Resource and Articles

1. Top 9 reasons Teens go to a Therapist Teenager Dynamic Team Meeting with a therapist can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems. When the teenager feels a little  moodier than before or his having trouble staying caught up in school, it can be hard to recognize if he needs professional help. But we should realize that therapy need not be reserved for life-altering events or major concerns. Twenty two years of our work with teenagers has helped us develop deeper insight into common teenage problems. Teens can benefit from interaction with a therapist about a variety of topics, ranging from academic issues to relationship issues. Even highly personal and confidential matters like problems of sexual identity and addictive behavior can be addressed with the help of a psychologist If you think your teen could benefit from talking to a therapist, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with a professional. Talk to your pediatrician or schedule an appointment directly with a therapist. Sometimes, a few short therapy sessions over a weekend can make a big difference to your tees overall well-being. While there are many reasons that therapy may be appropriate, here are the top 9 reasons teens go to therapist. 1. Depression Mood disorders often starts during the teen years. And if left untreated depression  can last into adulthood. If you are irritable, sad, and withdrawn, talk to your pediatrician. An accurate diagnosis and early intervention are key components to effective treatment. 2. Anxiety Disorders While its normal for teens to worry sometimes, some teens experience intense anxiety. Whether your teen is overanxious about academics or has difficulty speaking in front of the class, or she constantly worries bad things are going to happen, therapy could be the key to easing her fears. 3. Behavior Problems Suspensions from school and aggressive behavior may be symptoms of more serious problems. Our psychologists can help uncover potential mental health issues, skill deficits, or social problems that may affect their behavior. 4. Substance Abuse Issues Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol and tobacco   can become serious problems for teenagers. A substance abuse counselor can assess your teens substance use and help determine the most appropriate course of treatment. After motivating them for behavioral change and providing them with initial counseling, we refer the cases for appropriate treatment programs by a team of experts including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors and trainers. We follow up the case over a period and act as their mentors while they continue the process of personal transformation. 5. Stress Teenagers deal with a lot of stress and many of them are getting stressed out. Whether its the pressure to perform well on an exam or concerns over what to do after high school, stress can take a serious toll. Therapy can help a teen learn skills to manage stress successfully--and that's something that will serve them well throughout their lives. 6. School-Related Issues Academics can sometimes be too challenging for teens. Apart from this, bullies, failing grades, cliques and gangs and teacher-related issues are just a few of the school-related problems many teens experience. Teens often aren't sure where to turn for help. Therapy can provide teens with support and give them skills that will help them navigate high school successfully. Many teenagers have taken help over the phone and via Skype and have successfully resolved their serious problems even without personally meeting the psychologist. 7. Low Self-Esteem While most teens struggle with self-confidence issues at one time or another, some experience serious self-esteem issues. When those issues are left unaddressed, teens are at a higher risk of problems such as substance abuse and academic failure. Many college students we have worked with cited self-esteem issues and social skills deficits as the major reason for absenteeism, failure and eventual dismissal from the university. Therapy can help boost a tees self-esteem and help them fully utilize their intelligence and abilities. 8. Trauma Whether its a near-death experience or a sexual assault, traumatic events can have a lifelong impact on a teen. In the case of Gulf-based students, sudden relocation of the family or being forced to stay in a hostel or residential school can sometimes be traumatic. Therapy can improve their coping skills, increase resilience and reduce the impact the traumatic event has on a teens life. 9. Grief Teens deal with grief little differently than adults and the loss of a loved one can be especially difficult during adolescence. Therapy can help teens sort out their feelings and make sense of their loss. E-mail today or Whatsapp Teenager Dynamic Consilium Institute -- kaliaden@gmail.com Whats App: 971506524285. 2. Factors in Choosing a Therapist When you are deciding on a therapist, consider these factors :

• Choose a therapist who has expertise and experience in dealing with  teens. Teens aren't junior versions of adults; the problems they have and the way they deal with them are unique to this age group.
• When possible, get referrals to a specific therapist  that is recommended by someone who has personal knowledge of that therapist's personality and skills. 
• Search online for teen therapists in your area and carefully review their websites for information about how they work with teens and details about their practice.
• Consider the therapeutic approach and training of the therapist. There are many different ways to treat teens so familiarize yourself with the  different approaches and make your choice based on the issues your teen is struggling with and the background that makes the most sense to you. 
• Think about the specific qualities your teen may need in a therapist. Are they likely to respond best to someone who is direct and to the point, or to someone more nurturing and supportive? Is there a preference for a male or female therapist? Is age a factor for your teen? Will they work better with someone young and energetic or benefit from a therapist with more experience?

Interview potential therapists by e-mail, over the phone or in a face-to-face meeting. Some therapists will conduct an  initial consultation  at a reduced cost so you can meet them and have your questions answered.  Asking the following questions will provide important information and give you a better sense of how the therapist will work with your teen to help facilitate positive changes:

• What experience do you have with the particular problem my teen is struggling with?
• How long have you been in practice?
• Describe how you will work with my teen.
• Will other family members be involved in the  therapy  process?
• How do you establish goals for therapy and measure progress?
• Are you a member of a professional organization?
• Can you explain the therapy approach you use?

After getting answers to these questions, consider how well the therapist has described their approach and how they come across in doing so. Ask yourself: Does the therapist seem to know what they are talking about? Do they seem to have genuine  empathy  for teens? Are they patient in answering your questions? How do you feel when talking to them? The Most Important Factor in Choosing a Therapist Experience and credentials are important, but its usually the personality of a therapist and the therapeutic rapport   that develops between teen and therapist that is the most important factor of all.  This relationship is ultimately the most critical factor in a therapist being able to successfully provide help to a troubled teen. In choosing a therapist, ask yourself which person is most likely to be able to bond with your teen. Pay close attention to your gut feelings in making your decision. Additional Considerations in Choosing a Therapist Ideally, your teen needs to be part of this process, even when you are the one insisting they participate in therapy. In most cases it works well for parents to do the work of getting referrals and doing the initial screening. Then provide this information to your teen and let them make the final decision.  If after a few sessions the relationship does not seem to be coming together, it may be necessary to go through the process of choosing again or asking the therapist to refer to someone they think will be a better fit.