Unlocking Healing: Top Issues Therapy Can Address for a Healthier You

Depression

Depression is a pervasive mental health challenge that affects teens and adults, casting a shadow over daily life, relationships, and personal aspirations. For individuals aged 13 and older, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or disinterest can disrupt school, work, and social connections, making it difficult to find joy or purpose. Fortunately, counseling offers powerful tools to address depression, helping individuals regain control and build a path toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the effects of depression on teens and adults aged 13 and up, and highlight how therapy can unlock healing, fostering emotional resilience and well-being. We’ll also discuss the unique benefits of Christian pastoral counseling for those seeking a faith-based approach.

Understanding Depression in Adults and Teens

Depression is more than just feeling sad—it can be a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, and a range of physical and emotional symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2024), major depressive disorder affects about 21% of adults and 17% of adolescents aged 13–18 annually. Triggers can include academic pressures, social isolation, work stress, trauma, and more. Left untreated, depression can lead to significant challenges, including strained relationships, reduced productivity, and, at times, thoughts of self-harm. For individuals aged 13 and older, depression manifests differently depending on life stage. Teens may struggle with school performance or withdraw from friends, while adults might face workplace challenges or feel disconnected from loved ones. Therapy provides strategies to address these symptoms, offering hope and healing for those affected.

Effects of Depression on Adults

Adults with depression face challenges that can disrupt their personal and professional lives. Whether triggered by work stress, relationship issues, or life transitions, depression can feel overwhelming. Key effects include:

-Reduced Productivity and Burnout: Depression can lead to difficulty focusing, low energy, and absenteeism, contributing to workplace burnout. A 2025 American Psychological Association survey noted that 60% of adults with depression reported decreased job performance.

-Strained Relationships: Feelings of hopelessness or irritability can strain connections with partners, family, or friends, leading to misunderstandings or isolation.

-Physical Health Impacts: Depression is linked to chronic fatigue, weight changes, and increased risk of conditions like heart disease, compounding mental health challenges.

-Loss of Purpose: Adults may struggle with a lack of motivation or meaning, feeling detached from activities they once enjoyed or their long-term goals.

For adults, depression can create a cycle of despair, but counseling offers practical tools to break this cycle and foster recovery

Effects of Depression on Teens

Adolescence is a vulnerable time, and depression can profoundly impact teens’ emotional, social, and academic development. Common effects include:

-Academic Decline: Depression can sap motivation and impair concentration, leading to poor grades or disengagement from school. A 2023 study in *Journal of Adolescent Health* found that teens with depression are 35% more likely to struggle academically.

-Social Withdrawal: Teens may isolate themselves from friends or avoid social activities, feeling unworthy or disconnected, which can deepen feelings of loneliness.

-Physical Symptoms: Depression often causes fatigue, changes in appetite, or sleep disturbances, which can exacerbate emotional struggles and affect overall health.

-Irritability and Risky Behaviors: Unlike adults, teens with depression may show irritability rather than sadness, and some may engage in risky behaviors like substance use as a coping mechanism. Untreated depression in teens can increase the risk of anxiety, substance abuse, or persistent mental health issues into adulthood, making early intervention through counseling essential.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy is a proven, effective way to address depression, offering tailored approaches for teens and adults aged 13 and older. Through counseling, individuals can explore the root causes of their depression, develop coping strategies, and build a foundation for long-term emotional health. Below, we explore how **therapy** can unlock healing for those struggling with depression.

For Teens: Rebuilding Hope and Connection

Counseling for teens creates a safe space to process complex emotions and build resilience. Therapists use age-appropriate techniques to help teens navigate depression. Key benefits include:

-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps teens identify and challenge negative thought patterns, such as “I’m a failure,” and replace them with healthier perspectives, like “I can learn from my mistakes.” A 2024 study in The Lancet found CBT reduced depressive symptoms in teens by up to 45% after 12 weeks.

-Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving relationships and social skills, helping teens address conflicts with peers or family that contribute to depression.

-Family Involvement: Family counseling helps parents understand their teen’s depression and learn ways to provide support, such as fostering open communication or creating a stable home environment.

Therapy empowers teens to rediscover hope, rebuild connections, and develop skills to manage depression.

For Adults: Restoring Balance and Purpose

For adults, therapy offers a structured approach to managing depression, addressing both symptoms and underlying causes. Benefits include:

-CBT and Mindfulness-Based Therapy: These approaches help adults reframe negative thoughts and stay present, reducing rumination. A 2024 meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry showed that mindfulness-based CBT significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adults.

