San Diego Therapy for Teens

Being a Teenager is Hard

Being a teenager is hard. Adolescence is a transitionary period that includes many changes in several areas of a child’s life. Among other things, teenagers must adapt to increased responsibilities and learn to navigate new social norms. On top of meeting parental expectations and developing their sense of identity. Some of the common issues that arise when it comes to teenagers’ mental health include:

Behavioral
Bullying
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep difficulties
Social skills
Difficulty focusing
Use of drugs and alcohol or pressure to do so
Building a healthy relationship and establishing new boundaries with parents
Engaging in self-harm or suicidal ideation
Navigating a parental divorce or separation

Therapy for teens can benefit adolescents experiencing the stresses and issues listed above. At Family Connections Therapy we have found that there are several therapy approaches that are helpful when working with adolescents. Some of the ones that we utilize are listed below.

Get the Help You Need

Image of a teenager reading a book at the skate park which can be beneficial for teenagers mental health in San Diego. During San Diego therapy for teens the adolescent can find their unique identity. This might mean exploring with a therapist for teens if they are a skater or lover of books, or whatever they want to identify as.

Attachment Therapy for Teens

Attachments form throughout childhood as a result of our experiences. There are four distinct attachment styles.

The 4 Types of Attachment Styles

Secure Attachment. Secure Attachment is considered the healthiest form of attachment. When securely attached individuals tend to have high self-esteem. They are more willing to seek support from others and feel comfortable sharing their feelings with others.
Ambivalent/Avoidant Attachment. Individuals with this attachment style are often wary of forming close relationships with others. These individuals have issues with being vulnerable with others and so avoid sharing their emotions. This negatively impacts their ability to form healthy bonds with others and can lead to isolation.
Anxious Attachment. Individuals with an Anxious Attachment style tend to have low self-esteem and often seek validation from others. Those with this attachment style often believe others’ perceptions of them determine their self-worth.
Disorganized Attachment. Disorganized Attachment is, in many ways, a combination of Ambivalent and Anxious Attachment. Individuals with this attachment style tend to have low self-esteem. They often simultaneously wish to form close relationships but are hesitant to open up to others.

Attachment Therapy for teens aims to strengthen the bond between parents and children. While also healing attachment issues that have developed in the past. In Attachment Therapy, a therapist for teens works with the adolescent alone to address their attachment issues. As well as with the family system to foster healthier family attachments.

Image of a smiling adolescent with headphones on after counseling for teens session in San Diego, CA. We have a specific therapist for teens in San Diego who is dedicated to supporting your teenagers mental health. With a variety of therapy for teens techniques.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is based around altering negative beliefs about the self. These beliefs are called Cognitive Distortions. However, it is important to note that Cognitive Distortions are not based in fact.

Cognitive Distortions

Cognitive distortions result from the relationship between Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions.

For example: if a teenager is struggling socially, they may think they are incapable of developing friendships. As a result, that teenager may feel anxious when interacting with others. This can lead to isolated behaviors such as avoiding interactions with others.

In families involved with divorce or separation, for example, that teenager may think that it is their fault. As a result, that teenager may experience feelings of guilt. Teenagers may then engage in drug/alcohol use to escape their negative emotions.

By examining one’s negative thoughts, a therapist for teens can help to amend the Cognitive Distortions that have formed. Then they can help replace them with more accurate thoughts that benefit a teenagers mental health. In this way, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a great way to improve self-esteem.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Teens

Mindfulness is the ability to ground oneself in the present moment. It is often hard to stay in the present moment because we are stuck thinking about past and upcoming events. Grounding oneself in the present can help relieve anxiety about the past and future. Many mindfulness exercises are beneficial. Some of these include breathing exercises and tension exercises.

Grounding is also helpful for improving focus and allowing one to experience the world around them.

Image of three teens standing shoulder to shoulder smiling because they received support from a therapist for teens in San Diego. With San Diego therapy for teens, your adolescent can be happy and build connections with peers Your teenagers mental health is unique and important so get them some support with counseling for teens in San Diego, CA.

If you or someone would benefit from therapy for teens, you don’t have to do it alone; we can offer help and support.

Get Help Today

Are You Ready to Start San Diego Therapy for Teens?

At our San Diego-based counseling practice we are dedicated to supporting teenagers mental health both in person and through online therapy. We have a team of caring therapists for teens who are here to provide support and guidance. If you are ready, follow these steps to start counseling for teens.

Reach out to speak with a San Diego Family Therapist
Start family therapy at Family Connections Therapy
Build a stronger and healthier relationship within your family

Other Mental Health Services At Family Connections Therapy in San Diego, California

At Family Connections Therapy, we offer lots of options to support your whole family. Our children’s therapy also includes therapy for ADHD, attachment and healthy development, play therapy. And a social skills group, LGBTQIA+ therapy, and transgender therapy. Our Marriage and Family Therapists also offer family therapy, couples therapy, and marriage counseling. We offer individual therapy, depression treatment, anxiety treatment, and more for adults! As well as family reunification therapy and court-ordered parenting classes. All of these services are also offered virtually to California residents through online therapy.