It is a different world than the one we grew up in. We didn’t have to deal with social media bullying, schools were safe, and we weren’t addicted to our cell phones. Since we didn’t have to navigate some of these issues, it can be hard to know if your teen needs help, or is “just going through a stage”. Teens can be secretive, which can heighten a parent’s concern. We don’t want to be “helicopter parents”, but also don’t want to miss something serious in our children that needs attention. Sometimes teens find it easier to talk to a caring professional than their parent. This is just the nature of adolescence and not indication of a poor relationship with your child.
How Do You Know If Your Teen Needs To Talk To A Therapist? 
Here are some signs:
1. Is your teen unusually withdrawn, tearful or irritable?
2. Are they refusing to go to school?
3. Have their grades suffered?
4. Have you noticed any abnormal cuts, scratches or injuries that are not easily explained?
5. Do they have panic attacks?
6. Do they seem to have inappropriate anger or rage?
7. Are they exhibiting strange behaviors that concern you?
If your answer is yes to any of these questions, a therapist can help. Counseling can help your teen learn more effective ways to communicate their needs, express and cope with their feelings, problem solve, and manage social pressures.
We are trained to not only recognize the needs of the teen, but also the needs of the entire family. If one family member is distressed, it effects the whole family system. For this reason, your therapist may recommend family therapy in addition to your teen’s individual counseling. Family therapy can help you identify and heal the negative interactions and that keep your family stuck in defeating patterns. Through guidance from your therapist and effort from your teen and family, you CAN get back the happy child you remember.