Quick Links: Treatment Programs for Troubled Teens
Individual therapy offers a safe setting and the undivided attention of a therapist who is trained to listen to and specifically help teens. It is unique in this regard because it is this one to one interaction that forms the basis for the help provided to the teen.
In this setting a teen feels understood and accepted and is more likely to talk openly and listen to suggestions. The overall goal of individual therapy is to create an environment in which your teen explores the issues or feelings contributing to their poor choices, or misbehavior.
Individual therapy sessions usually last 45-60 minutes and take place one time weekly, although there is the option to meet more often.
Advantages and disadvantages of individual therapy
Deciding whether or not individual therapy is appropriate for your teen will depend upon the specific problems your child faces as well as his personality and needs. If this treatment does seem like a possible option, you then want to consider some general advantages and disadvantages of individual therapy:
Advantages
- can be set up quickly
- provides your teen with a trained professional to talk to
- helps define the problems your teen is having
- improves communication skills
- teaches better ways to cope
- helps teen take increased responsibility for problems
- provides parents with suggestions for additional help, if needed
Disadvantages
- teens can talk but not make any real changes
- some teens don’t have the verbal skills to benefit
- some teens don’t have interest in talking about their problems
- may not provide enough help for the severity of the problems
- depending on circumstances, individual therapy may be more costly than other options such as group therapy
Some teens respond extremely well to individual therapy and it is easy to get started. This is a good place to start in getting help for a troubled teen. An individual therapist can help you identify the seriousness of your teens' problems and will let you know if additional help is needed.
Individual therapy works best when there is a strong connection between therapist and teen, known as rapport. I suggest having your teen participate in 2-3 sessions before deciding if this is a good fit. If it’s not get referrals to other professionals who work with adolescents, or ask the current therapist to make a recommendation.
Quick Links: Treatment Programs for Troubled Teens