Therapy for Teens on Long Island
For Teens and In-Betweens
Do you or your child need someone to talk to but you’re not sure where or how to begin?
Teens reign supreme in the realm of “I don’t want to talk about it” and with good reason.
The cognitive and emotional development that takes place in our teen years is profound- moving each of us along our own journey from voiceless to independent within a complicated world that’s changing around us.
It can be hard to know how to process what you’re feeling while you’re feeling it, much less putting it into words so someone else can understand.
It’s not that teens don’t want to be understood or feel above relating to their loved ones. They’re trying to understand themselves first, ahead of the ideas around them.
We’re here to support that effort, not replace or undermine it.
A lot of things change between the time puberty sets in (around age 10) and when you’re legally considered an adult. The kind of support we need changes too. So much change in such a short time can create challenges in places where we feel safe and loved, making navigating those things feel even more complicated.
A comfortable and safe therapeutic relationship can help make sense of the kaleidoscope of experiences that can make teenhood feel tumultuous.
Emotional Changes
Decision making
Feelings
Moods
Peer response
Perception
Sensitivity
Self-consciousness
Social Changes
Exposure
Independence
Identity
Influences
Relationships
Responsibility
Values
For Teens →
Are you feeling hopeless, helpless, frustrated, or just overwhelmed? Experiencing something and you’re just not sure where to turn or how to process it?
We’re here for you.
Growing up is complicated and no one is going to tell you it’s normal or that you’re being too “emo” or “angsty”. The truth is, you’re not. You’re going through a lot and there is nothing wrong with asking for help to make sure you can do that safely. Your mental health is important and we value your autonomy in advocating for it and your privacy in talking about the things that matter to you. Be clear, be confident, and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the things you’re experiencing and fear you may be at risk of harm from yourself or anyone else, please don’t wait for an appointment. Call 911 and seek immediate care.
The places Pathways Within can help
School
School stress is overwhelming. Balancing your academic needs with your independence and developing responsibilities outside of school can be a lot of pressure.
Family
The shape of relationships at home will change and you may be looking to understand how to love your family while celebrating your growing independence.
Social
Friends, peers, social groups, and clubs. It’s a lot to try to sort out in figuring out where you fit, where you want to fit, and how to prioritize the people around you.
The experiences Pathways Within can support
Trauma
If you’ve been through something that’s sticking with you and affecting your ability to process your healing, you are not alone. There are tools out there to support a variety of types of trauma.
Abuse
Have you experienced physical or sexual abuse? After the initial shock of what you’ve been through, you may be ready to move on but you’re not sure how. We want to help you take your life back.
Health
Your whole-self health has an impact on how you experience your day-to-day life. Whether you are struggling with physical, mental, or a combination of health concerns, you deserve to feel empowered.
In therapy, you might …
Talk about what’s bothering you because it’s easier to feel your feelings one at a time when you don’t have to keep them all inside
Learn new things about yourself or the situations you’re in so you feel empowered in what’s going on and how it might impact you
Practice skills to help you navigate the world around you like mindfulness, self-talk, and breathing tools no one can see you using- or stop you from accessing
Find new skills and strengths to help you feel confident in who you are and what you want to achieve even when things feel hard
At home, you can …
Begin preparing for the growth that will take place as you find a safe space to relax and get support
Practice the skills you’re learning with your therapist
Lean on parents and teachers for support
Care for yourself by staying hydrated, eating well, and moving your body
Care for your mind with empowering self-talk, and open dialogue with someone you trust about how you’re feeling
For Parents →
Therapy can help find the pathways toward navigating the immense pressures of a constantly changing social and emotional sphere in this transitional time. Whether your teen has experienced something that is beyond your expertise as a parent or is having difficulty processing the changes they’re going through, they deserve support.
Offering an empathetic, judgment-free space is a wonderful way to engage your teens and open the door for hard conversations. But what happens when we’re having those hard conversations and you’re not sure what to do with what you learn?
Therapeutic support for your teens is a tool to support those conversations, not a replacement for having them. It’s just as much a parenting tool for you as it is for them.