What is adolescent counseling and why is it important in Atlanta, GA?

Adolescent counseling in Atlanta, GA is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on the mental and emotional well-being of teenagers. It is crucial because adolescence is a time of significant change and development, and many young individuals face various challenges during this period. Professional counseling provides a supportive environment where adolescents can address issues like anxiety, depression, self-esteem, peer pressure, and family dynamics. Through counseling, they can develop coping skills, improve communication, and gain valuable insights to navigate these challenges and achieve optimal mental health.

How can adolescent counseling services benefit teenagers in Atlanta, GA?

Adolescent counseling services in Atlanta, GA offer numerous benefits to teenagers. Through counseling, adolescents can gain a better understanding of their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and improve their overall well-being. Counseling can help them navigate challenges related to academic stress, peer relationships, family conflicts, and identity formation. Therapists provide a safe and non-judgmental space where teenagers can express themselves, explore their thoughts and feelings, and receive guidance and support from a professional. Ultimately, adolescent counseling promotes personal growth, resilience, and mental wellness during this critical stage of life.

How long does adolescent counseling typically last in Atlanta, GA?

The duration of adolescent counseling in Atlanta, GA can vary depending on several factors, including the specific needs of the teenager and the nature of the challenges they are facing. Some teenagers may benefit from short-term counseling focused on addressing specific issues, while others may require longer-term therapy to explore deeper-rooted concerns. The therapist will work collaboratively with the teenager and their family to determine the most appropriate treatment plan and establish a timeline for counseling sessions. The goal is to provide comprehensive support and guidance tailored to the individual needs of each teenager.

What qualifications and experience should I look for in an adolescent counselor in Atlanta, GA?

When seeking an adolescent counselor in Atlanta, GA, it's essential to consider their qualifications and experience. Look for licensed mental health professionals who specialize in working with teenagers. They should have relevant degrees in counseling or psychology and be licensed or certified in the state of Georgia. Additionally, consider counselors who have experience specifically in adolescent counseling, as they will have a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by teenagers. It's also beneficial to seek counselors who have a compassionate and empathetic approach, as building a strong therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective counseling.

How can I schedule an appointment for adolescent counseling at Restorative Counseling Services in Atlanta, GA?

Scheduling an appointment for adolescent counseling at Restorative Counseling Services in Atlanta, GA is easy. Simply visit our website or give us a call to get started. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will assist you in finding a suitable therapist and scheduling an initial appointment. We understand the importance of timely support, and we strive to accommodate our clients' needs to the best of our ability. At Restorative Counseling Services, we are dedicated to providing exceptional adolescent counseling services in Atlanta, GA, and helping teenagers thrive in their mental and emotional well-being.

Adolescent Counseling

Adolescent Counseling in Atlanta and Roswell

If there is one thing that most of us can agree on, it is that being a teenager can be hard. Adolescents today are experiencing challenges that result in high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, poor decision making, addictions, and even suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Teens are bombarded by social media messages that cause confusion and distress. Bullying is all too common. Academic pressures can build to a boiling point, and life overall can just feel like it’s just too much, and it’s happening all at once.

Adolescents often say that no one can understand or help make sense of what is going on in their life. They can feel helpless, hopeless, and overwhelmed, but often don’t know how to effectively communicate their emotions to those closest to them. At Restorative Counseling Services, we help teens not only better understand themselves and their experiences, but we also help them lean in to the support offered by loving family members who truly do care.

A Message to Parents

When parents initially reach out to a therapist, they often express these concerns:

I feel like my teen is off, but I don’t understand why.
I don’t know how to help him/her.
Are they just in a phase or should I be worried?
What is “normal” for their age?
My teen spends a lot of time in his/her bedroom.
My teen complains about being stressed and overwhelmed and I don’t know how to help.

If your teen shows signs of depression, anxiety, ADHD, or high levels of general distress, please reach out today.

Contact Us

You can also call 678.403.0112 to set up an intake call.

A Message to Teens

If you’re a teenager reading this, we want you to know that you are not alone if you feel like you are struggling with your mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 teens (13-18) experience a mental health concern. Many times, you just need a space where you can safely process what is going on in your life without feeling judged or criticized. Your therapist will not only accept you for who you are, but also teach you valuable skills so you can make the changes you want to see in your life.

Treatment

Your teen’s therapist will work with you and your child to create a customized counseling plan unique to your teen’s needs. During the initial session, the therapist will engage your child in a variety of ways to get a better understanding of their world and how they view themselves in it. For some teens this means traditional talk therapy. For others it means art therapy or taking the session outside. Our counselors are highly trained in building strong therapeutic relationships with their clients, and that is essential in adolescent therapy. They’ll also discuss family dynamics, peer relationships, school, and day-to-day life. Each individual is unique and requires their own specific treatment approach to help them achieve their goals. By taking a holistic approach, we are better able to understand their world and then introduce a program that results in lasting and meaningful change.

