We have been teenagers and we know how things change during that phase of growing up. Transitioning from being a child to understanding how to enter adulthood is a difficult task. There are so many factors that affect teenagers. Sometimes they just need a little help understanding all these changes.

It can be the most exciting time in life and still have struggles that cause them to question who they are. Finding a counselor that will help them navigate emotions and mental health is important. Mission Viejo Christian Counseling is here for you and your teen. Don’t hesitate to call and set up an intake appointment.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(424) 438-2888

Schedule an appointment

How do I know my teen needs counseling?

Knowing when to have your teen attend counseling isn’t always easy to pinpoint. One of the main indicators that your teen could benefit from counseling would be behavioral problems. When you notice problems at home and school, your teen may be needing to get some guidance with unknown issues.

Other indicators could be:

  • Anxiety
  • Health conditions
  • Eating disorder
  • Grief
  • Loneliness
  • Bullying
  • Self-esteem problems
  • Relationship issues
  • OCD/ADHD
  • Self-harm
  • Substance abuse
  • Trauma

There are many types of counseling that can be useful in helping teens work through the issues that they face. Some of the most common are:

Family Therapy: This centers around the family being a part of the counseling treatment. The main goal is to improve communication and increase support.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy: This is most commonly used for those teens who battle with anxiety, depression, or trauma. Your teen will learn to replace harmful behaviors with positive behaviors.

Group Therapy: Teens that attend this type of therapy will be in sessions that are attended by a group of other people. These groups are based on specific issues that all members have experienced. This type of setting can help your teen with social skills and coping.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: This therapy focuses on helping your teen learn to take responsibility for their emotions and find ways to cope with them. These teens often exhibit self-harm or suicidal tendencies.

Interpersonal Therapy: The most common issue that is addressed in this type of therapy is depression. Interpersonal therapy concentrates on relationships and the problems that affect emotions.

Supportive Therapy: Those who attend this type of counseling will learn how to cope with problems in a healthy manner and gain guidance with self-esteem improvement.

Mentalization-Based Therapy: When your teen is struggling with their identity, the counselor will use this therapy to help them work through those issues.

Understanding that your teen is in a challenging time of growing up is the first step of counseling. Once they have started sessions, they will begin to work through issues that affect them each day.

The benefits of your teen attending counseling start with learning skills to help them make good and healthy decisions. They become aware of the consequences of their choices and learn to choose a more positive way of solving a problem. They also begin to understand that there is a family dynamic that they are a part of and how important it is to maintain healthy relationships at home.

Another big benefit is the influence counseling may have on the academic aspect of their life. Teens in counseling learn how to become engaged in school in a way that will help them understand their passions and interests.

Emotional growth and strength are other benefits of counseling. Teens learn how to cope with emotional issues in a healthy manner so that it reduces negative experiences.

The length of counseling for your teen will depend on the issues and their preference. There is no guideline that says how long it takes for any specific issue. Most of the time those with chronic disorders will attend sessions for a longer duration. Some may choose to have few visits over a specific time period. The schedule will maintain a consistent way of checking in and being sure that your teen is getting the proper guidance.

When it comes to putting the mental health of your teen into a stranger’s hands you want to be sure that you are choosing the right counselor. The counselors at Mission Viejo Christian Counseling are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Here are a few questions you may consider important:

  • How long have you been in practice?
  • Do you have experience with the specific issue my teen is experiencing?
  • How do you set goals and measure progress?
  • Can you share with me the approach you will use with my teen?

Teen counseling is not something to take lightly. Teens are in a season of life that is full of influences. The best way to help your teen is to give them the chance to share their concerns with someone who can be neutral.

If you feel that your teen may benefit from counseling, please reach out to Mission Viejo Christian Counseling to set up an appointment with our counselors.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(424) 438-2888

Schedule an appointment