Counseling utilizing research-proven techniques helps adolescents and their families struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, forgiveness, adjustment to change, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar symptoms.
Also known as psychotherapy, counseling is a form of treatment that involves therapeutic conversations and interactions between a therapist and an individual or family. Counseling can help adolescents and families understand and resolve problems, modify behavior, and make positive changes in their lives. We utilize the following types of research-based psychotherapy.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps improve a teen’s moods, anxiety and behavior by examining confused or distorted patterns of thinking. CBT therapists teach teens that thoughts cause feelings and moods which can influence behavior. During CBT, a child learns to identify harmful thought patterns. The therapist then helps the adolescent replace this thinking with thoughts that result in more appropriate feelings and behaviors. Research shows that CBT can be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety.
- Family Therapy focuses on helping the family function in more positive and constructive ways by exploring patterns of communication, improving problem-solving skills, and providing support and education. Family therapy sessions can include the adolescent along with parents, siblings, and grandparents. Family focused therapy has been shown to be effective in treating symptoms of mood disorders and bipolar symptoms.
- Group Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the power of group dynamics and peer interactions to increase understanding of mental illnesses, and/or improve behavior and skills.
Christian Counseling is available to families and individuals who want to integrate their Christian faith with psychotherapy focused on Biblical life principles.
Click here for information from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry about psychotherapy for children and adolescents and research-based psychotherapies.
