Teen Counseling in San Jose
Hi, I'm Nicole and I'm a teen counselor in San Jose
You may be feeling disconnected from your teen, worried about your teen or frustrated that you feel like you don’t recognize them and their behavior anymore. I understand, and I’m here to help.
I help teens process through and navigate the roller coaster of emotions they feel day in and day out (yes that includes the drama with friends and navigating their first crushes), build self esteem, develop coping skills to manage stressors and help them learn ways to communicate their needs and feelings in a way that elicits support from their friends and family.
If your teen is ready to start feeling better and you are ready to help them thrive, schedule a complimentary consultation with me, your teen counselor in San Jose, today!
My Approach to Teen Counseling in San Jose
Being a teenager can be tough. Parenting a teenager is also challenging. There’s school stress, pressure to meet expectations, and the ups and downs of social media. This is a key time for teens as they start to form their own identities and gain independence. It's difficult for parents, too; just when you feel like you understand your teen, they change again. You are not alone in this.
Teens often struggle between wanting to make their own choices and needing support from their parents. They are learning and facing new challenges, like school pressures and responsibilities, including driving and balancing various activities. Their social lives are very important, and sometimes they feel misunderstood by their parents, who may focus more on academic success than their teens social connectedness. While wanting teens to succeed is natural, it’s important to help them deal with their feelings about friendships, dating, and fitting in. Ignoring these emotional issues can prevent meaningful connections.
As a teen counselor, I recall the loneliness of being a teenager and the challenge of handling new responsibilities while wanting to be independent from my parents.
In teen counseling, I focus on connecting with your teen and supporting them as they navigate teenage life. Counseling is not just for teens with serious mental health issues. It also provides a safe space for them to discuss everyday challenges and the pressures of being a teenager.
In teen counseling, I help your teen build healthy relationships and learn effective coping skills for managing anger and frustration. They will also develop time management skills and learn to communicate their needs and feelings more openly with you, helping to strengthen your connection. We will explore their self-esteem to support their growth into the person you envision. My main goal is for your teen to have a positive experience so they feel comfortable seeking help in the future
Imagine your teen feeling more confident and successful. You want that for them, and that’s why you’re here. Teen counseling is a great way to support their growth, strengths, and your trust in each other.
If you feel like this is what your teen needs and you're ready to invest in your teen, contact me, your teen counselor in San Jose, today for a free consultation.
Teen Therapy FAQs
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Teen counseling is for individuals aged 13-19, aimed at helping them understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that affect their lives. It provides a safe space to discuss issues with parents, social anxiety, and school pressures. The goal is to help teens discover their identity beyond others' expectations and learn skills that will support their future aspirations.
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Teenagers come to therapy for different reasons but here are some common issues or problems I can support your teen with:
Social anxiety
Perfectionism and high achievement
Navigating relationship issues
Life changes and life transitions
Body image
Self esteem and self confidence
Conflicts with parents
Stress management
Social media and comparing self
Self-identity
Fostering independence and critical thinking
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Here are some signs your teen could benefit from meeting with a teen counselor one on one. You're noticing your teen is:
Displaying increased anxiety over things that you consider “normal’ stresses.
Isolating from you and your family or their friends
Difficulty making friends
Struggling more than normal in school or sudden change in academic performance
Avoiding or refusing to go to school
Withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed
Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
Engaging in self harm behaviors (like cutting or scratching, etc) or expressing suicidal thoughts
Changes in overall in body image and self confidence
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Talk to your teen about your worries before suggesting counseling. It's important to discuss it first so they know what to expect. Learn about teen counseling together to reduce any stigma. Explain that counseling is private, and most details won't be shared with you unless there’s a safety issue. They can decide how much you are involved, and you can assure them you’ll support their choice. Going to therapy is a big decision for teens, so meet them where they are.
Get Help from a Teen Counselor In San Jose today!
Are you ready to invest in your teen’s well being and to include them in the process of finding a teen counselor that they will feel is a good fit for them? Schedule a free consultation today with me, your teen counselor in San Jose, to start the process and help them get a feel for who I am and if I’m right for them.