-Psychodynamic Therapy: This approach explores past experiences or unresolved trauma that may contribute to depression, helping adults gain insight and heal.

-Goal Setting and Motivation: Therapists work with adults to set achievable goals, rekindling a sense of purpose and accomplishment in personal or professional life.

-Lifestyle Changes: Counseling often includes guidance on improving sleep, exercise, and nutrition, which can alleviate depressive symptoms and enhance overall well-being. Through therapy, adults can break free from the weight of depression and rediscover meaning in their lives.

The Role of Christian Pastoral Counseling

For teens and adults seeking a faith-based approach, Christian pastoral counseling provides a unique blend of psychological support and spiritual guidance. This form of counseling integrates evidence-based techniques with Christian principles, helping clients find hope through their faith. Pastoral counselors may use scripture, such as Psalm 34:18 (“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”), or prayer to address feelings of despair, offering comfort and perspective. For teens, this approach can foster a sense of divine purpose, while adults may find strength in aligning their healing with their spiritual beliefs. Christian pastoral counseling also encourages participation in church communities, which can combat isolation and provide a supportive network, enhancing both emotional and spiritual health.

Practical Strategies from Therapy

Therapy equips teens and adults with practical tools to manage depression in daily life. These strategies can be applied at school, work, or home to create lasting change. Some common techniques include:

-Cognitive Restructuring: Therapists help clients challenge negative thoughts, such as “I’m worthless,” and replace them with affirming beliefs, like “I have value and strengths.”

-Behavioral Activation: This technique encourages engagement in meaningful activities, like hobbies or socializing, to counteract withdrawal and boost mood.

-Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like meditation, prayer, or deep breathing can reduce stress and help individuals stay grounded during depressive episodes.

-Journaling: Writing about emotions and experiences helps teens and adults process feelings and identify patterns in their depression.

-Healthy Routines: Therapists promote habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and consistent sleep to improve mood and energy levels. These strategies, tailored to individual needs, empower teens and adults to take control of their depression and build a healthier mindset.

The Long-Term Benefits of Therapy

Therapy for depression offers benefits that extend beyond symptom relief for those aged 13 and older. For teens, counseling can improve academic performance, strengthen social connections, and reduce the risk of depression persisting into adulthood. For adults, therapy can enhance work-life balance, rebuild relationships, and restore a sense of purpose. By addressing the root causes of depression, therapy helps individuals develop resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate future challenges with confidence. Moreover, counseling fosters empowerment. Teens and adults learn to recognize triggers, manage emotions proactively, and make intentional choices about their mental health. These skills are invaluable in a world filled with pressures, ensuring long-term emotional well-being.

Conclusion

Depression can be a heavy burden for teens and adults, impacting school, work, relationships, and overall well-being. From academic struggles and social isolation to workplace burnout and loss of purpose, its effects are far-reaching. However, counseling offers hope, providing evidence-based tools and emotional support to unlock healing. Whether through CBT, mindfulness, or the spiritual guidance of Christian pastoral counseling, individuals aged 13 and older can learn to manage depression, build resilience, and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life. Take the first step today.

Taking the First Step

If you, or a teen in your life are struggling with depression, seeking therapy is a proactive step toward healing. Whether through CBT, family therapy, or Christian Pastoral Counseling, the right professional can make a transformative difference. Taking the first step may feel challenging, but the path to healing is within reach. Take the first step today!

If you would like to schedule today, please call 253-590-8952 or email josh@nwpastoralcounseling.com.

Hi, I’m Joshua Lennox, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington state who serves the Tacoma, Spanaway, Lakewood, Puyallup and greater Puget Sound area. I work with individuals (13+), couples, and families of all beliefs and backgrounds in the tradition of Christian Pastoral Care. I am a provider with First Choice Health Network, Premera, Regence, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.

Thanks!

Unlocking Healing: Top Issues Therapy Can Address for a Healthier You-Anxiety

Unlocking Healing: Top Issues Therapy Can Address for a Healthier You

Anxiety

Anxiety is a growing challenge for teens and adults, especially in a world filled with academic pressures, social media, and constant connectivity. For individuals aged 13 and older, feelings of worry, fear, or overwhelm can disrupt school, work, relationships, and overall well-being. Fortunately, counseling offers effective tools to manage anxiety, helping teens and adults regain control and live healthier, more balanced lives. In this blog post, we’ll explore the effects of anxiety on individuals aged 13 and up and highlight how therapy can unlock healing, fostering emotional resilience and mental health. We’ll also discuss the unique benefits of Christian Pastoral counseling for those seeking a faith-based approach.

