Therapy with adolescents is much different than therapy with adults. Many times adolescents enter therapy because their parents or school is mandating treatment. It's unusual for teenagers to say they want help from a therapist. The relationship between the teen and the therapist is really important to successful treatment.
Involving Family
Many therapists will not see a teen individually for treatment unless their parents are involved with the treatment. The therapist only sees the teen for an hour or two per week, but the parents are with him for much longer and can continue treatment techniques at home. It's also important to involve the parents and the family because many times they are part of the issue. The parents might be struggling through a divorce, too lenient with the teen or not involved enough in the teen's life.
Art
Sometimes teenagers have a difficult time expressing themselves and need other outlets in which to express their feelings. Some therapists will use forms of art such as drawing, painting or poetry to interact with the teenager. The therapist might have the teen do art while in session or give the teen an assignment to do at home that involves art. Some therapists may suggest that the teen start an art journal to express her feelings. She can bring it in and share the parts that she wants to with her therapist. This can give the therapist a lot of insight into the adolescent's mental health issues.
Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques
One popular form of therapy for adolescents is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which involves focusing on the teen's thoughts and how they affect his emotions and behaviors. For example, a teen who's depressed might have thoughts such as "I'm no good" or "No one will ever like me." The therapist and teen would look at these thoughts and figure out how to combat the negative thinking. The therapist would then help the teen to understand how his thinking makes him feel sad or irritable and how his emotions determine his behaviors.
Relaxation Techniques
Some teens enter therapy due to anxiety disorders. They don't know how to cope with stress and anxiety in healthy ways. A therapist might help a teen with an anxiety disorder learn how to use relaxation techniques. Some common relaxation techniques include progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing and visualization. If the teen has a specific phobia such as heights, the therapist might teach the teen how to use relaxation techniques when she encounters heights.
