How to Know if Teen Therapy is Working

How to Know if Teen Therapy is Working

 

This blog shares information on how to know if teen therapy is working. The start of the school year has been a significant transition for your teen. Perhaps they are starting out at a new school as a freshman, or getting into different extracurricular activities. There could be issues around friendships or socializing in general, leaving your teen feeling a bit isolated. 

 

It is more than understandable that your teen may not feel open to teen therapy at this time. There could be an array of things that influence them to believe therapy is not what they’re needing. Therapy can often be portrayed as something for “people with issues,” for example. Or, they’re worried that their teen therapist is just another authority figure in cahoots with their parents/guardians. 

 

However, early intervention to address mental health concerns has proven to be effective. When your teen is prepared with the right tools and coping mechanisms, they may better navigate anxiety or perfectionism. After taking time to process significant grief or trauma, your teen may experience more clarity. Whatever the presenting issue is, our Simi Valley teen therapists are here to support them through it. 

 

We offer teen counseling in Ventura County, CA in-person in Simi Valley. For flexible scheduling, our therapists also offer virtual counseling throughout the state of California. We work to ensure that either format is a good fit for them and their family to be able to connect to the support they deserve. 

 

So, your teen has started teen counseling and attended a few sessions so far. How do you know if it’s working? When does it usually start demonstrating its effectiveness? Will my teen start feeling better soon? Here are a few ways to know if teen therapy is working.

 

Your teen feels increasingly comfortable opening up to their therapist

Building rapport with your teen is a crucial part of effective therapy. Imagine being expected to sit with a stranger and open up about very deep, complex issues immediately. Teens are in the throes of figuring out their identity, planning for the future, and coping with life transitions. Your teen may be shy or closed off, or is resistant to talking about what comes up for them. This is normal and expected.

 

The therapeutic relationship between your teen and their teen therapist can take time to grow and strengthen. Without a sense of rapport, trust, and safety, your teen will understandably also take time to open up. Rushing the therapeutic process does not bring the desired effects quicker. In fact, it puts more pressure on your teen to perform and “get better.” Therefore, as long as they feel increasingly comfortable, we are on the right track!

 

When your child views their therapist as a safe space, they can continue leaning into personal growth. The level of shame or embarrassment goes down, because they know they can trust their therapist. Your teen feels increasingly able to express themselves, which opens the door to discussions rooted around their current and future identities. 

 

Having a safe relationship to explore complex topics can be a huge motivator for change. As therapists, we have unique opportunities to connect with teens in ways different from family or friends. The objective is to ensure your teen feels supported and has the focus completely on them and their goals.

 

Your teen can identify goals to work towards

It’s likely that you wanted your teen to start therapy for desired goals of your own. You may want to see your teen come out of their shell more, address problematic behaviors, or reduce their personal anxiety. It’s clear that you care deeply for your teen and want to see them thrive, feeling happy and satisfied with themselves. Because of this, you may request check-ins to see where they’re getting at in meeting your goals.

 

Alongside this, having your teen autonomously identify personal goals to work towards is a great indicator of teen therapy taking effect. They’re able to identify positive changes or growth they want to make in their lives. Your teen sees a future worth building towards, and is able to engage in self-reflection on what to do next. This is a huge accomplishment, showing that they are actively developing mentally and emotionally. 

 

Although they may not agree with your primary goals upfront, your ideas for their therapy is important for the therapist to keep in mind. Your teen’s therapist wants to find ways to include the whole family unit to improve interpersonal relationships. With disagreements in goals, this may look like helping find common ground or compromising together. This, in itself, is a major step in a positive direction. 

 

It’s not always easy to identify therapy goals. You know you’re feeling sad, but when you come into the room, you’re not really sure what to talk about; or why you’re feeling sad at times. Through building rapport and getting to know your teen, we can all help collaborate on what to work towards.

 

Your teen may feel confident 90% of the time, and seek out support for addressing the remaining 10%. Therapy is meant to be a temporary experience to provide your teen with longstanding, effective tools. When we can create concrete goals together, we can track progress, hiccups, or adjustments as needed.

 

Your teen is taking small steps towards goals 

It’s common to think that as soon as your teen meets their therapist-it’s go time. Each week there should be significant, visible changes in their behavior, thoughts, or beliefs. My teen feels safe talking to their therapist-check! They have identified a few goals to work towards-check! It’s been a few weeks, how come they are still feeling anxious/depressed/angry?

 

Although you have heard the phrase before, it’s true that change is not an overnight process. It’s more of a one step forward, two steps back, three steps forward, one step back, one huge leap forward process. There are ebbs and flows in teen therapy. Sometimes, we’ll experience a major win together. Other days, we might fall back into undesired behaviors or habits. That’s normal, expected, and can be worked on.

 

What matters is that your teen is trying. Your teen needs to know that what they’re doing is enough. It may not feel like a lot right now, but it lays the groundwork for longstanding change. Being able to support them and acknowledge their steps can do wonders for their mental health. To be recognized by you, their biggest supporter, will positively reinforce these behaviors.

 

Looking to start teen therapy near Moorpark, Ca? We may be just the place. Our licensed marriage and family therapists are passionate about and experienced working with teenagers and their family members. 

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.