Helpful Information About Counseling for Teens

If you’re a teenager reading this, perhaps the idea of counseling has come up in a conversation with your parents, a teacher, or maybe it’s just something that has crossed your mind. The idea of getting things off your chest might sound nice, right? So why the hesitation?

The thought of opening up to someone you don’t even know can feel a little awkward and unnerving. Or maybe you are worried about what others will think. Whatever your hesitation about counseling is, know that it’s okay to feel unsure, but it’s equally okay to take a cautious step forward anyway.

Is something wrong?

Just because you go to counseling doesn’t mean that something is wrong with you. In fact, many scholarly minds have argued that mental health counseling is good for everyone, not just those who feel like they need help.

Going to counseling is like going to the gym. Working out helps keep your body strong in the same way that counseling keeps your mind and emotions healthy. Just like a trainer in the gym will teach you how to be safe while exercising, a therapist can help you understand yourself better and equip you with tools to help you succeed in life.

What Counseling Isn’t

Therapy and counseling have been depicted in many ways in movies and on television over the years. It’s no wonder that many people have misconceptions about what real-life counseling is like.

You have probably seen scenes of people lying on a sofa in an office, surrounded by images of Freud and shelves full of fancy psychological books. There’s a mental health professional in the room too, asking personal questions and nodding as someone pours out their deepest darkest thoughts. They say things like, “Hmm,” and “I see” occasionally, analyzing every word. This version of counseling looks intimidating!

Counseling in the real world is much different than how it is popularly represented. It isn’t a sinister tool to force you to spill your whole life to a stranger. It’s not some weird interrogation or a place where you are forced to divulge your most embarrassing moments and innermost thoughts.

When you go to counseling, you won’t be asked to cough up your darkest secret or compelled to dissect your every thought. You don’t have to lie on a couch or look at Rorschach ink blots. Real-life counseling is a lot less intimidating than most people think.

What happens in a counseling session?

If counseling isn’t like it’s portrayed in many pop cultural representations, what is a real counseling session like? The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. Every counselor has a different style and a different personality, just as your story is unique to you. With that said, there are a few things you can expect at your sessions.

At first, you might spend time getting to know each other. The counselor will probably ask some basic questions to get the conversation started. This will give them an idea of where you’re coming from and what’s going on in your life. They might also ask you what you hope to get from going to counseling sessions.

The questions will be basic, especially at first. And even in those moments, you’re never required to talk. You’re in control of what you share and when you’re ready to share it.

The conversation doesn’t have to be one-sided. Ask questions and speak up if you’re uncomfortable. Advocating for yourself or asking clarifying questions not only puts you in charge of the conversation but can give your counselor helpful insights into how your mind thinks and how you process information.

Why do parents want you to go?

Your parents (or whoever takes care of you) might be encouraging counseling simply because they care. They want you to have someone safe to talk to, especially if life feels particularly confusing lately. Even when they want to help, sometimes parents just don’t have the right words or tools to communicate.

If you’re worried about how your parents will react to what you discover in counseling, it’s wise to share those concerns with your counselor. A good counselor can help you decide the best ways to communicate with your family.

What if you don’t trust your counselor?

Trust issues are real! These can be especially difficult obstacles when it comes to therapy. Unfortunately, counselors and therapists don’t have a magic wand they can wave to make you trust them right up front. Building trust with anyone is a process, so consider it normal if you feel hesitant to open up.

Even in your silence, counselors aren’t offended. Your caution isn’t something new to them, nor does it negate the purpose of going. They are trained to respect your feelings, to keep things confidential, and to create a safe environment for you to truly be yourself.

What Counseling Can Do for You

One of the best aspects of going to counseling is that it can help you know yourself better. You might think you are an expert on yourself, and in many ways, you are, but you will likely be surprised at how much you can learn. You might be carrying around emotional scars that you thought were healed. You may even be surprised at how certain thoughts and feelings shape how you see yourself and the world around you.

Sometimes just talking to a counselor, a professional, unbiased third party, and sharing what’s on your heart and mind – in whatever way feels best to you – can lighten your burden and help you see things more clearly. A counselor or therapist’s role is not to tell you what to do, what to think, or how to feel, but rather to listen and guide you in discovering those things for yourself.

Therapy can also help you build skills. You’ll learn new ways to manage anxiety, cope with anger, improve communication, and build stronger, healthier relationships with family and friends. If you play sports, you know the benefits of having a coach.

A therapist is like a coach for your emotions and your thoughts, helping you learn how to understand and regulate your emotions and how to tame your difficult thoughts. They help you get stronger and more confident, even giving you a playbook for getting through life’s challenges.

What will your friends think?

There’s zero shame in seeing a therapist or counselor. More and more young people are turning to counseling these days. It’s actually become quite common. And just to ease your mind, counselors keep what you say confidential, which means that they won’t share your private conversations with others unless you give them permission or if you or someone around you is in danger of being harmed.

The First Step

Sometimes it’s hard to remember that God cares deeply about every aspect of your life, and that includes your mental health. When you’re going through some of life’s heaviest moments, it’s good to lean on others to help get you through. God didn’t create you to be isolated and alone or to suffer silently.

Counseling can be one of the ways that God works in your life. He often uses people, like counselors, to help you through the rough spots.

Deciding to try counseling is an important first step toward taking control of your mental health. There’s an old saying that reads, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” (Lao Tzu) Deciding to seek counseling is a solid step forward.

You’re worth it!

The teen years can be fun, but also full of change, pressure, and lots of challenges. You might feel invisible or unimportant, and it might be easy to believe that your struggles don’t matter much in the larger picture. But you’re not invisible; you are important, and your feelings do matter.

You are loved. Even if it doesn’t feel that way sometimes. You’re loved by the people in your life, and you’re loved by God. Choosing to explore counseling is a brave step toward a healthier tomorrow. Fill out the contact form on the website or call to get started.