope with feelings of low self-worth, inadequacy, depression, anxiety, insecurities, relationship struggles, not fitting in, the pressures of living up to lofty or even unrealistic self-expectations or those from family and friends, bullying, social struggles, and self-image. It is also a place for parents to learn how to help, cope, and assist their teens get through these difficulties and thrive.

Some teens struggle more outwardly in the form of intense or inappropriate behavior, often targeted towards the adults in their lives. Parents often experience this in the form of defiance, disrespect, negative attitudes, rebelliousness, irresponsible behavior, refusal to follow rules and expectations, moodiness or hostility, skipping classes or truancy, slipping grades, hanging out with questionable friends, sneakiness or lying, excuses rather than taking responsibility for their actions, or an increase in drug use or sexual behavior. When this is the case it is very challenging for many parents to know how to appropriately balance being warm and loving with having firm rules and limits that are effective. Our expert therapists can help you learn and practice the parenting skills most likely to result in improved behavior from your adolescent. They can also help your behaviorally struggling teen learn to better manage their emotions, accept being parented, problem solve more appropriately, and learn and practice healthy coping skills.

Whether you need some parenting skills and support or are looking for someone to help get through to your struggling teen, we are here to help. We offer:

• Individual therapy for teens
• Family therapy for parents and teens
• Parenting support and skills for parents
• Parenting skills groups
• Life skills groups for teens
• Pornography addiction support groups for teens

Call us today at (801) 341-1919 for one of our Saratoga Springs therapists, or at (801) 899-2229 for one of our Pleasant Grove therapists. Or click below to schedule online. You don’t have to go through this alone. We can help!