Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch
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What is self-compassion? While we regularly feel compassion for other people, we often lack it for ourselves. In giving other people compassion, we recognize their suffering and empathize with them, feel for them, and have a desire to reduce their pain. It is a kindness that we need to engage in by being compassionate toward […]
What is self-compassion? While we regularly feel compassion for other people, we often lack it for ourselves. In giving other people compassion, we recognize their suffering and empathize with them, feel for them, and have a desire to reduce their pain.
It is a kindness that we need to engage in by being compassionate toward ourselves. Self-compassion allows you to have a space to be nonjudgmental. To respond to personal suffering, disappointments, and failures with kindness and caring. Instead of ignoring our pain, we seek to find comfort and understanding.
How Do We Practice Self-CompassionWorking on engaging in self-compassion involves one increasing kindness instead of judgement, noticing that suffering is part of the shared human experience, and engaging in mindfulness. We need to remember to be understanding towards ourselves when we experience suffering or a sense of failure rather than engaging in self-criticism.
It is important to recognize that is okay and normal to be imperfect and experience difficulties in life. When we allow ourselves to accept these things, we avoid the chance of increased frustration and stress. We also need to remember that not having things go the way that we want is normal and a part of being human. Many times, it seems that when we go through a tough period, we go it alone; we feel that we are the only one suffering. Recognizing that suffering is something that we all go through takes away some of those feelings of isolation and frustration.
Lastly, increasing mindfulness by taking a more balanced approach to our negative feelings can alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression. Observe your negative thoughts in a nonjudgmental manner without trying to suppress or deny them. Think of them like clouds passing in the sky; try to not be swept up in them.
When going through a tough time, be kind to yourself. Think of what you would tell your best friend if they were suffering and tell that to yourself. Listen to meditations on self-compassion and tell yourself positive affirmations. Engage in deep breathing and always make time for self-care. Give yourself the comfort you need in the moment. If you need more help managing life’s difficulties, seek counseling. It is always helpful to have someone remind you that you are not alone and help you in finding peace and healing.
Begin Self-Compassion Counseling in Katy, TXIf you are ready to learn how to love yourself, the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide therapy to people of all ages. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer treatment for depression and anxiety for adults, teens, and kids. We also offer counseling services in other areas including trauma counseling, counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, depression treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Janelle Schlueter, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP It’s a word we hear all the time. From family, friends, strangers and even ourselves. “Should” is such a common word so why would I say it’s the new curse word? Some of the many things I am passionate about as a therapist are issues that impact our self-esteem. […]
It’s a word we hear all the time. From family, friends, strangers and even ourselves. “Should” is such a common word so why would I say it’s the new curse word? Some of the many things I am passionate about as a therapist are issues that impact our self-esteem. Read on to see why a word so simple can have such a negative impact on how you view yourself.
If someone says “you should read this book”, it sounds innocent enough, right? Actually, it’s pretty harmful. This person is assuming that they know you will like the book or benefit from it when they do not know for sure. They are assuming they have more insight into your life, schedule, wants, likes, and interests than you do. That’s crazy! Who knows what’s best for you more than you?!
If someone says “you should break up with your partner”, it may sound like they are being helpful in giving advice but, it’s not. The way people tend to interpret a comment like that is that not only does this person think they know what’s best for us more than we do for ourselves but it implies there is a clear right and clear wrong way to do things. Is it possible that this scenario is not black and white but actually has some grey area, too? Absolutely!
Judgement and criticismDo you like the idea of being judged and criticized for your decisions? I didn’t think so! When people judge and criticize, it often comes out in a “should” statement. I’m sure you’ve probably been told “you shouldn’t do that” or “you should have done this”. When you heard that, how did you feel about yourself? Not good, right? You likely felt guilty, ashamed or like you did something wrong. The question I ask my clients is: is there really a golden rule that you were not following or was it someone’s set of standards or rules unique to them? You will find there are few times where there is an understood right and wrong (think laws).
Lastly, but most importantly, be mindful of how often you say “should” to yourself. We are all guilty of judging and criticizing ourselves harder than others ever could. One of the dangers of negative self-talk is that we don’t say things aloud so we don’t always recognize that we are saying anything. “I should do this”, “I should not have done that”, “I should be this” are examples of self-talk that are based on judgment, criticism, and the assumption of a clear right and wrong. Is that helpful? No. Not at all.
