Therapy for Children & Teens
It’s undeniable that our younger generation has stressors that many of us never had to go through. Technology over-reliance and social media pressure, alongside the ever changing education system can make kids feel overwhelmed or extremely checked out. More youth are seeking mental health therapy than ever before and at Unity Therapy Services – we support this fully. Our team offers bilingual therapy services for kids, teens and their families in the community of Temecula in Riverside County.
Is it Time for Therapy?
There are a lot of signs that could indicate your child or teenager should engage in mental health treatment. The most critical of those signs being any that point to a desire for self-harm or violence against others. Any child threatening to end their life should be taken to their primary care doctor or a hospital immediately.
If your child or teen tells you about changes in their mood, sleep, or overall wellbeing – stay curious and non-judgemental. Parents should consider therapy if their child…
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- Worries excessively or complains of frequent stomach aches, headaches, or uncontrolled thoughts that are due to stress.
- Has a significant change in sleeping or eating habits.
- Displays irrational anger at homework or you see a steep decline in grades.
- They isolate to a point where they no longer engage meaningfully with the family
- Suddenly stops activities, hobbies, or finds excuses to not engage with friends.
- Feels extremely disconnected from you.
- Has outbursts that do not match the situation.
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Creating the Conversation About Care
Effective support begins with honest and nonjudgmental conversations. For younger kids (4-12 years old), keep explanations simple: they’re meeting someone who can help with big feelings. Reassure them it’s okay and safe to speak to the therapist and that you are right by their side if they need you.
With teens, conversations may feel trickier. Clearly describe the behaviors or emotions you’ve noticed, emphasizing that therapy is not a punishment. Validate their emotions without giving in to a fight. Recognize your role as their caregiver and leave room for them to choose their provider but not to abandon this treatment. This open dialogue helps teens feel respected.
How Therapy Can Help Teens
Whether your child is navigating typical developmental challenges or facing more serious issues, seeking help through therapy can improve their well-being and enhance family dynamics.
Adolescent therapy is centered around helping teens build self-esteem and confidence, learn stress management skills, develop coping mechanisms, and improve communication skills. Our team at Unity Therapy Services are experienced and trained to address a wide range of issues, from family and school problems to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
A therapist might meet with the child and parent together or meet with the child alone. They might also give parents tips and ideas for how to help their child at home. Therapists give praise and support in a different way from their parents (more like a mentor would).
Ongoing Support Throughout Therapy
Therapy can be messy and emotional. Be patient and consistently remind your child or teen of coping strategies they’re learning. Openly validate their feelings, no matter how uncomfortable they seem. Recognize that difficult behaviors often represent underlying emotions your child struggles to express.
Therapists have to abide by strict confidentiality codes and must reach out to parents with any concerns of harm. Constantly pushing teens to disclose session details can backfire, causing them to withdraw from both their parents and their therapist. Respecting boundaries and not pressuring teens to share therapy details fosters a sense of safety and trust, essential for effective therapy.
Group therapy at Unity Therapy Services can help teens learn from each other and become more assertive by sharing their experiences. Group therapy provides a safe, contained environment where adolescents participate in guided discussions and activities that help them feel heard and understood.
While many parents only consider therapy as treatment for a mental health crisis, Contact us at Unity Therapy Services today for a free 15 minute consultation and let’s see how we can support you and your family. Feel free to call us at (951) 303-0006 or visit our website by clicking: Unity Therapy Services.