Christian Counseling for Teens

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

Anxiety and Depression

Almost one in every eight children under the age of 18 experiences anxiety and/or depression. Often these conditions are derived from the immense pressure young people face to succeed academically and socially, along with the tumultuous changes occurring during adolescence.

If a child experiences a congruent issue or life event such as moving, their parents divorcing, health problems, or the loss of a loved one, this can intensify any mental health issues they may have. A Christian counselor can work with your teen to help them explore and process their emotions and learn to express them in a healthy way.

ADHD and Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities affect vast numbers of young people. The National Center for Learning Disabilities states that 35% of the parents in these situations aren’t sure they know how to handle them. The parents’ overwhelm can also affect the teen’s ability to cope with conditions such as ADHD or dyslexia. These struggles may show up in teens as behavior problems or emotional overreactions to even small amounts of stress.

Christian counseling for teens can help your teenager manage the stress in their lives, improve their self-esteem, and have a more hopeful perspective for their future, knowing that God has a plan for their lives and can use their struggles to make them stronger.

Behavior and Social Problems in School

If your teen is struggling at school because of their behavior toward teachers and/or peers, this can be incredibly disheartening as a parent. Your confusion and frustration can cause tension in your relationship with your child.

The Christian counselors at Newport Beach Christian Counseling can help you handle the problem constructively and work with your teen to handle their struggles effectively. Behavior problems are often the symptom, not the disease. The goal is for your teenager to feel that the underlying issue is understood, and to equip them with skills to cope in a healthy way.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior

It’s frightening to learn that suicide is the third leading cause of death in children and teens between ages 10 and 19. The overwhelming emotions of adolescence can open the door for destructive coping mechanisms. If the normal struggles of the teen years are compounded by added difficulties, your child may be at risk for severe depression, which is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and actions.

A trained Christian counselor will assess your child’s thought patterns, behaviors, and any warning signs, as well as providing a safe environment for them to process their emotions. The counseling setting is protected by confidentiality, but suicidal ideations are one of the exceptions, and parents will be included and informed in order to protect the child’s safety. The causes of your teen’s struggles will be explored, and they will be offered solutions for healing.

Violent Behavior

Angry outbursts in a teen are a legitimate cause for concern. Violence has serious consequences. In Christian counseling, your teen can work through the reasons for this behavior, which is usually a symptom of an underlying problem such as depression, shame, or a desire for attention with no constructive outlet.

As a parent, your instincts may lead you to react emotionally rather than seeking to understand what’s causing violent proclivities. A Christian counselor can be a dispassionate source of safety for a teen to unburden themselves of what’s really troubling them, as well as a mentor to coach them in how to manage their angry tendencies.

Sudden Weight Loss or Gain

Sudden changes in appetite or weight can signify deeper problems that require the attention of a professional. Appetite can be affected by mental health conditions, eating disorders, or physical problems. A physician should rule out any health issues that may be causing changes in weight.

Once this has been done, it would be helpful to seek out Christian counseling to determine the cause. Addressing changes in appetite and eating habits early on can help your child work through any hidden issues and develop healthy habits for the future.

Extreme Mood or Personality Changes

To a certain degree, we can all attest that mood swings are a normal part of adolescence, especially due to fluctuating hormone levels. But if mood swings become constant and severe, talking to a professional counselor might be the most helpful next step. The earliest symptoms of mood disorders often appear during adolescence, and early intervention is vital for managing the disorder and its symptoms.

No matter what the cause of mood or personality changes, the Christian counselors at Newport Beach Christian Counseling offer experienced, compassionate assistance to help your teen manage negative emotions and find hope in Christ.

Illegal or Risky Behavior

Another behavior that’s greatly concerning to parents is anything that could be illegal or dangerous. The trained counselors at Newport Beach Christian Counseling can work with teens who are getting into trouble like this. The goal is to establish a trusting therapeutic relationship that can help a teen feel safe enough to work through his or her thought processes and motives for this behavior. Healthy alternatives will be offered to cope with negative thought patterns and emotions.

Sexual Behavior Concerns

Teenage sexual activity is another area of great concern for parents. Both traditional and social media serve as sources that glamorize early sexual activity. The counselors at Newport Beach Christian Counseling are equipped to work with teens on managing these pressures and their own natural desires.

Issues addressed in Christian counseling for teens can include sexual identity, sexual health, low self-esteem, and peer pressure. The goal is to help teens build a strong sense of personal values and remain committed to it. Since it’s often awkward and difficult for teens to have these conversations with parents, counseling can be a helpful setting in which to work through these issues.

Spiritual Concerns

Doubts and struggles related to faith and Christian living can afflict anyone at any stage of life, and it’s all the more natural for teens to go through a period of doubt, even if they’ve been raised in a Christian home. It’s also difficult because today’s culture is growing increasingly hostile to key tenets of the Christian faith, leading to peer pressure on your teen.

Support can be a key factor in helping your teen feel understood as they work through issues of their spiritual identity. In Christian counseling, your child will receive biblical guidance, with the goal of strengthening them in their faith.

Want to help your teen? Take the first step today.

Here at Newport Beach Christian Counseling, it’s our passion to help young people develop the skills they need to meet their full potential. We provide compassionate support for a variety of issues your teen may be facing. Many of the counselors at our office are parents themselves and relate to the struggles of raising teenagers. We will work hard to facilitate a hopeful, Christ-filled future for your child.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
949-386-7178