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Teen/Adolescent

Teenagers and adolescents may face a variety of challenges and high expectations such as forming peer relationships, academic achievement, and adapting to their physical and emotional development. It is crucial to keep in mind that teens are in a period of developing their individual identity by forming peer relationships and desire to make decisions for themselves. These fast-paced changes along with external pressures may be overwhelming and cause feelings of depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and more for teens.

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An important part of healthy development during this life stage is having someone to talk to. Teens contain a vast amount of degrees of emotions and questions that can be processed in a healthy way in therapy. Here they can learn specific coping skills, learn to communicate, and have a space to question their identity.

Common questions/concerns by parents

  • Is this normal teenage/adolescent behavior?

  • My child doesn't tell me anything at all

  • They don't seem motivated to do anything​

  • They play video games all day

  • Am I the problem as a parent?

  • They have a hard time regulating their emotions

Benefits of therapy for Teens/Adolescents

  • A safe space to explore: A supportive environment where your teen can ask questions openly without fear of judgment.

  • Understanding mental health: Guidance around what mental health means, including how diagnoses may or may not play a role.

  • Bridging communication: Helping strengthen understanding and connection between parents and teens.

  • Emotional processing: Learning how to identify, process, and express feelings in healthy ways.

  • Consistent support: Regular, structured sessions over time—not a quick fix, but steady progress.

What Adolescent/Teen Therapy Is

  • A safe space to explore: A supportive environment where your teen can ask questions openly without fear of judgment.

  • Understanding mental health: Guidance around what mental health means, including how diagnoses may or may not play a role.

  • Bridging communication: Helping strengthen understanding and connection between parents and teens.

  • Emotional processing: Learning how to identify, process, and express feelings in healthy ways.

  • Consistent support: Regular, structured sessions over time—not a quick fix, but steady progress.

What Adolescent/Teen Therapy Is Not

  • A behavior “fix-it shop”: Therapy isn’t about correcting or controlling your child, but about supporting their growth.

  • Full transparency to parents: What’s shared in therapy stays private (unless safety is a concern), so teens can build trust and feel secure.

  • A short-term solution: Deep change doesn’t happen in just a handful of sessions—therapy is a process that unfolds with time.

Here's How it Works

1

Parent Intake Session

We start by meeting with parents only to discuss your teen’s needs, therapeutic goals, and important background information. This helps set the stage for meaningful progress.

2

First Teen Session

The first session with your teen focuses on getting to know them—talking about hobbies, friends, and interests. Afterward, you’ll receive a quick update so you know how things went.

3

Progress Check-In

After about four weekly sessions, I provide parents with a thorough update on progress toward goals, expectations moving forward, and recommended next steps.

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