Understanding Anxiety in Teens and Adults

Anxiety is more than just occasional stress—it’s a mental health condition marked by persistent, excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2024), anxiety disorders affect approximately 31% of adults and 32% of adolescents aged 13–18. For teens, anxiety might stem from school pressures, social dynamics, or online comparisons, while adults often face triggers like work stress, financial concerns, or relationship challenges. Left unaddressed, anxiety can lead to emotional distress, physical symptoms, and reduced quality of life. For individuals 13 and older, anxiety can manifest in unique ways depending on their stage of life. Teens might struggle with test anxiety or fear of social rejection, while adults may grapple with workplace stress or generalized anxiety. Therapy provides tailored solutions to address these challenges, empowering individuals to manage symptoms and build resilience.

Effects of Anxiety on Teens

Adolescence is a critical developmental period, and anxiety can significantly impact teens’ emotional, social, and academic lives. Common effects include:

-Academic Struggles: Anxiety can impair focus and memory, making it harder to study or perform well on exams. A 2023 study in Journal of Adolescent Health found that teens with anxiety are 40% more likely to struggle academically due to concentration issues.

-Social Isolation: Fear of judgment or rejection can lead teens to avoid peers or extracurricular activities, limiting their social growth and increasing feelings of loneliness.

-Physical Symptoms: Teens may experience headaches, stomach issues, or fatigue linked to anxiety, often mistaken for physical illnesses, which can disrupt school attendance and daily routines.

-Emotional Volatility: Anxiety can cause mood swings, irritability, or panic attacks, making it challenging for teens to regulate emotions or cope with stress. Unaddressed anxiety in teens can increase the risk of depression or substance use later in life, making early intervention through counseling critical.

Effects of Anxiety on Adults

Adults face a range of anxiety triggers, from career demands to personal responsibilities, which can take a toll on mental and physical health. Key effects include:

-Workplace Stress and Burnout: Chronic worry can reduce productivity and lead to burnout. A 2025 American Psychological Association survey reported that 65% of adults cite anxiety as a primary contributor to workplace stress.

-Strained Relationships: Anxiety can cause irritability, withdrawal, or overreactions, damaging connections with partners, friends, or family. For example, excessive worry about relationship dynamics can lead to conflict.

-Physical Health Impacts: Anxiety is linked to insomnia, high blood pressure, and muscle tension, which can exacerbate mental health challenges over time.

-Avoidance Behaviors: Adults may avoid anxiety-provoking situations, such as public speaking or social events, limiting professional opportunities and personal growth. For adults, anxiety can feel like a constant barrier to thriving, but therapy offers practical tools to break this cycle and foster well-being.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy is a proven way to address anxiety, offering personalized strategies for teens and adults aged 13 and older. Through counseling, individuals can explore the root causes of their anxiety, learn coping mechanisms, and develop skills for long-term emotional health. Below, we explore how therapy can unlock healing for this age group.

For Teens: Navigating Adolescence with Confidence

Counseling for teens creates a safe, nonjudgmental space to process fears and build resilience. Therapists use approaches tailored to adolescents’ developmental needs. Key benefits include:

-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is highly effective for teen anxiety, helping them identify and challenge negative thought patterns. For example, a teen worried about failing a class can learn to reframe thoughts like “I’m not good enough” into “I’m doing my best, and I can improve.”

-Skill-Building: Therapists teach teens practical tools, like mindfulness or breathing exercises, to manage anxiety in real-time, such as during a test or social event.

-Parental Collaboration: Family counseling can involve parents to help them understand their teen’s anxiety and create a supportive home environment with clear communication and boundaries. Therapy empowers teens to navigate the pressures of adolescence with greater confidence and emotional stability.

For Adults: Reclaiming Balance and Control

For adults, therapy provides a structured approach to managing anxiety, addressing both its symptoms and underlying causes. Whether through individual counseling or couples therapy, therapists help adults regain control. Benefits include:

-CBT and Mindfulness-Based Therapy: These approaches help adults reframe anxious thoughts and stay present. A 2024 study in The Lancet found that CBT reduced anxiety symptoms by up to 50% in adults after 12 weeks.

