An LDS family counselor knows how difficult adolescence can be and that many of the problems that teens have are often more complicated than many of the problems they’ll face in other stages of their lives. Teens don’t want to be told they’ll “grow out of” their problems or that they shouldn’t worry so much about them; they want to talk about what they’re feeling and what they’re going through. When a teen can’t find someone to talk to, he may act out and exhibit behaviors that can threaten the stability of his family and even his own future.
What Can Trigger A Teen’s Behavior Problems
The list of things that can put pressure on an adolescent today is long – longer than it’s ever been in the past. In addition to the usual issues that teens have to deal with, like hormones, drugs, violence, poverty and abuse, today’s teens have to deal with the problems that the widespread use of social media have created. Small indiscretions or harmful words that in the past only a handful of people would have been aware of are now quickly spread to the entire population of a school or a neighborhood. Parents can unknowingly (and sometimes knowingly) complicate a child’s life by pressuring them to do well in school or to do well in sports and by trying to maintain the same control they had when the child was small.
How Teens Act Out When They’re Troubled
Emotional problems in teens can be manifested in any number of ways. Drug and alcohol abuse are the most common ways that adolescents deal with psychological pain. They can also act out sexually, shoplift, skip school, bully others or harm themselves with cutting or even attempting suicide. Often times, teens can’t explain why they’re exhibiting negative behaviors because they don’t know how to talk about and deal with the root of their problems.
When You Should Seek Help For Your Teen
When is it time for seek the help of an LDS family counselor? You should get the help of a professional therapist when your child is repeating behaviors that are unacceptable even when you’ve confronted him about them or when your child is exhibiting behaviors that threaten his future, his life or the life of another person. You may not necessarily be aware of specific behaviors but you may have a feeling that something isn’t right with your teen or others who know your teen may make you aware of unusual or negative behaviors. In either case, even if your child opens up to you about his problems, you should know that a caring, experienced family counselor can give your child tools that will allow him to deal with and overcome whatever is triggering his negative behaviors.
Don’t wait if you think your teen needs help understanding and overcoming behavioral problems. Call the best LDS family counselor, Jody VanDrimmelen at Insight Child & Family Counseling, at (972) 426-9500. You can also fill out an online contact form at www.j9n.83e.myftpupload.com.