Finding the right individual therapy program for your teen can make all the difference in their recovery from substance use disorder or other mental health concerns. Having a therapist they trust and feel comfortable with can help teens open up and share their thoughts. If you’d like to know more about how your teen can benefit from individual therapy, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today 866.300.5275.

What Is Individual Therapy?

Individual therapy is also known as private or one-on-one therapy. It is the type of therapy most people are familiar with. A therapist trained to work with younger people helps a teen work through personal problems during a session. They listen carefully to hear the teen’s concerns and offer feedback when appropriate.

The therapist might also assign homework for the client to work on between sessions. This type of homework can help improve communication, self-care, or other skills the teen needs to develop.

Different types of therapy may help a teen reach their goals for individual therapy, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT has proven to effectively treats depression, anxiety, or trauma.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT helps teens learn to take responsibility for their actions and find healthy ways of coping with conflict.
• Interpersonal therapy: Research suggests that this therapeutic modality may help those with depression improve their interpersonal skills.
• Supportive therapy: This treatment helps teens cope with day-to-day problems and improves self-esteem.

Together, the teen and the therapist will develop a list of goals for individual therapy. The therapist will base treatment modalities on those goals and the child’s overall mental health needs.

Choosing a Therapist for Your Teen

It takes special training to be a therapist for teens. Not every licensed therapist has the skills or experience to support teenagers effectively. Three key factors to consider are:

• Proper credentials: A fully licensed psychotherapist is the best option for your teen.
• Personality and rapport: You need to consider what kind of person your teen is more likely to respond positively to during treatment.
• Therapeutic approach: Familiarize yourself with different therapeutic approaches and decide what sounds best for your child.

You might also prepare a list of questions to ask a therapist before the first appointment. It is common to interview a therapist, and questions should be welcome. You might ask about the therapist’s experience with teen clients or how they establish therapy goals. Taking the time to get to know a therapist first will help you feel better as a parent. You’ll determine whether you’re comfortable with your teen seeking treatment from them. It will also help your teen. Though therapy discussions are private, if your teen does want to share, it may be easier if they know that you understand what’s happening.

Benefits of Individual Therapy for Teens

Once the question “What is individual therapy?” has been answered, it’s time to focus on the potential benefits of therapy. Teens are often hesitant to share their problems with parents because they are concerned about being punished, judged, or misunderstood. Even troubled teens may not want to disappoint their parents.

Talking through struggles with an impartial, understanding therapist in confidence gives teens an outlet to share their most guarded secrets. More benefits of teen counseling include:

• You learn more about your child’s mental health or substance use concerns.
• Your teen has a trusted confidant to guide and advise them.
• Your child will learn new skills, improve their ability to communicate, and build self-esteem.
• Individual teen therapy may open the door to a healthier, happier family.

If your teen is showing signs of a substance use disorder or a mental health disorder, getting professional help as soon as possible is critical. The longer mental health concerns go untreated, the more severe and dangerous symptoms become.

Find Experienced Therapists for Your Teen at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery

Foothills at Red Oak Recovery is a treatment center for adolescents and teenagers coping with substance use. Our team members have experience helping young people through evidence-based therapies, compassion, and a deep understanding of their struggles. Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275 to learn more about our individual therapy program for teens.