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Adolescent Counseling

Seattle Christian Counseling
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6827 Oswego Place NE, Suite B
SEATTLE, WA 98115
United States
6827 Oswego Place NE, Suite B
SEATTLE, WA 98115
United States
Photo of Erik Mildes

Erik Mildes

Jan
2012
22

Adolescent Counseling

Erik Mildes

Family CounselingRelationship Issues

The culture that today’s adolescents are growing up in is vastly different than the culture their parents grew up in. There are some experiences that are common to the development of adolescents at all times, but with the wide access to technology, and the pressures to be overscheduled, it’s a different story for today’s adolescents. Most of the adults in an adolescent’s life have overscheduled themselves, which leaves them little time for their adolescent child.

Often adolescents get the message that they need to figure out things on their own and be independent. This is a task during adolescence, but they need guidance as they are discovering their independence. Since so many adults in their life are absent, this generation of teenagers more than ever identifies with their friend group. In Chap Clark’s book, Hurt, which is about working with adolescents he states that the friend group is the most important relationship to teenagers and they often see their friend group as their family as that is where they find support, love and acceptance.

Counseling for an adolescent provides them with an opportunity to reflect on their choices, to be heard and to work on a plan for their lives. Adolescents are trying to figure out their identity and counseling can be a great place to explore this topic. The counselor uses sessions to provide an environment where the adolescent client can explore questions about their future and how they can become the person they want to be.

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One of the major components of counseling with teens is trust. Within the first few sessions, trust needs to be established between the counselor and adolescent in order for the counseling sessions to be productive. Often teenagers do not want to talk to their parents about what is going on in their life. Parents take a helpful step for their relationship with their child when they seek out counseling for their teenage child. The counselor-client relationship models for the adolescent a healthy and safe relationship with an adult.

In addition to trust, it’s important that the adolescent has the desire to be in counseling. If the adolescent client is not a willing participant, sessions will not be productive. It’s the rare teenager who wants to be in or requests to be in counseling so teens are often referred to counseling by their parents. In the first session, the counselor is gaining the teen’s trust. The counselor is finding a motivating factor for the teen that will allow them to be able to work together. The counselor is normalizing the experience of counseling for the teen by talking about how everyone has struggles. Sometimes it helps to have an outside perspective as we figure out how to deal with them.

There are a variety of issues that can be discussed in sessions with teens including self-harm, body image, emotion regulation, social struggles, grief and loss, and divorce. If you are the parent of an adolescent and you are unsure about whether or not your teenager should receive counseling, call a counselor to discuss the situation. At Seattle Christian counseling, we offer a risk-free first session which is the perfect opportunity for your teen to try out counseling and decide if the counselor is a good fit for them.

DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact one of our counselors for further information.

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Erik is currently not accepting new clients

Erik Mildes

Licensed Counselor and Clinical Supervisor
(425) 939-9934 erik@seattlechristiancounseling.com

I believe in the healing, transformative promises of Christ. I also believe in His patience, and have had the privilege of seeing God’s grace work miracles in the lives of my clients. As a Master’s level Mental Health Counselor, I’m honored to act as a vessel for the Lord, one that will help you discover healing and growth. I help people recover from issues like abuse, depression, anxiety, broken relationships, spiritual concerns, and more. Whatever you’re going through, I offer you support, experience, and hope for a new, Christ-filled future. Read more articles by Erik »

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About Erik

Photo of Erik Mildes

Erik Mildes, LMHC, MA

Licensed Counselor and Clinical Supervisor

I believe in the healing, transformative promises of Christ. I also believe in His patience, and have had the privilege of seeing God’s grace work miracles in the lives of my clients. As a Master’s level Mental Health Counselor, I’m honored to act as a vessel for the Lord, one that will help you discover healing and growth. I help people recover from issues like abuse, depression, anxiety, broken relationships, spiritual concerns, and more. Whatever you’re going through, I offer you support, experience, and hope for a new, Christ-filled future. View Erik's Profile

Recent articles by Erik

  • May 19 · 5 Practical Steps to Overcome Your Fear of Abandonment
  • Apr 20 · Surviving Infidelity: 8 Steps to Affair Recovery
  • Jun 17 · Four Bible Verses about Anxiety: Scriptures to Comfort You
See all articles by Erik »

Related Services

  • Family Counseling
  • Relationship Issues

Erik's Office Locations

  • Photo of the Bothell office

    Bothell

    Washington

    General Office Number

    (425) 939-7959
    10116 Main St,, Suite 204 Bothell, WA 98011

    View Office Details
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