Therapy is Vital for Today’s Teens

Let’s get right to the point: being a teenager today is tough. Consider the recent explosion of technology and social media, a once in a century pandemic, and all of the geopolitical events happening across the world. Combine it with the rapid social, emotional, and physical changes that teens experience, and boom! You have one of the most stressful teenage experiences in modern history.

The Modern Teen Experience: Navigating a Complex World

Teens are expected to navigate the transition from middle to high school, and then high school to full-time work and/or college. Imagine doing that while experiencing a pandemic that throws everything out of whack for a couple years. And then there’s the never ending peer pressure to engage with social media, which shoves the carefully curated lives of everyone around them in their face. Social media has also taken the pressure to conform to society’s “beauty standards” and amplified it. While having unlimited and easy access to the internet puts the entire collective knowledge of humanity at one’s fingertips, it also exposes one to all of the horrible events happening around the world at any given moment.

Technology and Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword for Teens

While adults also have to contend with all these things, we at least have the advantage of doing so with fully developed brains and decades of lived experience during a simpler time. Teens have to do this while still growing and developing. It is very unfair to compare our experience to their’s or exclaim to their face “kids today have it so easy!”.

Understanding and Supporting Today's Teenagers

So what do we do about all this? How can we support teens through this wild time to be alive? Generally, just being understanding, respecting their boundaries, and treating them with respect and kindness can go a long way, even when they make mistakes. Outside of that, encouraging them to explore support from helping professionals, including therapists, can also be a big help.

Benefits of Teen Therapy: More Than Just Crisis Management

Seeing a therapist can have many benefits for teens, and they don’t have to be in the midst of a crisis or struggling with their mental health to get them. Therapy in Michigan provides a safe, non-judgmental space for teens to process their experiences and difficulties. They can also learn skills for coping with stress, communicating effectively, and regulating their emotions in therapy, which can benefit them for the rest of their lives. A therapist can also serve as a reliable source of support while a teen navigates transitions and challenges. 

Although therapy isn’t a cure-all or perfect remedy for all the adversities teens face, spending one hour with a therapist every now and then tips the scales towards a healthier and more successful adulthood.

About the Author: Teen Therapist Kyle Fisher

Kyle Fisher is a dedicated mental health professional with a passion for supporting teens and their families. With experience in therapeutic practices, he specializes in helping young individuals navigate the complexities of adolescence. Kyle is committed to fostering resilience and empowerment through evidence-based interventions, including mindfulness techniques and relaxation therapy. His warm and empathetic approach creates a safe space for clients to explore their emotions and develop coping strategies. Outside of his practice, Kyle enjoys engaging with the community and advocating for mental health awareness, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ population.