Summer is time for relaxation, vacations, and a break from the academic grind.
But something you might not realize: Summer is ALSO the best time to get your teen in counseling.
Here are 6 reasons that summer is the *perfect* time to get your kid in therapy.
1. More Free Time = More Likely to Make Appointments
Here’s something us therapists know: therapy works the best when people make it to their counseling appointments regularly and consistently.
During the school year, teens (and their parents!) are overwhelmed with homework, sports, social events, the list goes on. This busy schedule can make it difficult to find time for regular counseling sessions. But in summer there are less commitments – which means more time to commit to your teen actually making it to their therapy appointments.
2. Less Academic Pressure
Academics and school performance can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for teens. Without the constant demands of schoolwork, summer allows teens to focus more on their mental and emotional well-being. This reduction in stress can make it easier for them to open up and engage in the therapeutic process – and it will also better prepare them to manage academic stress in the upcoming school year.
3. Opportunity for Reflection and Growth
Summer is a natural break in the year, which gives teens a time to reflect on the past school year and prepare for the next. This period of reflection is ideal for addressing any unresolved issues or emotional challenges. Counseling during the summer can help teens process their experiences and develop coping strategies for the future.
4. Less Stress for the Upcoming School Year (which is better for you, too, Mom & Dad!!)
Starting counseling in the summer can equip your teen with the tools and skills they need to handle the challenges of the upcoming school year. Whether it’s learning how to manage stress, improving communication skills, or developing better coping mechanisms, counseling can help build resilience and confidence.
And if your teen is managing their anxiety better – YOUR HOUSE WILL BE CALMER!
5. Opportunity for Family Involvement
With a more flexible schedule, summer allows for greater family involvement in the counseling process – and here at Our Whole Living Counseling we *LOVE* getting the family involved! Family therapy sessions can be more easily coordinated, and parents can be more present and supportive. YOUR involvement can enhance the effectiveness of counseling and provide a strong support system for your teen.
6.. Creating Healthy Habits
Starting counseling in the summer can help establish healthy mental health habits that can continue throughout the year. With more time and fewer distractions, teens can develop a regular therapy routine and integrate the strategies they learn into their daily lives. Set you, your teen, and your family up for success BEFORE the chaos of the school year sets in!
If you’re considering counseling for your teen, there’s no better time to start than now. Currently, we have two therapists that work best with teens: Amanda Farr and Bec Miller. To schedule a *free* virtual 15-minute consultation with one of them to see if counseling is right for your teen – click here!
Our Whole Living Counseling is a therapy practice in Reading PA. Our office is in Wyomissing, and we serve clients virtually throughout the state of Pennsylvania.