-Stress Management Techniques: Therapists teach tools like progressive muscle relaxation, breathing techniques, or journaling to reduce stress and prevent anxiety from escalating.

-Exploring Root Causes: Anxiety may stem from past trauma, low self-esteem, or unresolved stress. Counseling provides a safe space to uncover and address these triggers.

-Lifestyle Adjustments: Therapists guide adults in making changes, such as improving work-life balance, prioritizing sleep, or setting boundaries, to reduce anxiety triggers. Through counseling, adults can develop a sense of empowerment, reduce symptoms, and build a healthier, more balanced life.

The Role of Christian Pastoral Counseling

For teens and adults seeking a faith-based approach, Christian Pastoral Counseling offers a unique blend of psychological support and spiritual guidance. This form of counseling integrates psychological techniques with Christian values, helping clients find peace through their faith. Pastoral counselors may use scripture, such as Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you”, or prayer to address anxiety, providing hope and perspective.

For teens, this approach can foster a sense of purpose and connection to a higher power, while adults may find comfort in aligning their healing journey with their spiritual beliefs. Christian Pastoral Counseling also encourages involvement in church communities, which can reduce isolation and provide a supportive network, enhancing emotional and spiritual well-being.

Practical Strategies from Therapy

Therapy equips teens and adults with practical tools to manage anxiety in daily life. These strategies can be applied at school, work, or home to create lasting change. Some common techniques include:

-Mindfulness and Relaxation: Deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety symptoms during stressful moments.

-Cognitive Restructuring: Therapists help clients challenge irrational thoughts, such as “Everyone is judging me,” and replace them with balanced perspectives, like “Most people are focused on themselves.”

-Exposure Therapy: For specific fears, like social anxiety, therapists use gradual exposure to help clients face triggers in a controlled way, building confidence over time.

-Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings helps teens and adults process anxiety and identify patterns or triggers.

-Healthy Routines: Therapists encourage habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and consistent sleep to reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. These strategies, tailored to the individual’s needs, empower teens and adults to take control of their anxiety and thrive.

The Long-Term Benefits of Therapy

Therapy for anxiety offers benefits that extend beyond immediate relief, particularly for those aged 13 and older. For teens, counseling can improve academic performance, boost social confidence, and reduce the risk of anxiety persisting into adulthood. For adults, therapy can enhance work-life balance, strengthen relationships, and foster a renewed sense of purpose. By addressing the root causes of anxiety, counseling helps individuals develop resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate future stressors with confidence. Moreover, therapy promotes empowerment. Teens and adults learn to recognize triggers, manage stress proactively, and make intentional choices about their mental health. These skills are essential in a fast-paced, high-pressure world, ensuring long-term emotional well-being.

Conclusion

Anxiety can be a significant obstacle for teens and adults, impacting school, work, relationships, and overall well-being. From academic struggles and social isolation to workplace stress and physical symptoms, its effects are far-reaching. However, therapy offers hope, providing evidence-based tools and emotional support to unlock healing. Whether through CBT, mindfulness, or the spiritual guidance of Christian pastoral counseling, individuals aged 13 and older can learn to manage anxiety, build resilience, and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Taking the First Step

If you, or a teen in your life are struggling with anxiety, seeking therapy is a proactive step toward healing. Whether through CBT, family therapy, or Christian Pastoral Counseling, the right professional can make a transformative difference. Taking the first step may feel challenging, but the path to healing is within reach. Take the first step today!

If you would like to schedule today, please call 253-590-8952 or email josh@nwpastoralcounseling.com.

Hi, I’m Joshua Lennox, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington state who serves the Tacoma, Spanaway, Lakewood, Puyallup and greater Puget Sound area. I work with individuals (13+), couples, and families of all beliefs and backgrounds in the tradition of Christian Pastoral Care. I am a provider with First Choice Health Network, Premera, Regence, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.

Thanks!

