Teens & Adolescents
Therapy for Teens & Adolescents in Boulder County
Adolescence can be a time of exciting changes and great leaps in independence and autonomy, however, it can also be a challenging time for both teenagers and their families. I assist families in navigating these changes. I can help your teenager manage the many challenges presented to them and assist them in learning how to make good decisions for a successful transition into young adulthood.
Anxiety/school phobias
Mood disorders/depression
Self-mutilation “cutting”
Stress management/coping techniques
Social issues/peer pressure
Anger management
ADHD
Abuse
Family
Bullying
“Monica helped me through a really tough time in my life for about 2+ years. I felt completely comfortable and honest with her. Each time I left a session, I would feel so much better than the time before. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for counseling.”
“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”
-Carl Sagan
Understanding Self-Harm in Teens: Signs, Causes, and How to Get Help
Self-harm affects an estimated 2 million Americans, with teens being particularly vulnerable to this behavior. Self-harm refers to intentional injuries inflicted on oneself, often through methods like cutting. While not always a suicide attempt, self-harm can indicate underlying emotional distress and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Psychological Factors Behind Self-Harm
Self-harm is strongly linked to psychological challenges, including:
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Anxiety
Psychosis
Eating Disorders
Teens who self-harm may have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect during childhood, which contributes to feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and difficulty expressing emotions. These struggles can also create barriers to forming and maintaining relationships.
Understanding these psychological factors is crucial. Addressing them through professional therapeutic support can help teens navigate their feelings and find healthier coping mechanisms.
“Monica has a wonderful warmth about her & was able to connect quickly with my teen daughters as we reached out for her services. She is an amazing resource for kids/teens that are hurting that need a neutral & safe professional to communicate with to work thorough their stressors. Monica genuinely cares about her clients & I highly recommend her services.”
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Identifying self-harming behaviors early is essential for intervention. Common signs include:
Frequent unexplained injuries such as cuts, burns, or bruises
Wearing concealing clothing (e.g., long sleeves) inappropriately for warm weather
Increased irritability or difficulty concentrating at school or work
Social withdrawal or self-isolation
Low self-esteem and expressions of worthlessness
In some cases, teens may claim frequent accidents to explain away injuries. If you suspect self-harm, observe whether the individual is carrying sharp objects or tools used for harming themselves.
While self-harm is not always an attempt to end one’s life, it carries serious risks such as infections, scarring, and accidental severe injury. Seeking professional help promptly is crucial to ensure safety and recovery.
Understanding Triggers
Self-harm often stems from an individual’s attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions. Common triggers include:
Stress
Anger
Shame
Trauma
Many teens use self-harm as a way to feel something amid emotional numbness. The act of inflicting pain can serve as a reminder that they are alive, offering a temporary release from their internal struggles. In some cases, the behavior becomes so automatic that teens may disassociate and fail to recognize the harm they’re causing.
Tips for Talking With Your Children
Certainly, we knew there’d come the time for the “big talk,” but who knew we’d be struggling with how to talk to our children about drugs and AIDS and gay relationships, guns and violence at school, and kids who kill other kids.
Our world has grown more complex and the media, including the Internet, has swung wide the doors to information and misinformation. Talking with our children about difficult and often disturbing issues has never been more critical.
Following are some tips that may help.
1. It’s never too soon to start. Kids are hearing about issues at an earlier age.
2. Don’t wait for them to ask. Just because they haven’t asked about something doesn’t mean they don’t want or need information.
3. Tackle subjects even if you’re uncomfortable. Set aside your own feelings and initiate dialogue.
4. Be open and encouraging. Create an environment in which any question can be asked at any time.
5. Be clear about your values. Children want and need moral guidelines from their parents.
6. Don’t just talk, listen. You’ll get information about how to approach an issue while building your child’s self-esteem.
7. Be straightforward and honest. You don’t have to give all the details, but you do need to be honest.
8. Take time, be patient. Unlike lunch, digesting new information can take time.
9. Don’t wait for the “right time.” Be ready when opportunities arise. Daily life presents many openings for even a short dialogue.
10. Keep talking. Information given in small doses over a period of time is the best way to have that “big talk.”
Read more about parenting
Seeking Help & Support
If you or someone you know is engaging in self-harm, it is essential to seek help immediately. Therapy can provide valuable tools for recovery, including:
Developing healthier coping strategies
Identifying and managing triggers
Participating in behavioral therapy
Professional intervention offers teens a safe space to explore their emotions and work through the challenges contributing to self-harm. Compassionate, expert guidance can make a significant difference in breaking the cycle and fostering long-term emotional well-being.
At Rocky Mountain Counseling Services, I am committed to supporting teens on their journey toward healing. Contact me today to learn more about our therapeutic programs and how we can help.
