Parenting a teenager can feel like a rollercoaster. And for teens, it's a time of stress and emotional turmoil.
Therapy And Counseling For Teens
Adolescence is a period of intense change. One minute, they’re telling you everything and feeling on top of the world. The next, they’re slamming the door in your face. And you’re left wondering, is this just teenage angst, or is it something deeper?
Our therapists offer a confidential and supportive relationship for your teen, where they can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. We work with teenagers of all genders, and we understand the unique pressures and social dynamics they face.
We believe parents and families need to be involved in their teens’ care. We will partner with you to help find solutions and navigate these difficulties.
Our Approach to Teen & Adolescent Therapy
We take a relational approach to therapy. This means we know how important it is to feel like your therapist “gets” you. We prioritize building that genuine connection, allowing our teens to feel safe and comfortable enough to start opening up. Leading with genuine curiosity, openness, and humor, we use therapeutic approaches proven to help, including:
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Art Therapy
Sometimes, words just aren't enough. Art therapy offers a creative outlet for teens to express themselves, process complex emotions, and gain insight into their struggles in a powerful, non-verbal way.
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Dialectical & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (DBT & CBT)
Think of these as a toolbox for life. They are highly effective for teens as they learn to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is great for issues like anxiety, depression, and anger management, while DBT teaches crucial skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness for teens with intense emotions.
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Family Therapy
We'll work with your family as a whole to get everyone on the same page. This approach improves communication, sets healthy boundaries, and creates a more supportive and understanding home environment.
Signs Your Teen Might Benefit from Therapy
Teens walk through our door for a wide range of reasons. Sometimes they come to therapy with a specific problem they want to address, or they come because a parent is worried about them. Other times, they don't even know why they're feeling so bad. Together, e'll work through what's going on, which often includes:
Academic & Performance Stress
Pressures to overachieve, struggles with underachievement, managing ADHD, and making major decisions about college and career paths can be overwhelming. We help teens manage academic pressure and build the skills needed to succeed without feeling overwhelmed.
Anxiety
Anxiety can show up as panic attacks, test anxiety, specific phobia, or general worry. Social Anxiety Disorder is particularly common and severe these days, fueled by the relentless stress of social media and mobile technology. We help teens manage the pressures of school, social life, and family expectations.
Behavioral Challenges
This includes defiance, impulsivity, substance use, drug use/drinking, self-harm, or other risky behaviors. These behaviors are often a way for teens to cope with underlying pain or overwhelming emotions and can escalate to more severe issues like suicidality. We work to understand the root cause of these behaviors and teach healthy coping skills to navigate difficult emotions.
Eating Disorders
We treat serious eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. Common among teens, these conditions require immediate, specialized intervention and compassionate guidance for both teens and their families
Emotional Overload & Mood Swings
This is more than just moodiness. It might be constant sadness, isolation, or a sudden loss of interest in things they used to love. Teens might express their pain through anger, drug use, or other risk-taking behaviors. We help teens identify and understand their emotions, providing them with tools to regulate their moods and communicate their feelings effectively.
Identity & Relationships
Navigating identity is a big one, especially for teens questioning their sexuality or gender identity (LGBTQ+). We also tackle friendship drama, family conflicts, and struggles with self-esteem, body image, and finding a sense of belonging in the world. We offer a supportive and affirming relationship where they can explore their identity and build the confidence to form healthy connections with others.
Sports & Performance Issues
The pressure in sports is real and can take a significant toll on a teen's mental well-being. We address issues like mental blocks, performance anxiety, pressure from coaches and teammates, and burnout. We help teens address the mental and emotional aspects of athletic performance, developing strategies to manage pressure and build confidence.
Trauma & Loss
Whether from a specific event or ongoing stress, trauma can be incredibly difficult to process. We provide a safe, confidential space for your teen to heal.
What To Expect At GIA
At GIA, we treat children and teens, ages 4 to 18, using a family systems approach. We recognize that when one person is affected, the whole family is impacted, which is why we believe in involving parents and families from the very beginning.
Depending on your situation, therapy may include a mix of individual and family sessions to help your child express their feelings and needs, manage behaviors, and develop self-confidence. Lasting change happens when family members learn to support and understand one another.
Our skilled therapists in Somers Point, NJ, offer an objective perspective to help you improve communication and build a healthy, supportive family system. All families are welcome here, including large, small, blended, nuclear, LGBTQ+, adopted, and biological.
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We're your therapists next door, ready to help you reset your relationships and rewrite your story.
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We are excited to meet you and your child to help begin rewriting your story together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for Teenagers
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Signs of anxiety or depression can include persistent sadness, irritability, or anger; a lack of motivation or energy; social withdrawal; changes in appetite or sleep; and expressing feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. For many teens, these issues manifest as physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches, or as a drop in academic performance.
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While moodiness is normal for teenagers, consider therapy if you notice a persistent change in their behavior, mood, or interests that lasts for more than a few weeks. This could include a sudden decline in grades, withdrawing from friends and family, changes in sleep or eating habits, or a loss of interest in activities they once loved.
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Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are often very effective for teens with behavioral issues and difficulty managing emotions. These approaches help them understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and teach practical skills for managing impulses and regulating emotions in a healthier way.
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The most effective way to treat a teen with a history of trauma is through a specialized approach like EMDR, often integrating Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) or art therapy. This helps the teen safely process the traumatic event, develop coping skills, and rebuild a sense of safety and trust.
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It's common for teens to resist therapy at first. We encourage parents to open a conversation about their concerns calmly and without judgment, framing therapy as a way to gain new tools and a neutral space to talk. We often suggest a "no-pressure" initial meeting so your teen can meet us and decide if it feels like a good fit for them.
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Social media has a significant impact, often contributing to increased social anxiety, a fear of missing out (FOMO), and negative self-comparison. Constant online pressure and exposure to cyberbullying can lead to heightened stress, depression, and a distorted sense of self-worth.
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The most important thing is to create a safe, affirming, and loving environment at home. Use their chosen name and pronouns, listen without judgment, and educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues. Finding a therapist who is specifically affirming of LGBTQ+ identities is crucial for their mental health and well-being.
Get Your Teen the Help They Need
A simple conversation is the best place to start. Once we better understand your family’s unique situation, we’ll recommend the best plan for your child