We can try to rephrase things to eliminate judgment and the assumption of right and wrong. Rather than saying “you should read this book” try and say “you might enjoy this book”. Don’t those sound much nicer?!
To make sure you are communicating as healthy as possible to others as well as yourself, try viewing “should” as a buzzword. My clients are often hearing me make a small buzzer noise when they say “should”. It doesn’t take long before they stop using “should” and significantly reduce judgment, criticism and assumption from others as well as themselves!
Go To Counseling To Help With Self-Esteem!Counseling can help with many issues that you may find yourself struggling with, such as: anxiety, depression, lack of coping skills, communication issues, relationship struggles, history of trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep issues, addiction, and so much more. Seeing a counselor can help you identify areas that you would like to work on such as self-esteem talked about in this blog.
If you are ready to find help for your mental health struggles, the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide therapy to people of all ages. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
Other Therapy Services We Offer
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services in areas including: counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Cheri Locke, MA, LPC, CCTP We have all heard of bullying, but now we are in the age of social media, technology, and that brings about new ways to bully…cyberbullying. So what exactly is cyberbullying? It is a deliberate attempt to use technology to threaten, harass, humiliate, or harm others. Research shows that up […]
We have all heard of bullying, but now we are in the age of social media, technology, and that brings about new ways to bully…cyberbullying. So what exactly is cyberbullying? It is a deliberate attempt to use technology to threaten, harass, humiliate, or harm others. Research shows that up to 30% of school age kids will experience cyberbullying at some point in their academic career. As a parent, you make ask yourself how you can help or what steps you can take, should your child be a victim of cyberbullying.
Have you ever had your teen come rushing into your room crying and waking you from sleep? Well it happened recently in our household. Little did I know that my teenager had found a video that was about him. How do we handle those moments when our kids seem so broken and there seems so little we can do in the moment?
Be there for them. Be open to listening to them and allowing them to talk through their experience. Then, help them protect themselves. Ask them what they need to feel safe. They may not know, but certain measures like limiting and blocking technology can be first steps. Let me age myself for a second- but back in my day bullying happened in person. If it was at school, it typically ended at school. Now days, with technology it does not stop. Help your child with that. If it is happening through social media, help them block people or apps. There are great apps for parents to help control and monitor their child’s phone. (https://ourpact.com)
You may want to involve the school. Let your teen’s school help you handle the situation. Most schools want to be notified and part of the process, especially if the person committing the bullying attends the same school. Seek help from a therapist. Therapist’s can provide useful ways for your teen and the family to handle the effects of bullying. If you would like more resources, check out this great website https://cyberbullying.org/what-to-do-when-your-child-is-cyberbullied
First, how do we as parents even know our teen has experienced cyberbullying? We can hope they would talk to us about their situation, but that is not always they case. The next day after my teenager found the video…he needed to come home because he was sick. Yep. My child, who rarely gets ill.
A few ways to check in with your kid are to notice if their habits change. Has their mood changed and they seem depressed? Do they want to miss a certain period at school? Are they all of a sudden ill most days and need to leave school? Have they either become overly obsessed or shied away from technology and social media? Some of these changes could be clues that you need to check in with your teen.
If you are ready to help your teen and/or yourself learn to cope with the effects of cyberbullying, the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services for people of all ages including: women’s issues, couples counseling, treatment for anxiety, trauma counseling, counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, men’s therapy , eating disorder treatment, depression treatment, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Margie Frisco, Practicum Student, UHV Do you need help on how to handle stress? Many times in life we get caught up in the hustle and grind of everyday life. This can be due to having children to take care of, coordinating their schedules, or cleaning the house. For others this can be due […]
Recognize What Causes You Stress
Self-CareIf you are ready to learn how to make yourself a priority and manage your stress, the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services for people of all ages including: women’s issues, couples counseling, treatment for anxiety, trauma counseling, counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, men’s therapy , eating disorder treatment, depression treatment, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Quique Autrey, MS, LPC Associate For the last 5 years, I’ve worked with teenagers and young adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental disorder that affects a person’s communication and social behavior. ASD is a spectrum diagnosis which means there are different levels of severity. Some people diagnosed with ASD […]
For the last 5 years, I’ve worked with teenagers and young adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental disorder that affects a person’s communication and social behavior. ASD is a spectrum diagnosis which means there are different levels of severity. Some people diagnosed with ASD have severe deficits in communication and social functioning and require substantial support all their life. Others experience social challenges, but can hope to live a life of relative independence with some professional support.
