Therapy for Teens
Operating in a world that moves in a nanosecond
In the vulnerable teen years, it’s easy to be overwhelmed.
From school pressures to social media blitzes, teens are always ‘on.’ Their phone seems to be connected to them like the umbilical cord was when they were born.
Parenting is difficult. It often feels like a crapshoot – saying too little or too much.
How can parents help their teenage daughter or son navigate through the challenges they face daily?
A teenage girl tells her story of therapy through charcoal drawings
I was nervous. What if I’m not good enough? What if I am doing it wrong? What will she [the therapist] think of me?
It starts with crumbled charcoal and a smudge on the paper. Anxiety increases, and I avoid eye contact. Is it good enough?
Sitting side-by-side, we examine my drawing she placed against the wall. The spotlight is off me; I can relax. Meaning comes from me, not from her.
The smudges tell a story that reflects my inner feelings, those I don’t talk about like loss of friendships, insecurity with my body, and the aching loneliness.
Black and white transformation
As we examine these smudges, I am challenged to add color. These pastels enhance my thinking and illicit other feelings. I add in vibrant color, and my lines become more defined.
As I’m working, I begin to notice a change in my thinking. A new idea comes to mind, and I impulsively say it out loud – then I’m overcome with shame and anxiety.
To my amazement, she accepted this idea! We explore it along with the changes I made to the charcoal drawing.
I leave the studio with a plan – and some homework. For the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful about the challenges ahead and my ability to face those challenges.
I’m starting to agree with her when she says, ‘You are enough.’
Let us work with your teen – there is a new world for them to explore!
Communication can be visual as well as verbal, and our therapeutic approach begins with a drawing.
There is so much that can be learned to help your teen.