Depression hurts and we can help! At times, life's circumstances can feel overwhelming. Sometimes issues with our past can also interfere with how we feel about the present. Here at NextGen, our therapists use a multifaceted approach of healthy behaviors, current medical research, and cognitive behavioral therapy to empower people to shake off the unpleasant sadness and begin a life of joy and freedom.
Self-Injury / Cutting
The topic of self-Injury has a special place in our hearts here at NextGen. We are interested in staying on top of this new and growing trend in adolescents and believe that those struggling with self-injury can heal. We use a variety of techniques and skills including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy to help children and teens learn how to cope with the stress that is a part of their lives. We believe that it is essential to incorporate parent education into the treatment plan in order to encourage parents to help their child overcome self-injury.
Jessica Burrows, NextGen Counseling Clinic Director, enjoys speaking on this topic and is available to speak at church or school functions to help the community become more aware about the topic of self-injury. If you or your child is currently struggling with self-injury, please give us a call.
Low Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is an elusive concept that very few people are taught how to grasp. At an early age, we often learn from our environment that we should think "better" of ourselves. However, the true joy of feeling great about one's self rarely comes naturally. We are taught that being conceited is bad, but rarely is there a true understanding about the difference between being conceited and being comfortable in our own skin. Having a healthy self-esteem has countless benefits. Low self-esteem may be what stands between an individual and the life they dream of. At NextGen, our therapists and counselors will work with you or your child on changing the way we think and feel about ourselves. Our therapists will help clients see themselves in the light of joy and true self-worth.
Divorce
At NextGen Counseling, our staff understands that divorce affects the entire family, and depending on their life stage and personality, each family member may deal differently with the divorce. For example, for an adolescent who is already at a more rebellious stage with parents, divorce can intensify their grievances. Rather than draw close and cling as a younger child would, the adolescent tends to pull away and distance themselves from the family. This distance can be the beginning of bigger issues if the adolescent has no outlet to express their emotions as they are dealing with the reality of divorce. While younger children may exhibit low self-esteem and blame issues due to divorce, adolescents often become angrier and less communicative because they feel betrayed by the broken parental commitment to family. If you or your loved one is dealing with divorce, please give us a call in order to begin the healing process.
Technology Troubles
Do you feel like technology has a greater hold on your teenager than you do? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. With the amount of technology available to our teens in the recent years, it seems as if we are fighting an uphill battle against a growing threat. However, at NextGen Counseling, our staff will help break the technology addiction and empower your adolescent to let go of their unhealthy connection with technology. If your loved ones are dealing with technology troubles, call us today for support.
Bullying
Over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year. Approximately 160,000 teens skip school every day because of bullying. 56 percent of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school. 71 percent of students have reported incidents of bullying as a problem at their school.
At NextGen, it is our goal to stop these alarming statistics in their tracks. Our staff recognizes the devastation of this growing epidemic, so we take active steps to help teenagers deal with the side effects of bullying. If you think you or your loved one is a victim of bullying, please call and talk to one of our experienced counselors.
Anxiety & Panic
Feeling like you are trapped or having a heart attack, whether in public or in private, is an experience no one wants to go through, let alone repeat on a regular basis. At NextGen Counseling, our therapists have extensive training in anxiety and panic disorders. We use a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (examining thoughts and feelings), dialectical behavioral therapy (practicing mindfulness and being in the present), lifestyle and management coping skills and relaxation techniques to help you quickly manage your anxiety and worries.
Trauma
NextGen therapists are experienced in helping teenagers and adults deal with trauma from a physical, mental and an emotional standpoint. We will teach you or your loved one how to manage flashbacks through empowerment in order to redefine yourselves. Our therapists will begin by providing hope, strength and a specialized treatment approach that can include homework assignments, journaling and even incorporate art therapy. It is possible to convert the overwhelming darkness into simply a historical event from your past.
Grief
The loss of a loved one, life dream or relationship can be devastating. Our well-trained counselors consider it a privilege to sit along side individuals and families to help restore hope and move forward in the process of life. We also have extensive training in traumatic grief and the complications that sudden death holds.
Sexual or Physical Abuse
Sexual abuse can affect your life in so many ways, and our therapists understand how much it hurts to carry around the feelings of anger, sadness and despair that can come after experiencing physical or sexual abuse. The NextGen counselors use a variety of techniques, including art therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, to help you or your child find the peace you both deserve. Our therapists will help you process the pain, learn how to utilize positive support and heal your relationships.
Court Ordered or Mental Health Evaluations
If you or your teen has been court ordered for individual counseling and prefer a tailored plan instead of a set group schedule, our therapists have experience working with probation officers and courts. Our counselors provide counseling and education with documentation of the number of hours completed, participation level and educational materials utilized. We are also available for threat assessments if recommended by school counselors. Once you receive court approval, contact our therapists. We are happy to provide these services as well as mental health evaluations. We do not provide custody evaluations and encourage you to use a court appointed forensic psychologist or evaluator.
Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating can be destructive not only to the body but can also consume the mind and soul. Our therapists have experience empowering individuals in separating the self from the disorder, changing distorted thinking, addressing body image issues and coordinating care with a team of medical staff and nutritionists.
Depression, low self-esteem, self-injury, anxiety and grief are just a few of the many common issues that teens and adults deal with at an alarming rate.
If you or your loved ones have any questions about the counseling process, please feel free to call one of our therapists at 940-228-2171.
Jessica Burrows MA, L.P.C., CFLE Director of NextGen Counseling in Flower Mound, Texas. NextGen Counseling provides child therapy, teen therapy, adolescent counseling and young adult therapy