There are different kinds of therapy available for individuals diagnosed with ASD. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is considered the gold-standard treatment for younger children with ASD. ABA is a type of therapy that can improve social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement. Most of my ASD clients are older and relatively high-functioning and thus benefit from talk therapy. What is talk therapy and why is it beneficial for someone diagnosed with ASD?
Sigmund Freud, one of the founders of modern therapy, referred to his work as the “talking cure.” At its most basic level, talk therapy is an arrangement between a therapist and a client where a client works to transform his/her emotional state by talking and learning coping skills. While talk therapy cannot remove a person’s Autism, it can help them accept and better manage it.
As I am presenting it, talk therapy is not social skills or group therapy. Traditional talk therapy is two individuals facing each other in a room and talking about the emotional and social concerns of the client.
The Benefits of Talk Therapy Every teen and young adult on the spectrum I’ve ever worked with has struggled with low self-esteem. Why is this? The number one reason is that all of them have experienced bullying and have felt like social outcasts. Persons on the spectrum usually have a hard time reading social cues. They also struggle to regulate negative emotions. As a result, ASD individuals stick out in social situations and have a hard time fitting into the typical norms of the group.
Talk therapy encourages teens and young adults with ASD to translate their raw emotions and pain into words and language that helps them make better sense of their experience. Furthermore, not only does it encourage people to translate their suffering into speech, it provides an environment of love, acceptance, and non-judgement. The positive relationship that’s established between the therapist and the client is an important part of the client’s growth in self-esteem.
Many teens diagnosed with ASD struggle with being labeled. They fear that having this diagnosis makes them “weird” and “different” in a negative way. Part of the process of talk therapy is helping the client to accept their diagnosis. The therapist and client can discuss what the diagnosis means. Moreover, they can explore some of the challenges of being on the spectrum. Talk therapy also helps the client understand some of the strengths of the diagnosis. Many people on the spectrum have gifts and abilities that enable them to make a wonderful contribution to society.
ASD is a life-long disorder. While it may not be possible to outgrow Autism, it is possible to manage it and develop as a person. The management skills someone can learn in talk therapy include life, social and emotional coping skills.
In talk therapy, the client and therapist may discuss situations that arise at school or work. More importantly, they can explore what did not go so well. After understanding what went wrong, the therapist and client can role play a similar scenario and practice healthier ways to respond and relate to others. Talk therapy should provide depth and practicality. The therapist and client can talk about everything from the meaning of life to the importance of taking care of one’s personal hygiene.
What To Look For In A Therapist For Talk TherapyFirstly, not all therapists are equal. If your child has been diagnosed with ASD, it’s important to find a therapist who has experience working with ASD. ASD is a unique disorder that cannot be treated in the same way as anxiety, depression or other common diagnoses.
Secondly, it is also very important that your son or daughter connect with their therapist. Therapy will not be effective if the client does not bond with the therapist. Since many individuals with ASD already have a difficult time connecting with others, the formation of a therapeutic relationship will be essential to effective treatment.
Finally, seek out a therapist who is open to communicating and including the parents and siblings in therapy. ASD is a difficult diagnosis that impacts the whole family. It can have a negative impact on a marriage and the emotional well being of siblings. Steer clear of therapists who just want to focus on the ASD client and keep the family at a distance. Talk therapy is a useful tool that can incorporate the entire family.
If you are ready to begin therapy, one of the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services for people of all ages including: women’s issues, couples counseling, treatment for anxiety, trauma counseling, counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, men’s therapy , eating disorder treatment, depression treatment, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Carey Robey, MS, LPC Healthy boundaries are an essential part of keeping good mental health. So how do we ensure we are establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries? Well, setting boundaries is not just about setting limits with those in our lives, but also prioritizing your relationship with yourself. We have to remember our worth […]
Healthy boundaries are an essential part of keeping good mental health. So how do we ensure we are establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries? Well, setting boundaries is not just about setting limits with those in our lives, but also prioritizing your relationship with yourself. We have to remember our worth and our values.
Now more than ever, lines are blurred when it comes to work/life balance and relationships. It is important that we remember to build our personal and emotional space in a way that is healthy for us. Being aware and setting boundaries provides clarity around what is good for us, what feels comfortable, and what is healthy for our life. It can help us regain some sense of control- something that right now many feel they have lost.
