Compassionate Therapy for Teens and Their Families in Watertown, SD

Is your teen under a lot of stress? Do they not seem as happy as they once did? Are they suffering from an eating disorder? Do you suspect they are using drugs?

Most of us remember our teenage years as a combination of great fun, burgeoning freedom, and a tremendous amount of stress. During this time, our hormone levels skyrocket, making us feel out of control. We also feel a greater need to perform well academically and fit into social circles. Questions around identity, self-esteem issues, family conflicts, concerns about the future—all of these take a toll on a teen’s well-being.

When it all gets to be too much, there’s Aspen Counseling Services. We’re an independent mental health practice supporting the vibrant community of Watertown, South Dakota, with various types of therapy, including therapy for teens. Whether you’re the parent seeking an option for your child or a teen looking up solutions for yourself, rest easy knowing that we have the tools and expertise to lend a helping hand.

Common Life Challenges Among Teens

There is so much going on during the teen years. During this time, teens may face some serious life challenges that impact their mental health and well-being, such as:

• Loss - Loss can come in the form of a death of a loved one, including a pet, and it can also come in the form of parental separation or divorce. A loss also happens when a family moves to a new location and the teen must go to a new school.
• Stress - A little stress is normal in life and can even be motivating. But too much stress can cause burnout at any age. Many teens face tremendous amounts of stress to do well in school, hold down a job, and/or be accepted by their peers.
• Violence - Teens that are bullied at school or at home suffer, and are often alone. If not dealt with, the aftermath of violence can result in PTSD symptoms.

This is not an exhaustive list of reasons why a teen may want to speak with a therapist by any means. If you think you or your teen could benefit from therapy, please reach out.

What Are Some of the Best Types of Therapy for Teens?

There are three general types of therapy for teens experiencing mental health issues:

Individual Therapy

In these private, one-on-one sessions, a therapist will typically use trauma-informed behavioral therapies to help the teen make a connection between their thoughts and feelings, as well as understand how these impact their behavior.

Group Therapy

Group therapy can be very effective because it allows teens to see how their peers handle their problems. Most groups have five to seven teens and one leader who will ask questions and guide the conversation.

Family Therapy

In this scenario, the teen would go to therapy with their parent(s) and sometimes even with siblings. This style of therapy can be very beneficial as it allows the family to communicate effectively and respectfully.

Which type of therapy will be best for the teen will be determined by a trained therapist. Often, he or she will use a combination of all three of these types of therapy.

Therapy for Teens at Aspen Counseling Services

At Aspen Counseling in Watertown, SD, our therapists use a variety of approaches tailored to each patient’s needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help teens identify unhelpful thought patterns and learn healthier ways of thinking. Play therapy and expressive techniques allow younger teens to process emotions in creative ways. Emotion-Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems can deepen self-understanding, while faith-based counseling is available for families who value a spiritual perspective. Our therapists also integrate approaches like EMDR and ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) when trauma or difficult life experiences are part of a teen’s story.

Get Personalized Support During the Adolescent Years

If your teen is struggling with emotional challenges, behavioral issues, or a recent life transition, therapy can be a powerful step toward growth. Aspen Counseling Services is here to provide compassionate, effective care that helps adolescents feel understood and supported. Don’t wait to get your child the help they need—contact our team in Watertown today to learn more about our therapy for teens and to schedule your first session!