Unlocking Healing: Top Issues Therapy Can Address For A Healthier You- Screen Use Problems

Screen Use Problems and disorders

In today’s digital age, screens dominate our lives. From smartphones to laptops, gaming consoles to streaming platforms, both children and adults are spending unprecedented amounts of time engaged with digital devices.  While technology offers incredible benefits, problematic screen use has emerged as a significant concern, impacting mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Fortunately, counseling provides powerful tools to address these challenges, offering pathways to healing and a healthier, more balanced life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the effects of problematic screen use in children and adults and highlight how therapy can help unlock healing for those struggling with its consequences. The rise of problematic screen use, often referred to as screen addiction or excessive screen time, is characterized by compulsive or uncontrolled use of digital devices that interferes with daily life. For children this might manifest as hours spent gaming or scrolling through social media, leading to diminished focus on schoolwork, disrupted sleep patterns, explosive outbursts or strained family relationships. Adults, too, face challenges, with excessive screen time contributing to stress, anxiety, and reduced productivity at work or home. Research indicates that excessive screen use is linked to a range of mental health issues. According to a 2023 study published in “Frontiers in Psychiatry”, prolonged screen exposure can increase symptoms of anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties in both children and adults. The constant stimulation from screens, coupled with the dopamine-driven feedback loops of social media and gaming, can create patterns of overuse that are hard to break. For parents, educators, and individuals, recognizing the signs of problematic screen use is the first step toward seeking help through counseling.

Effects on Children

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of excessive screen time. Their developing brains are more susceptible to overstimulation, which can disrupt cognitive and emotional growth. Some key impacts include:

Impaired Social Skills: Excessive screen use can limit face-to-face interactions, hindering the development of empathy, communication, and conflict-resolution skills. Children may struggle to form meaningful relationships or navigate social situations effectively.

Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted by screens suppresses melatonin production, leading to difficulties falling asleep or maintaining healthy sleep cycles. Poor sleep can exacerbate behavioral issues, mood swings, and academic challenges.

Attention and Academic Struggles: Studies, such as one from the *Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry* (2024), show a correlation between high screen time and reduced attention spans. Children may exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD, such as impulsivity or difficulty focusing on tasks.

Emotional Regulation Issues: Excessive exposure to violent or emotionally charged content, such as in certain video games or social media platforms, can lead to heightened anxiety, aggression, or emotional instability.

For parents, these effects can feel overwhelming. However, therapy offers practical solutions to address these challenges, helping children develop healthier habits and cope with the emotional fallout of problematic screen use.

Effects on Adults

Adults are not immune to the negative consequences of excessive screen time. With remote work, social media, and streaming services becoming integral parts of daily life, many adults find themselves tethered to screens for hours on end. The effects can be profound:

Increased Stress and Anxiety: Constant notifications, work emails, and social media comparisons can create a state of chronic stress. A 2025 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 68% of adults reported feeling overwhelmed by their screen use, contributing to anxiety and burnout.

Strained Relationships: Excessive screen time can reduce quality time spent with partners, friends, or family. For example, “phubbing” (ignoring someone in favor of a phone) has been shown to erode relationship satisfaction.

Reduced Productivity: Multitasking between screens and work tasks often leads to decreased efficiency and focus. Adults may struggle to meet deadlines or feel perpetually behind, adding to feelings of inadequacy or stress.

Physical Health Impacts: Prolonged screen use is associated with physical issues like eye strain, poor posture, and disrupted sleep, all of which can exacerbate mental health challenges. For adults, recognizing problematic screen use can be difficult, especially when screens are tied to work or social obligations.

Counseling provides a structured approach to breaking these patterns and fostering a healthier relationship with technology.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy is a powerful tool for addressing the mental, emotional, and behavioral effects of problematic screen use. Whether through individual counseling, family therapy, or group sessions, trained therapists can help both children and adults develop strategies to regain control and improve their well-being.

Below, we explore some of the key ways therapy can unlock healing for those struggling with excessive screen time.

For Children: Building Healthy Habits

Counseling for children often focuses on behavioral interventions and emotional regulation. Therapists use evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help children understand the triggers behind their screen use and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Key benefits include:

-Improved Emotional Regulation: Through therapy, children learn to identify and manage their emotions without turning to screens for distraction or comfort. Techniques like mindfulness and journaling can replace excessive screen time.

-Strengthened Social Skills: Therapists can facilitate role-playing or group activities to help children practice interpersonal skills, rebuilding confidence in face-to-face interactions.

-Parental Guidance: Family counseling is often a critical component, as parents play a key role in setting boundaries around screen use. Therapists work with families to create screen-time schedules, promote alternative activities, and foster open communication.

-Addressing Underlying Issues: Problematic screen use is often a symptom of deeper issues, such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.

Therapy helps uncover these root causes and provides tools to address them directly. For example, a child struggling with social anxiety might turn to gaming as an escape. A therapist can help them build confidence in social settings, reducing their reliance on screens for comfort.

