Adolescence can be a period of disorientation and discovery, when important issues of independence and identity come to light. It is a period of many transitions, including physical changes, evolving relationships with parents and peers, and concerns about the future.
Young adults may face a range of difficult problems in their lives, including depression, anxiety, academic stress and family conflicts. Peer influence and external appearance tend to increase in importance during this period, and sometimes adolescents may begin to experiment with drugs, alcohol and sex. Therapy can help adolescents work through these issues to make healthier choices, understand and share their emotions, and overcome other stresses of teenage life.
Issues faced by adolescents that may benefit from therapy:
Young adults may face a range of difficult problems in their lives, including depression, anxiety, academic stress and family conflicts. Peer influence and external appearance tend to increase in importance during this period, and sometimes adolescents may begin to experiment with drugs, alcohol and sex. Therapy can help adolescents work through these issues to make healthier choices, understand and share their emotions, and overcome other stresses of teenage life.
Issues faced by adolescents that may benefit from therapy:
- difficulties in peer or dating relationships (difficulty making friends, shyness, abusive relationships)
- troubled relationships with parents or siblings
- poor body image and eating disorders
- social pressures
- risk-taking behaviors
- insecurity, self esteem and identity
- sexual orientation, gender identity and expression
- bullying
- anxiety (including phobias, compulsive behaviors, indecisiveness or fearfulness)
- depression (manifesting as irritability, anger, lack of interest in enjoyable activities, withdrawing from friends and family)
- ADHD (impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity)
- autism spectrum disorders (difficulty with social interactions and communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors)
- grief and loss (dealing with chronic illness in self or family member, death of family or friends, divorce of parents)
- trauma (being a victim of abuse or neglect, witnessing or experiencing violence)
- behavioral difficulties (fighting at school/home, bullying, not listening to adults, parent/child conflicts, truancy, drug use, teenage sex, teen pregnancy, self-injurious behaviors such as cutting or burning, substance abuse, etc)
- emerging mental illness