Rachel McLelland, LMSW, and Jacqueline Conway, APC, REAT, are two of the Restorative counselors who are extremely passionate about and focused on working with teens. Just like almost everyone, they remember what life was like as a teenager, but they also know how beneficial therapy can be for teens. Rachel and Jacqueline have various experiences working with teens through mentoring programs, group counseling, and individual counseling. They teach teens evidenced-based techniques to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and general well-being. They can assist your teen in being their genuine selves: full of life, confidence, and hope.

Parents, we know that you are doing your very best with the resources that you have.

Here at Restorative Counseling, we can teach your child how to process and express their emotions and thoughts in healthy ways. We can also equip your teen with coping skills that can help them feel that they have the tools to manage the stressors in their life.

If you are feeling concerned for your teen’s well-being, express your concern in a gentle, non-judgmental way. You may even want to share that you’ve noticed a difference in them, and that you want to help them by offering resources such as counseling. By starting the conversation, you may discover that your child has an interest in working with a therapist.

We want you to feel included as a part of the counseling process, so we ask that either one or both parents attend the initial session with your child. In that session, the therapist will introduce themselves, answer any questions, and go over the rules of confidentiality. We want to establish trust early in the process, and let the teenager know we truly have their best interest at heart. Only then can transformative healing and change begin.

Part of establishing this trust is for the teen to know that we will respect their right to confidentiality and privacy, which means that we strive to keep what is said during their counseling session confidential. If needed, we may encourage you and your teen to attend a session together or encourage your teen to share something with you that was discussed in counseling.

Symptoms of Distress in Adolescents

Whether you are a parent of an adolescent or a teen yourself, it is important to notice the signs that things might be getting out of control. Here are some of the common signs that may indicate that a teen is in distress and that counseling could be beneficial.

• Changes in personality such as seeming withdrawn, nervous, irritable, sad, or stressed

• Noticeable differences in sleep patterns or appetite

• Not wanting to spend time with friends and/or family

• Having a short temper or lashing out

• Actual self-harm or suicide attempt

• Starting to engage in behaviors that are unusual

• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or chest pain

• Noticeable difference in academic, athletic, or other extracurricular performance

• Expressing or having thoughts that indicate the potential for self-harm or suicide

Adolescent Mental Health Issues

Many mental conditions that teens face are not very different at their core than when they present in adults. However, symptoms may present themselves in different ways for teens than in adults due to social and developmental factors such as peer pressure, academic stress, sports, and changing hormones.

Depression in Teens

Depression for teens is no different medically for adults who experience depression. Depression is associated with high levels of stress and anxiety in teenagers. Signs that an adolescent may be experiencing depression include:

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness

• Frequent self-criticism or self-blame

• Irritability or angry outbursts

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

• Low self-esteem

• Changes in sleeping habits

• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things

• Frequent thoughts of death, dying, or suicide

Anxiety in Teens

Some level anxiety for teenagers is common and natural. It is estimated that one in eight children will experience more intense anxiety. Teenagers have many reasons to feel anxious including tests, preparing for college, making friends, fitting in, balancing their schedules, making the team, or passing the audition.

As children enter and move through their teen years, they usually develop the necessary skills (with help from their parents and other adults such as teachers and coaches) to calm their anxiety and cope with their feelings. But sometimes anxiety can become chronic and persistent, which can develop into an anxiety disorder such as Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, or Panic Disorder. A teen may be in the midst of one of these disorders if they experience any of the following to a significant and prolonged degree.

• Irritability

• Trouble falling asleep

• Feelings of fear

• Nervousness

• Shyness

• Feelings of shame

• Panic Attacks

• Isolating or avoiding people

For some teens, depression may accompany anxiety. Diagnosing both conditions is important so that treatment can address the underlying issues and help relieve symptoms.

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Teens

According to the most recent diagnostic manual (DSM-5), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that impairs functioning or development. Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause problems with social, mental, and emotional well-being.

Young adults with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD experience challenges unique to their developmental time-frame, including shifts in hormones, executive functioning development, synaptic pruning or remodeling of the brain from childhood to adolescence as well as external social and academic pressures. Teens with ADHD often exhibit the following symptoms:

• Social anxiety

• Hyper-focus on media and video games

• Risky sexual engagement

• Response inhibition

• Giving up on tasks that seem “boring”

• Oppositional behaviors such as rule breaking and rude remarks

To learn more about ADHD, and how we treat it here at Restorative Counseling, click below.

Learn more about ADHD

Reach out to us now in Atlanta or Roswell

If your teen is exhibiting signs of depression, anxiety, ADHD, or increased levels of general distress, please call 678.403.0112 to set up an intake call.