Professional Help For Your Teenager
As a parent, you only want what is best for your child. But sometimes, though, it can be tough to admit that they need help. There are certain issues that go way beyond the helping hand and love of a parent. Some instances call for professional intervention.
Maybe you blame yourself for your teen’s misbehavior. Or maybe you agonize that you did not recognize the warning signs weeks, months, or even years, sooner. It’s perfectly natural to experience a wide range of emotions, from regret and guilt to anger and confusion, when it comes to your child. But seeking professional help from a qualified teen counselor should not strain your emotions or make you feel embarrassed or ashamed.
The longer you decide to wait, the worse your teen’s problems may become. So it’s critical to seek help as soon as you can for teen counseling. Here are some ways to determine if your teenager may need help.
Questions to Ask Yourself
The first thing to do when establishing if your teen needs the help of a professional is to start observing their daily life and behavior. Ask yourself these questions:
- How is my teen doing in school?
- Does he have friends?
- Does she discuss with me what’s going on in her life?
If you noticed changes in your child or have concerns, contact their physician or a therapist. A trained professional can offer guidance if there is an issue or give you peace of mind by saying everything is okay. It’s always best to err on the side of caution if you have doubts.
Warning Signs to Look For:
- Signs of sadness or depression
- Running away
- Drug use or drinking
- Participation in illegal activities
- Failing school
- Acting up at school
- Isolation
- Sexual acting out
- Self-harm or cutting
- Eating problems (purging after a meal, overeating, or resisting eating all together)
- Lashing out either physically or verbally
- Significant changes in weight
- Significant changes in behavior
- Loss on interest
- Changes in friends
What You Can Do
If you are worried about your teen, the first thing that you can do is to try and talk to them. Check in with them regularly and talk to them about what is going on in their day and life.
Monitor their social media accounts, including statuses, messages, and pictures. A photo can say a thousand words.
Monitor their phone, including calls, texts, and online behavior.
You can also seek the help of a qualified counselor. At North Brooklyn Marriage and Family Therapy, we have licensed New York State clinicians who really care about your teen’s wellbeing and want them to succeed. We offer a wide array of counseling that can help your teen and family heal.
Contact us today at 718-785-9718 for a free phone consultation.