There are many things we can do to reevaluate our boundaries right now! Notice the people, places, and things that tend to drain you. Is there any room or way for change in these areas? Inspect different parts of your life and self, such as physical, mental, and emotional health, work, social, and home life, and self-care. Check for any holes that may leave room for improvement. Make it a habit to notice your personal limits; when we overdo it, we risk burnout and resentment.
It is okay to say “no” and communicating with clarity and assertiveness are skills that can be learned in therapy. Setting boundaries can sometimes be hard and even uncomfortable, but allow yourself the opportunity so that you are not denying yourself happiness and self-growth. Remember to seek support if you feel overwhelmed through talking to someone like a therapist or friend and utilize coping skills and relaxation techniques.
Maybe you’re the kind of person that puts others before yourself- while that is a caring and worthy trait, it can mean you struggle to know your own worth and may have difficulty setting boundaries. Take some time to consider what is important to you. Evaluate what your values are and how you can implement them into your life. Remember that boundaries are not set in stone; they are flexible and can change when you need them to as life evolves. Check in with yourself frequently and remember sometimes it’s okay to put yourself first.
If you are ready to find out how to establish healthy boundaries, the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide therapy to people of all ages. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services in other areas including trauma counseling, counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, depression treatment, anxiety treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Quique Autrey, MS, LPC Associate Guys, it’s time to step out of the box! Which box, you ask? The box that society has placed us in for decades. Man box culture. A box that defines what it means to be a real man. We’re told to think outside the box in our early education, […]
Guys, it’s time to step out of the box! Which box, you ask? The box that society has placed us in for decades. Man box culture. A box that defines what it means to be a real man. We’re told to think outside the box in our early education, all the while expected to remain in this restrictive man box for the rest of our lives. Enough is enough! Man box culture is not good for us.
Studies show that trying to live inside the man box results in more violence, greater risk of suicide, increased drinking and poor mental health. The problem is not masculinity. The issue is not being a man. The real villain is man box culture. Man box culture presents a rigid formula for what it means to be a man and expects all men to conform. We need to stop blaming men for being men. Instead, we need to support the men in our lives by helping them to step out of the man box culture and step in to a healthy version of masculinity.
Sexuality is not rigid or easily defined. According to the spectrum model of sexuality, a man’s sexual identity exists along a spectrum of possibilities rather than an either/or binary. Man box culture sees sexuality as a hierarchy with being straight at the top.
Identifying as gay is seen as inferior. Countless teenage boys use the phrase, “you’re gay” as a way to communicate that a person is stupid or unpopular. This is not acceptable. A healthy masculinity has room for many expressions of sexuality, each valuable in their own right.
Assertive, not Aggressive. Man box culture reinforces the stereotype that to be a real man is to be a strong, angry and forceful person. Real men are not weak and vulnerable. True men don’t give in to fear and they get what they want! This logic sadly results in countless men expressing their anger in violent and disruptive ways.
Instead of encouraging aggression, healthy masculinity promotes assertiveness. Assertiveness is the ability to express what you really want or need while still respecting the other person. An aggressive man gets his needs met by using his strength to overpower another person. An assertive man negotiates what he needs using reason and cooperation.
One of the most popular stereotypes of man box culture is that real men do not show emotions. Boys don’t cry, we’re told from a young age. I can’t tell you how many times I was told as a young boy, “Suck it up kid. Don’t be a girl. Pick yourself up and get on with it!”
According to Mark Green, senior editor for the GoodMen Project, boys three to four years old are taught to push down naturally occurring emotions. The result? Boys lose connection with themselves and others. By not allowing ourselves to feel the full spectrum of human emotions, we set ourselves up for social isolation and a lack of empathy.
Healthy masculinity encourages men to feel all the emotions that make us human, including fear, sadness and jealousy. By making emotions ok, men have a greater chance of connecting with themselves and those around them.
Man box culture hurts women as well as men. According to the rules of the man box, women are inferior sex objects that can be used and manipulated. Everything from Netflix to pornography has trained men in the man box to reduce women to their bodies and to not see them as intelligent equals. With this mentality, sexual exploitation and horrendous violence become live options for countless men.
Healthy masculinity reminds men that women are their equals, not their sexual exploits. Connecting with women at a sexual, intellectual and even spiritual level can be much more rewarding than the power games encouraged by the man box culture.
A lot of men today feel attacked for being a man. The problem is not masculinity per say. The problem is the unhealthy masculinity reinforced and promoted by man box culture. Are you tired of being isolated in the man box? Are you ready to work on some of the issues highlighted above? Unfortunately, there are very few spaces in our society to talk honestly about the dangers of man box culture.
