Biggest Myths and Top Truths about Teen Counseling in Birmingham, AL
As a parent, you want to do all that you can for your teen, but lately, you have been struggling to provide the help they need. You’re thinking:
When did everything get so complicated? I used to know all the right things to do and say to help (well maybe not all the right things… but my track record was a lot better then than it is now!) Anything I try only seems to make things worse. I just want to help but I don’t know how…
Maybe you’ve heard about teen counseling in Birmingham, AL, and have considered it but are still skeptical. If so, that’s okay. In this blog, I am going to walk you through common myths about teen counseling and hopefully provide helpful insight for you as you continue to consider the next best step for your teen, yourself, and your family as a whole.
Common Myths From a Teen’s Perspective
Only people with serious problems go to teen therapy… My life isn’t that bad
I’m just being dramatic… Things will get better soon. I just need to toughen up!
Going to therapy is embarrassing…
If people found out I was going to therapy, they would judge me and my family. They would be wondering what is wrong with me.
Teen Therapy is just paying a stranger to give me advice.
Okay, I’ll try it… but I am only giving it 3 weeks! I should see the results by then. If I don’t, I’m not going back.
Common Myths From Parent’s Perspective
If people found out that my teen is in therapy, they’re going to assume that I am a bad parent.
I must be a bad parent.
I am going to offend my teen by suggesting the idea of therapy.
I should see an immediate change in my teen.
If you find yourself thinking along these lines when considering teen counseling, know that you’re not alone. These can be common concerns, especially for those who have never tried therapy or for those who find themselves being skeptical about the purpose and benefits of services. If this is you or your teen, I hope you continue reading to allow me the chance to explain these common myths further and provide a glimpse of the hope that is to come if you and your family decide to seek services.
Are You a Teen Struggling?
Hey teens! Something I want you to know right from the get-go is that if you are struggling with any of the myths listed above, hear me say: I get it. Your questions and concerns are absolutely valid and deserve to be addressed. So here we go!
We often like to minimize our problems as a strategy to cope, when in reality this is often a form of avoidance that typically only intensifies and perpetuates the problem(s) even more, rather than reaching an actual solution. How is your avoidance of the reality or magnitude of your presenting problems prohibiting you from accessing the help you need to reach your goals? Speaking of goals, did you know that often people come to teen counseling because they have goals that they would like to help achieve?
You don’t have to start therapy because of a specific issue
There doesn’t need to be a specific issue that brings you to therapy. Often, clients seek services not because they need help with problems, but instead because they need help with reaching goals. Teen counseling is not a place for you to just tell your whole life’s story to a teen therapist and for them to give you advice on what to do. (If that has been your experience, I am sorry.) Instead, therapy should be an interactive journey that provides a safe space for you to process presenting issues while also gaining the skills you desire and need to attain goals and create lasting change in your life.
With this in mind, often it takes more than just a few sessions to see results. Why? Because change is hard, and that’s okay. As clinicians, we patiently walk alongside you throughout your journey, sometimes serving as a coach, friend, collaborator, educator, challenger, encourager, or simply serving as a safe place for you to come. But no matter the role we assume, we know that this is a process; a process that has been proven to be effective for many, and one that we know can be effective for you as well.
Are You a Concerned Parent?
Parents, I want to speak to the common myths you may be concerned or wondering about. The fear or idea that bringing your teen to therapy somehow invalidates your parenting skills is something that I would like to address. If your teen is sick, where would you take them? The doctor. If they need braces, where would they go? The orthodontist. Toothache? Dentist. Issues in math or a portion on the ACT? You would seek a tutor or some sort of helpful program to help them succeed.
You want your teen to succeed
They want to become better pitchers, quarterbacks, tumblers, piano players… You’d probably try to find the proper resources to aid this process. One thing all of these examples have in common is that they are all professionals who have been highly trained in the special service they provide. Now, let me ask you this, is seeking a therapist for your teen’s mental, emotional, relational, and/or behavioral health any different from the examples previously listed? Our clinicians are also highly trained professionals who specialize in the treatment of mental, emotional, relational, and behavioral health.
Not only this but they are also trained to work with the entire family system as a whole to create effective and lasting change. Lastly, in response to the final myth listed, I would encourage parents to practice patience and compassion, while also maintaining hope, trust, and an expectant spirit throughout this process. It is in fact a process, at which the rate is personal to each experience and tailored according to the teen and family’s desired outcomes.
I hope this has been helpful in debunking some common myths about teen counseling while also providing insight into some helpful truths about teen counseling. If you or your teen have any further questions, we happily invite you to reach out to us at Sparrow Counseling for a free 15-minute consultation! We would love the opportunity to provide any further information that you may be seeking, while also getting the chance the connect with your family!
Ready to Start Teen Counseling in Birmingham, AL?
If you're a parent concerned about your teen's emotional well-being, teen counseling can help. Addressing mental health issues early on can prevent long-term struggles and strengthen the parent-child relationship. Encourage your teen to speak with one of our skilled and caring therapists who can provide your teen with the tools and strategies to manage their emotions and build resilience. Don't wait, start the journey toward a healthier and happier future by following these three simple steps:
Meet with a caring teen therapist
Begin to see positive changes in your teen!
Other Services Offered at Sparrow Counseling
At Sparrow Counseling we offer in-person therapy in Birmingham, AL, and online therapy in Alabama. We specialize in co-parenting counseling, reunification therapy, blended family counseling, divorce & family mediation, discernment counseling, individual counseling, and anxiety therapy in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn more about Sparrow Counseling by checking out our FAQs and Blog!
For more information on finding the right teen therapist visit our blogs:
Questions to ask a prospective Teen Therapist
What to Expect from Teen Therapy