"Oh, but you were only a child”
Therapy is a needed space for many people, including those transitioning through life phases and couples who struggle to communicate and want to be seen and heard by their partner. However, children and teens are often overlooked in society. They are frequently told, “It’s a phase, they’ll grow out of it,” or “What do you have to worry about?”
Adults struggle to recall what it feels like to navigate the world as a young person. Youth often feel trapped and use limited resources to survive, while their pain is minimized by adults. When I was a teen, thoughts like “This is the worst” or “Nobody gets me” were common for me, and I remember feeling that I did not matter.
I sometimes wonder if having someone who took my struggles seriously would have reduced my chances of engaging in self-harming behaviors or prevented my suicide attempts at a young age. I often think about how life could have been different if someone had simply asked, “Could you tell me more about what you’re going through?”
These thoughts lead me to believe it is important for children and teens to have a space where they can share their feelings. Such a space allows them not to pretend to be “fine” or “okay.” They can learn, “It’s okay to feel, and I don’t have to be judged or ridiculed.” They can simply exist with someone willing to be present with them.'
Therapy gives children and teens a nonjudgmental, accepting space where their feelings matter. When youth are truly heard and understood, it can make a crucial difference. It is important to remember that every young person needs assurance that they matter.