One of the only places men can freely work on these realities is in therapy. Men’s therapy offers men an opportunity to work on their struggles with sexuality, aggression, repressed emotions and relationships with women in a nonjudgmental setting. A therapist is a trained professional who can help you navigate the unhealthy extremes of man box culture and help you develop the tools to flourish as a healthy man. The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch currently has a Men’s Therapy Group. Reach out for more information.
If you are ready to grow into a healthy man, one of the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide men’s counseling as well as other services to people of all ages. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services for people of all ages including: women’s issues, couples counseling, treatment for anxiety, trauma counseling, counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, eating disorder treatment, depression treatment, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Jessica Johns-Green, LPC Diets force change by setting strict rules but mostly create only temporary change. The underlying issues – emotionally and mentally – stay the same. Or even get worse. Cutting calories makes us focus on food more. And failure? That’s just the weight loss industry’s way of making sure you are […]
Diets force change by setting strict rules but mostly create only temporary change. The underlying issues – emotionally and mentally – stay the same. Or even get worse. Cutting calories makes us focus on food more. And failure? That’s just the weight loss industry’s way of making sure you are a customer for life. The toughest first step is not to let shame and guilt force you to look away and hide. Also not to see genetics or physical health issues as insurmountable barriers. But instead to decide that you can do something about this. A change in attitude and taking care of your mental wellbeing is a route to healthy bodyweight – for good!
Plan for success, and for failure – Planning skills are far more important than a ‘meal plan’. The ability to look at what’s ahead in your day/week, to see what your body needs and make plans to provide it will get you much further than any diet ever could. Recognizing that you need – and deserve – healthy food to fuel your day. And that getting it won’t happen by accident. When we’re hungry and rushed, drive thru’s will win every time. Planning ahead doesn’t have to mean making food ahead of time, but it does mean approaching your day with an idea about how you will meet your needs. A key here is also plan for failure. What will you do when it goes wrong? Deciding ahead of time to learn from failures (what could I do differently next time?) and face your actions with compassion is a skill of people who lose weight and keep it off for good.If you are ready to find help with your emotional eating, binge eating, eating disorder or body image the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide therapy to people of all ages and now offer a Healthy Body Therapy Group, every other Friday at 12 noon. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Quique Autrey, MS, LPC Associate Teenage boys are wild, quirky and full of life. Many of them are running at full speed. They may be smart and passionate, but many struggle to make the best decisions in life. They seem to be more driven by their appetite and hormones than reason and common sense. […]
Teenage boys are wild, quirky and full of life. Many of them are running at full speed. They may be smart and passionate, but many struggle to make the best decisions in life. They seem to be more driven by their appetite and hormones than reason and common sense. Then there’s the fact that we rarely pay attention to our teen’s mental health. Focusing on our boy’s mental health is as important as caring about their physical health and academic performance. In fact, the more we help our teens improve their mental health, the greater chance they have of succeeding in all the areas of their life. Teen boys need access to a mental health toolkit that can help them feel good about themselves and to relate more positively to others.
Teenage boys need strong friendships. Positive friendships provide shared experiences that help improve a guy’s self esteem. Making friends is not always easy at their age. Young boys have a much easier time making friends at school or in the neighborhood. Teens have to worry about status, expectations and all the other stressors that make cultivating a friendship a real challenge. Don’t completely write off online friendships.
Online friendships can have an important place in a teen’s life. In our current day, it is not always possible to hang out with friends face to face. Teenage boys have developed creative ways to connect with their peers on social media, video games and other digital platforms. Parents should be careful not to take away social connections when giving a consequence. There are other ways to discipline a teen than taking away their access to friends.
We all benefit from having interests outside of work and school. A hobby is anything creative or active a teen can engage in that will help them take a break from their daily stressors and routine. During the last year many teens have been forced to stay home in front of a screen.
Encouraging a hobby that requires physical exercise and time outside could be a real plus. Many teens benefit from martial arts or rock climbing. For the more creative types, learning to play the guitar or work on a car can be a good idea.
A hobby does not have to cost an arm and a leg! There are plenty of options out there that are affordable. The important thing to remember is that your teen needs active and creative time away from their normal schedule.
Teen boys do not always want to talk to their parents about what’s going on. That’s not always a bad thing. Since there are some things teens feel embarrassed to talk to their parents about (SEX!), it’s important that we help our teens connect with other mature adults.
