For preteens and teens, school is more than just academics; it’s a place where they form friendships, learn social skills, and begin to shape their identity. However, these years can also bring up a range of difficulties, including:

• Social Anxiety and Peer Pressure: As young people try to fit in, they can face anxiety around social interactions and struggle with peer pressure. These pressures can lead to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and self-doubt.
• Academic Stress and Extracurricular Balance: The pressures of performing well in school and juggling extracurricular activities can lead to overwhelming stress and burnout. Teens may struggle to maintain their grades or feel the weight of expectations from family and school.
• Body Image and Self-Esteem Issues: Concerns about body image and self-worth are common, especially among teens. I work with them to foster a healthier relationship with themselves and cultivate self-compassion.
• Technology and Social Media: The constant presence of social media and technology adds a new layer of complexity to social interactions, often contributing to issues like tech dependence, cyberbullying, and an increased sense of comparison.

As a parent, it can be challenging to know when your child needs extra support. Some signs that therapy might be helpful include:

• Increased isolation and withdrawal from family activities.
• Frequent changes in mood, irritability, or anger outbursts.
• Obsession with social media and technology use.
• Significant shifts in eating or sleeping patterns.
• Declining grades or school avoidance.

In working with preteens and teens, I take a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. For younger clients, I often use creative arts therapies like art therapy to help them express their feelings when they have trouble finding words. For older teens, I prioritize building rapport by exploring their interests and using tools like games and worksheets to foster open communication. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where teens can:

• Explore Core Beliefs: We look at underlying thoughts and beliefs that influence their self-esteem and interactions with others. By understanding these beliefs, teens can start to reshape their self-perception and build confidence.
• Develop Social Skills: I help teens enhance their social skills, including effective communication, managing peer relationships, and setting healthy boundaries in friendships and romantic relationships.
• Manage Tech and Social Media Use: We discuss the impact of technology and social media on their mental well-being, providing strategies to establish healthy boundaries and reduce dependency.
• Strengthen Family Dynamics: I involve parents when appropriate, offering guidance to help them understand and support their child’s social and academic needs. This collaborative approach fosters a stronger connection between parents and teens, improving communication and mutual understanding.

Through therapy, I empower preteens and teens to navigate school and social issues with confidence and resilience. They gain a better understanding of themselves, learn practical skills for handling stress, and build a toolkit for facing life’s challenges head-on.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward healing and personal growth, I’m here to help. Reach out to me, Allison Petro, at (407) 592-3041or book your free 15-minute phone consultation online. Together, we’ll work to create the life you envision for yourself.