Teen Therapy at Creative Sky Psychology
Calgary Teen and Child Psychologist
We Provide Therapy For Teens With Challenges Related To:
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Academics
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Adjustment and Change
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Addiction
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Depression
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Body Image Challenges
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Technology and Social Media Issues
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Social Challenges
How does Creative Sky Psychology Help Teens?
The teen years are portrayed as a time of independence and freedom. It is also a time of exploring new relationships and opportunities with an increased awareness of self. This idealistic portrayal isn't the case for all teens. At times, difficulties arise that create setbacks and roadblocks. Persistent difficulties can create roadblocks that are more difficult to overcome. Today, adolescents are under additional pressures with heightened awareness created by the effects of social media. It can also be difficult to step away from the very thing that is creating anxiety and stress. During the adolescent years, teens begin to develop a new sense of identity. Decisions and choices made by teens are often aligned with their emerging identity, however for many teens, this identity is still in flux. Feelings of anxiety and depression commonly creep in due to the changes and challenges teens face. At times self-destructive decisions are made as an escape from the anxiety, pain, and sadness they may be feeling. Often adolescents don’t feel comfortable showing their vulnerabilities to their family or friends. Creative Sky Psychology helps teens process their thoughts and build tools for coping with difficult or challenging feelings. We help teens through difficult times using a strength-based approach. With genuine regard and acceptance, we help teens gain insight and build resiliency. If your teen is experiencing difficulties, having tools to navigate life’s roadblocks can create long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this normal teenage behaviour, or is something wrong?
This is one of the most common question that parents ask in session. During the adolescent period of development, teens often seek independence and growth. This is a healthy and normal aspect of development; however, it can also be very concerning for parents, especially if they are concerned about their teen's mental health. Even with the best parental intentions and strategies, in the process of individualization, teens often push their parents away. This change in the family dynamic can be a challenging new reality for many parents. You love your teen and want to help. Additionally, if you are feeling worried or concerned, this adds to the challenge of knowing when to push or pull back. It can help to let your teen know you are concerned and are available to help. Try asking, rather than telling. Ensure you do this when your teen is calm and is able to talk. We offer individual parenting sessions and/or family sessions to help navigate these challenging periods. Parent's often find it helpful to discuss their own concerns and explore strategies that may increase wellness within the family system.
How does Therapy Work for Teens?
Therapy is an excellent tool used to help your teen gain insight and find ways to learn, grow, and build resiliency. Learning effective coping strategies and developing insight will help your teen understand themselves better, increasing their capacity to face challenges. We are trained in several therapeutic modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Positive Psychology. We also incorporate emotion and body regulation strategies to help teens learn to recognize and cope with various challenges. Therapy is a great tool for teens to learn intrinsic ways of being, that align with the person they want to become. Experiential techniques are embedded into therapy which enables teens to learn flexibility and insight to thoughts, actions, and feelings. The therapeutic relationship is an important factor in working with adolescents. We maintain a non-judgmental, non-expert stance which allows for adolescents to grow and learn under the umbrella of autonomy. Teens are encouraged to trial various therapeutic tools/strategies during sessions as well as in-between sessions.
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) For Teens?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a psychological intervention that combines acceptance and mindfulness with strategies of gaining insight and flexibility to increase psychological wellness. Teens are encouraged to act towards their goals or what they value most. This type of therapy is extremely beneficial during the adolescent period as it allows teens to explore and increase their awareness of who they are with an experienced Psychologist. Teens have a strong need to feel a sense of autonomy and do best in sessions when they are given that opportunity.
What is ACT Therapy used for?
ACT therapy as a proven treatment for the following conditions:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Creating Positivity and Wellness
What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a method of therapy commonly used at Creative Sky Psychology. It is especially helpful when combined with other therapeutic modalities. CBT allows teens to learn about their thoughts, learn to challenge their thoughts, and learn to replace their thoughts with more adaptive or positive thoughts. As our thoughts guide our actions, this style of therapy is helpful in changing and reframing thoughts that are causing areas of challenge. CBT is very useful in "retraining" the brain and helping teens feel in control and empowered. CBT is useful in supporting all areas of challenge, however is especially helpful for teens who are experiencing anxiety, social anxiety, negative self-talk, self-harm behaviours, specific phobias, panic, and depression.
Creative Sky Psychology
Child, Teen and Adult Psychologist located in Calgary. We have dedicated Child, Teen, and Adult Psychologists and support individuals with ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, OCD, and Depression. We support individuals who are growth orientated and would like to build strength and resilience. We provide assessments for individuals of all ages at Creative Sky Psychology. Our Assessment Psychologists provides both Clinical and Educational assessments. Our Psychologists support individuals from a strength-based model and provide unique coping strategies. Please call for an initial consultation or book online.
