Teen Life Coaching

According to an American study researched by the authors of The Confidence Code for Girls, tween and teen girl’s self-confidence begins to plummet after age 12. The research study reviewed the responses of 1300 girls between 8 years old to 18 years old. It was found that girls up to age 12 were more confident and less motivated by being liked and peer pressure.

However, after age 12, it was found that girls tended to be more self-conscious and declined doing things outside their comfort zone or participating in events that used to be fun for them.

Gen Z Teens and Tweens

It can grow increasingly frustrating trying to motivate teenagers to put in effort academically, and in other areas of their life. For those falling in the category of Gen Z, the types of current pressures are different than Millennials or other age groups. With the pressure created by schoolwork, grades, physical image, social media, and peer relationships, girls can get stuck in the cycle of undervaluing their self-worth. Puberty also has an active role in tween and teen girls. Girls can lose motivation suddenly and it may be challenging to get them back on track.

Often, the result is parents constantly nagging their daughters over homework, missing assignments, poor attention, technology overuse, and being upset by their children’s lack of interest in participating with the family. Frustrated parents and caregivers want their children to do well and be successful. They want their children to create, implement and maintain healthy habits.

Many times, we hear teenagers complain about their parents nagging them or hovering. Often parents do not have the tools to empower their children to do things on their own and the frustration on both sides increases. This can lead to fighting, stress, and tension in a family household. Typically, this is when parents seek outside help such as a therapist or life coach specializing in teenagers.

Benefits of Teen Life Coaching:

As a teen life coach, I support girls and young women ages 14-22 as they develop in the areas of academics, outside interests, peer relationships and even employment. Most of my clients are bright, talented, and generally good students in middle school, high school, college, or university students. They often are in need of a little extra support in the following areas:

Life, college, or career direction that fits
Improving motivation, performance, and engagement in school or work
Stress management
Time management and organization
Prioritizing self-care and school/life balance
Become self-motivated
Developing confidence and effectiveness
Improving self-control and decision making
Demonstrate conflict management and negotiation skills
Improving social and communication skills
Developing critical thinking skills
Teach leadership skills
Balancing schoolwork with athletics or extracurricular activities
Improving relationships

In our coaching sessions, we will look at the student’s view of themselves, identify their strengths, interests, values, and desire to grow. I will facilitate social and emotional learning and related competency building. The client will become more aware of her role plays into positive/negative social interactions, relationships, and overall well-being.

My work is directive and goal oriented. During coaching sessions, my clients will have the power to discuss life direction and collaborate in the planning process. Clients will be provided action steps around measurable long-term goals. Clients will be held accountable and find themselves inspired through motivational interviewing.

Teen Coaching vs. Therapy

Teen life coaching is not a counselor or therapist. Therapy often deals with a person’s history and the “why’s” of that history while coaching deals with the present and future. The focus of the coaching session is on what the client wants to do currently. Clients identified with suffering from depression, anxiety, or problems that interfere with life situations can be transitioned into counseling.

Typically, life coaches do not offer psychotherapy interventions in “coaching mode”. Because I am licensed as a psychotherapist, there is the possibility to transition to therapy work if deemed necessary if we live in the same state. If not, mental health referrals can be provided.