Teenagers today are navigating an ever changing and technology driven world.

They are faced with numerous stressors that often do not have an off switch.

How to tell if your teen is stressed or if they are experiencing anxiety?

Stress is more situational where anxiety is more constant and intense.

Signs of anxiety and depression in teens:

· Avoiding school

· Withdrawal

· Stomach aches and headaches

· Struggling with self-esteem

· Panic attacks

· Excessive worry

· Quick to anger and irritation

· Intense overwhelming emotions

· Intense mood swings

· Feeling empty or numb

Counseling for teens to discuss feelings and experiences.

Navigating the pandemic has caused a great increase in anxiety and depression in teens. From one week to the next their entire world got turned upside down. The loss of in-person learning, friendships, sports, activities, etc... has taken it’s toll. They have had to navigate an all new way of being in the world and did not have the comfort of adults being able to offer them direction as the adults were also learning how to live in a pandemic with them. We have heard from a lot of teens that they did not want to create any extra stress in the home with their stuff, so they kept quiet or it came out in unhealthy ways. Counseling is the best place for teens to talk about their feelings, what their experience was/is and be able to tell their story.

Re-entering into in-person is creating it’s own sense of turmoil after a year (or more) of being remote. Living through a pandemic is stressful and uncertain. A teenagers life is already filled with uncertainty without the added stress and grief that the pandemic brought. Social anxiety is increasing and figuring out where one fits in the world, with their friends, how is their schooling going, etc…are all parts of re-entering into in-person. If your teen is feeling anxiety and stress about how to navigate re-engaging, we are here to help. Having a safe place to talk about their fears and stressors with an unbiased adult is invaluable.

How can teen counseling help?

Working with our counselors gives teens a place where they can begin to recognize and name their emotions and learn to express them and be with the emotions instead of utilizing destructive behaviors. Learn to recognize physical symptoms of anxiety and depression and know how anxiety and depression affects them personally.

Having a safe place for teens to unpack their world and have someone who is not emotionally connected to them (as their parents are) is helpful in helping them navigate their world and making sense of what they are experiencing.

Teenage counseling for a significant change or trauma.

Teenage years are already full of changes and uncertainties. If your teen has recently experienced a significant change (divorce, separation, death of a loved one, moving, changing schools, losing employment, breakup, etc..) is often a time when teens need counseling. Experiencing and/or witnessing trauma is another reason for having your teen begin counseling. Significant changes and trauma do not have to negatively change the path your teen is on. We are here to walk the healing journey with your teen.

Our therapists for teens in Kirkland are here to help.

We want to help strengthen your teen in the fullness of who they are. We know that they have many strengths and gifts and we want that to shine. By equipping them to process their emotions and experiences, teens are more able to step confidently into their lives.

We are honored that you would entrust your teen to us. We will hold hope for them when they feel hopeless. Rejoice and celebrate with them when they are celebrating. And we help them experience their life in it’s fullness and affirm to them that they are enough just as they are.