Being 13 is tough. You’re not quite a kid anymore, but you’re not quite an adult either. It’s a time of intense change, both physically and emotionally. And sometimes, those changes can feel overwhelming.
If you’re a 13-year-old reading this, or the parent of one, you might be wondering: Is it okay for me (or my child) to go to therapy?
The short answer is: Absolutely!
In fact, going to therapy can be an incredibly positive and helpful experience for teenagers. Here are just a few reasons why:
1. Therapy is a safe and supportive space to talk about your feelings.
Let’s face it, talking about your feelings can be hard, especially with friends and family. But a therapist is trained to listen without judgment and provide support. In therapy, you can talk about anything that’s on your mind, no matter how big or small.
2. Therapy can help you cope with difficult emotions.
Teens deal with a lot of difficult emotions, like anxiety, stress, sadness, and anger. Therapy can teach you healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with these emotions so they don’t control you.
3. Therapy can help you improve your relationships.
Relationships with friends and family can be complicated, especially during the teenage years. Therapy can help you learn how to communicate better, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships.
4. Therapy can help you learn about yourself.
Therapy is a journey of self-discovery. It can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, your values and goals, and who you are as a person.
5. Therapy can help you reach your full potential.
Everyone has the potential to be great. Therapy can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals, both personally and academically.
So, how do you know if therapy is right for you?
Here are a few signs:
- You’re struggling to cope with difficult emotions.
- You’re having trouble in your relationships.
- You’re feeling overwhelmed by school or other pressures.
- You’re not sure who you are or what you want in life.
If you’re experiencing any of these things, talking to a therapist can be a great way to get help.
But what about the stigma?
There’s still a stigma around therapy, especially for teenagers. But it’s important to remember that going to therapy is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a sign that you’re taking care of your mental health, just like you would your physical health.
In fact, there are many famous people who have spoken openly about their experiences with therapy, including actors, athletes, and musicians. So why not you?
If you’re considering therapy, here are a few tips:
- Talk to your parents or another trusted adult about your concerns.
- Do some research to find a therapist who is a good fit for you.
- Be open and honest in your sessions.
- Give therapy time to work. It may take a few sessions before you start to see results.
My Denver Therapy is here to help.
We have a team of experienced therapists who specialize in working with teenagers. We offer a safe and supportive environment where you can talk about anything that’s on your mind.
If you’re interested in learning more about therapy, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
We believe that every teenager deserves to feel happy, healthy, and supported. And we’re here to help you get there.
Remember, you’re not alone.
P.S. Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/Home
- The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/
- The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