If your son plays sports, getting to know the coach is a good idea. Coaches can help teens practice self-discipline and teamwork. If your family attends church, encouraging a relationship with the youth worker can be a huge positive. Your son can learn important lessons about compassion, service and making wise decisions. A therapist can also be a great adult relationship for your son. In therapy, your son can learn the value of talking about feelings and creating attainable goals.
It is important for teen boys to feel they are in control of some aspects of their life. Teen boys often fall into depression when they feel like nothing they do really matters. What is something you can encourage your son to do that will give him a sense of control and mastery?
One simple thing is asking him to clean his room. Are you serious? Yes! Of course they won’t like this suggestion at first. But think about it. Their room is their little kingdom. If a teen can begin to take responsibility for cleaning and maintaining their room, this can spill over into other aspects of their life. Your teen may start to take greater control over their schedule, their friendships and their emotions. It has to start somewhere.
Exercise could be the most significant tool in your son’s mental health toolkit. It helps relieve stress and release hormones. With Covid-19, many teens have stopped exercising and their mental health has suffered. It’s never too late to start an exercise routine.
There’s no one right approach here. You don’t have to run a marathon every weekend! Some teens prefer to lift weights with their friends. Others enjoy putting on their favorite playlist and jogging around the neighborhood. Playing basketball or soccer are great options too. The key is to be consistent.
Movies and TV shows have given counseling a bad rap. Counseling is not about lying on a couch, staring at the ceiling and relating all of your problems to your mom! Counseling is more about building a genuine relationship with a professional that can help you take positive steps in the direction you want to go.
Teen boys that come to therapy need help creating their mental health tool kit. They benefit from a place where they can talk about their friends, their stressors and goals. A counselor can help them devise a plan to cope with their struggles and accomplish their dreams.
If you are ready to improve your teens life, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide counseling to both teens and adults for a variety of issues. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Being a parent can be one of the most exciting and rewarding jobs out there. Yet, it comes with its challenges. Parenting a teenager may bring even more struggles to the table. I am a mom of two middle school girls, and a therapist to teens and their parents by […]
Being a parent can be one of the most exciting and rewarding jobs out there. Yet, it comes with its challenges. Parenting a teenager may bring even more struggles to the table. I am a mom of two middle school girls, and a therapist to teens and their parents by trade. So, I get it.
As parents, we want to do the best job possible. We want our kids to be kind to others, have high self-esteem, succeed in school, be active, participate in extra-curricular activities, and the list goes on. It’s hard to keep up. So, maybe there are some things we can let go of. Below are my ideas on what those things could be. (I do believe these things are important, just maybe less important than healthy relationships and decreased conflict.)
#1. Choice of clothing or hairstyle. Teenagers are figuring themselves out. They want to be unique and express themselves. Sometimes they do this by choosing a style that is “a little out there,” or a hair color that makes us question their judgment. I say; as long as they are covering the parts that need covering, let them try things on for size. It’s not worth the battle.
#2. Checking Homework and Grades. I will admit to becoming obsessive about logging in and checking my kids’ grades at times. Obsessing, then nagging them is not helpful. I DO think we need to be aware of how our teens are doing in school. I also think we need to be there to help them. But, checking grades every day, and asking the same questions every day leads to conflict. Make a plan to check their grades weekly, or even better, mid-grading period. Then ask if they need help. Teenagers learn best through experience. Let them miss an assignment, and learn how it affects their grade. 
#3. Messy Rooms. OK, I am not saying we need to allow moldy towels to pile up or bugs to be crawling around. But, within reason, let your teenager be messy. Teens have a lot on their minds. Their minds are not fully developed. Being tidy and organized might not be a priority to them at the moment. It doesn’t mean they will grow up to be slobs.
#4. Being Cranky. As we all know, teenagers can be moody. They may give you the silent treatment, or answer you gruffly in the morning. Don’t take it personally. Hormones, social media, school stress, and even a pandemic may be on their minds. Be ready to listen when they are ready to talk, but don’t force it.
***Side Note: If you notice significant changes in mood, signs of depression & anxiety, or evidence of self-harm, please reach out to professionals.
If you are looking for support or help for your teenager, counseling may the answer. Family counseling, group and individual therapy for teens, or parental coaching are great options. Learning to let go of some things can be helpful, but difficult to implement on our own. Also, trained professionals best address mental health issues.
If you are ready to find help with parenting a teen, or find support for your teenager, the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide therapy to people of all ages. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!