For Adults:

Reclaiming Balance For adults, therapy offers a safe space to explore the emotional and psychological drivers of excessive screen use. Whether it’s stress from work, feelings of isolation, or the pressure to stay “connected,” therapists can help adults regain balance.

Benefits include:

-Stress Management: Counseling equips adults with tools like mindfulness, meditation, or stress-reduction techniques to manage overwhelm without resorting to screens.

-Boundary Setting: Therapists can guide adults in setting healthy boundaries, such as designating screen-free hours or creating tech-free zones at home.

-Improved Relationships: Couples or family therapy can address the relational strain caused by excessive screen use, helping partners reconnect and communicate more effectively.

-Addressing Addiction-Like Behavior: For some adults, screen use can resemble addiction, driven by the need for instant gratification. Therapists trained in addiction counseling can help break these cycles through CBT or motivational interviewing. By working with a therapist, adults can develop a personalized plan to reduce screen time, prioritize self-care, and improve their mental and physical health.

The Role of Christian Pastoral Counseling

For individuals seeking a faith-based approach, Christian pastoral counseling offers unique benefits in addressing problematic screen use. This form of counseling integrates psychological principles with spiritual guidance, providing a holistic approach to healing. By incorporating Christian values, pastoral counselors help clients find meaning and purpose beyond the digital world. For example, they may use scripture or prayer to address feelings of emptiness or anxiety that drive excessive screen use. This approach can be particularly powerful for those who find strength in their faith, as it aligns therapeutic goals with spiritual beliefs, fostering a sense of hope and connection. Christian pastoral counseling can also provide community-based support, encouraging clients to engage in church activities or fellowship as alternatives to screen time, promoting both emotional and spiritual well-being.  

Practical Strategies from Therapy

In addition to addressing the emotional and psychological effects of problematic screen use, therapy provides practical strategies for creating lasting change. Some common techniques include:

- Screen-Time Monitoring: Therapists may encourage clients to track their screen use to gain awareness of patterns and triggers. Apps or journals can help with this process.

- Alternative Activities: Counseling sessions often focus on identifying hobbies or activities that can replace screen time, such as sports, reading, or creative pursuits.

- Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help both children and adults manage cravings for screen use and stay present in the moment.

- Family Contracts: For families, therapists may facilitate the creation of a “screen-time contract” that outlines rules and expectations for device use, fostering accountability and consistency.

- Digital Detox Plans: Therapists can guide clients through structured digital detoxes, gradually reducing screen time while introducing healthier routines. These strategies, tailored to the individual’s needs, empower clients to take control of their screen use and prioritize their mental health.  

The Long-Term Benefits of Therapy

Engaging in therapy to address problematic screen use offers long-term benefits that extend beyond reducing screen time. For children, counseling can improve academic performance, enhance social skills, and build resilience against future challenges. For adults, therapy can lead to better work-life balance, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose. By addressing the root causes of excessive screen use, therapy helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve emotional regulation, and foster a more fulfilling life. Moreover, counseling promotes self-awareness and empowerment. Clients learn to recognize their triggers, set boundaries, and make intentional choices about their technology use. These skills are invaluable in a world where screens are ever-present, ensuring that individuals can navigate the digital landscape without sacrificing their mental or emotional health.

Taking the First Step

If you or your child are struggling with problematic screen use, seeking therapy is a proactive step toward healing. A licensed therapist or counselor can provide personalized support, helping you address the specific challenges you face. Whether through individual counseling, family therapy, or Christian pastoral counseling, the right approach can make all the difference.

Conclusion

Problematic screen use is a growing challenge in our digital world, affecting both children and adults in profound ways. From impaired social skills and sleep disturbances to increased stress and strained relationships, the consequences can be far-reaching. However, therapy offer hope and healing, providing practical tools and emotional support to address these issues. By working with a therapist, individuals can break free from the cycle of excessive screen use, develop healthier habits, and unlock a path to a healthier, more balanced life. Whether through evidence-based techniques like CBT or the spiritual guidance of Christian pastoral counseling, the journey to healing begins with a single step. Take that step today and discover the transformative power of therapy for you and your loved ones.

If you would like to schedule today, please call 253-590-8952 or email josh@nwpastoralcounseling.com.

Hi, I’m Joshua Lennox, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington state who serves the Tacoma, Spanaway, Lakewood, Puyallup and greater Puget Sound area. I work with individuals (13+), couples, and families of all beliefs and backgrounds in the tradition of Christian Pastoral Care. I am a provider with First Choice Health Network, Premera, Regence, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.

Thanks!