Therapy for Teens
The teenage years tend to be filled with new experiences that often feel challenging and overwhelming. It is ok to be concerned about your teen and consider getting them help. With therapeutic guidance and tools, teens can learn to process, heal and grow within a safe space.
All About Therapy for Teens
The teen years bring about difficult challenges as teens are becoming more independent from their parents, learning to process life in a deeper way, and having to make decisions about their future. Therapy can help teens sort through life's challenges, relationships, and negative moods. Teens often respond positively to therapy, despite some being initially resistant to attending.
Too often, parents minimize their teen's problems, but that is a mistake. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds. The rate of suicide attempts is much higher, with an estimated 25 attempts for every one completed teen suicide. Parents should seek help if they are concerned about their teen's mental/emotional health.
I genuinely love working with teenagers! These years are such a pivotal time in their lives and they are learning to develop good insight before many of them will be going off on their own. If I can be another positive adult in their lives, I would be honored to walk alongside them!
Can All Teens Benefit From Therapy?
The teenage years tend to be filled with new experiences that often feel challenging and overwhelming. Sometimes teens will have the self-awareness and courage to tell their parents that they aren’t doing well. Sometimes their parents might feel something is going on with them. Just like anyone, teenagers can experience anxiety, depression, self-harm, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, circular thoughts, overthinking, focusing, and unhealthy sleep or eating habits.
Most teens are dealing with everyday tensions, such as conflict within families, pressure with grades or sports, or the stress of being online all the time and being connected to their peers constantly. Others are dealing with changes, like transferring schools, divorce, or moving because of their parent’s jobs. Many are dealing with the aftermath of sexual trauma, often unaware of the impact that this can have in other areas of their lives.
It is natural for teens to have a different perception than adults do. While it is common for parents to minimize teen struggles, it is common for teens to experience feelings not only important but permanent. When left unresolved, these struggles can lead them to harmful thoughts and behaviors. Therapy is a non-judgmental space for teenagers to sort out their feelings and experiences. This is their time, and they can lead the conversation where they need it to go. Teens benefit from professional support to feel understood and sort through challenges they are facing.
What Can We Expect From Therapy for Teens?
Oftentimes, teens reject the idea of attending therapy because they think their therapist will be another adult in their lives telling them what to do and how to act. Here at Found Hope Counseling, I am passionate about being another adult in their corner who can provide professional guidance and evidence-based tools to help them heal and grow towards a joyful version of themselves.
The teen years bring new experiences that can lead to emotions that are hard to process. Teenagers can feel unfriendly, unlovable, unwhole, different, and damaged. Therapy can be a safe space for them to explore how they are feeling, understand how those ideas came to them and how to break free from them.
I am licensed and trained in a variety of evidence-based methods so that I can tailor the therapy experience depending on the requirements of each client. I am focused on treatments that have demonstrated effectiveness, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I can also bring a Trauma-Informed lens and offer Christian-Integrated therapy.
Is Therapy The Right Fit For Your Teen?
You don’t want to force your teen to attend
It’s common for parents to be cautious when considering whether they should bring their kids or teens to therapy. Teens come to therapy when they express their desire to talk to someone, or because their parents see a reason for concern.
Mental health should always be a priority and a core part of an individual. So, if one of the parties is considering asking for help, then it’s important to take action.
You don’t want to be an overly concerned parent
Parenting teens can feel like a balancing act between giving enough support and enough space. This often leads to underplaying their feelings and minimizing their problems. After all, how can you distinguish between “regular” teen drama and a potentially serious problem?
It is ok to be a concerned parent. You want your teen to know you are on their side. You can and should get them help when you think they might be struggling.
You are unsure if therapy is the best route
Therapy for teens is not designed as a space for them to receive orders or reprimands. This is their time to talk, express their views and feelings, and sort through them without judgment.
With professional guidance and tools, teens can learn to process, heal and grow within a safe space. If I can be another adult in their corner, I am happy to take on that responsibility.
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Make the decision to get help.
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Schedule your teen’s first appointment.
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Start their therapy journey.
Support their Journey
with Therapy for Teens
Everything You Want To Know
- FAQs about Therapy for Teens -
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Absolutely! Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a great method for kids and teens dealing with anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS) is also a fantastic evidence-based treatment that helps kids and teens address recent trauma so they can come up with adaptive coping skills.
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We are licensed and trained in a variety of methods that have demonstrated effectiveness, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In addition, we commonly use other techniques from Strength-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) depending on the patient needs.
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Our approach focuses on primarily using ""evidence-based"" methods, which have been scientific research behind their effectiveness.
That said, we cannot guarantee your results. We can, however, promise to provide therapy in an ethical and caring way to help you have a positive experience.
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Yes. All of our services are fully HIPAA compliant in order to provide you the safe and confidential space you deserve.
However, there are exceptions to confidentiality that fall under ""mandated reporting"", and are obligated by law to report. Please reach out if you have questions about this.
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We accept cash, check, or credit card for payments.