- Did your teen experience a trauma?
- Is she having nightmares or trouble sleeping?
- Is he on edge and anxious?
May she is avoiding situations that remind her of the event.
Nobody likes to think of the possibility that their teen could have experienced a trauma, but many of our teens do. As much as we want to keep our kids safe, we can’t always protect them. Maybe your teen has been in a car accident. Perhaps your teen was bullied or in an unhealthy relationship. Maybe your teen has been assaulted or abused. These are all forms of trauma that can impact the way the brain operates which then changes the way your teen feels and interacts in the world. These sorts of experiences can also change the way your teen sees herself. For example, she may feel as though she is “not good enough” or “not lovable” or that the event was somehow her fault. It hurts to see her struggle and you may not be sure how to support her through it.
Counseling can help
Counseling with a therapist skilled at supporting teens through trauma can make a significant difference in your child’s healing. At MVP we have teen therapists who specialize in working with teenagers and are trained in therapeutic techniques that reduce trauma responses (i.e. EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Neurofeedback). Our counselors are skilled at meeting your teen where she is at. First it is important to create a safe place where your teen can feel heard and supported. This environment then allows your teen the space to effectively work through his trauma so that is doesn’t haunt him. After working through trauma people typically feel as though a weight is lifted off of them. They feel that the trauma does not control their lives in the same way that it used to. They feel a sense of freedom from the pain.
You may still have questions about trauma counseling
Many people who have experienced a trauma feel uneasy and vulnerable about going to counseling, which is why we strive to create a safe place. If your teen is hesitant to go to counseling, it can help to explore and validate her feelings while continuing to articulate the importance of going. It is also vitally important to find a therapist she feels comfortable with. Most of the change that takes place in counseling is due to the relationship between the counselor and the teen. If your teen feels comfortable with, and likes her counselor she will get much, much more out of therapy.
Another concern people have is about how to fit counseling into their already busy schedules. Because we have therapists who specialize in working with teens, they have appointment times that fit teen schedules (not just during the day, but in the afternoon and evening too). When you call our care coordinator will work with you to be matched with a therapist that meets your teen’s needs.
Ready to take the next step?
You can’t take the trauma away, but you can do something about it. To schedule an appointment or a 20 minute free phone consultation please call 720-583-9332.