Therapy for Teens

Is Your Teen Struggling and You Don't Know How to Help?

Are you lying awake at night, worried about your child? Have they stopped talking to you, shutting down every time you try to connect? Do you feel like you're walking on eggshells in your own home, afraid one wrong word will trigger an explosion?

You're seeing the signs. Maybe it's the constant mood swings—laughing one minute, in tears the next. Perhaps they're staying up until midnight perfecting assignments, terrified of anything less than an A. They might be backing out of social plans at the last minute, paralyzed by anxiety about being around people, or caught in friend drama they don't know how to navigate.

The family conflicts have intensified. Every conversation turns into a battle, and the closeness you once shared feels like a distant memory. Or maybe your teen is facing senior year with overwhelming pressure—college applications, decisions about their future, fear about what comes after graduation.

You've watched them withdraw from activities they loved, spend hours alone in their room, or hold it together at school only to fall apart at home. The weight they're carrying feels impossible, and your greatest fear is that they're suffering more than you realize and you don't know how to reach them.

You just want your teen to feel okay again—to have inner peace, confidence in themselves, and hope for their future.

Here's the good news: with the right support, your teen can learn to manage anxiety, build confidence, navigate conflicts, and rediscover their resilience.

Therapy gives them the tools and safe space they need to heal—and you don't have to figure this out alone.

These Challenges Are More Common Than You Think

If you're worried that your teen is the only one going through this, let me reassure you: they're not.

What you're seeing—the anxiety, the mood swings, the social struggles, the perfectionism—is increasingly common among teenagers today. Studies show that nearly 1 in 3 teens experience anxiety disorders, and rates of depression among adolescents have risen significantly in recent years.

The pressure to excel academically, navigate complex social dynamics, manage a constant digital presence, and make life-altering decisions about their future—all while their brains are still developing—creates a perfect storm of stress.

Add to that the biological changes of adolescence: hormonal shifts that affect mood regulation, brain development that impacts impulse control and emotional responses, and the intense need for peer acceptance during a time when identity is still forming.

Your teen's struggles aren't a character flaw or a failure on your part as a parent. They're a natural response to very real pressures.

The withdrawal, the emotional outbursts, the friendship drama, the fear of failure—these are signs that your teen is overwhelmed and needs help developing skills to cope. Many teens mask their struggles at school or with friends, saving their most difficult emotions for home, which is actually a sign they feel safe with you, even if it doesn't feel that way.

The good news is that with the help of an experienced therapist, your child can overcome these challenges, build resilience, and develop the confidence they need to thrive—not just survive—these critical years.

How Specialized Therapy for Teens Can Transform Your Child's Life

At our practice, we understand the unique challenges your teen faces in today's world. The journey through adolescence—with its academic pressures, social anxieties, and emotional ups and downs—can be overwhelming, but your teen doesn't have to navigate this alone. Our specialized teen therapy offers hope and a clear path forward to a more confident, resilient future.

Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices specifically tailored to address the developmental needs of teenagers. Our therapists combine elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your teen's unique challenges.

When your teen starts therapy, they're entering a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space. Here's what you can expect when they start therapy:

🧠 Exploration and Understanding

The therapist will start by exploring your teen's personal experiences, relationships, and the specific challenges they're facing. This helps them understand their unique situation and tailor their approach to your teens needs.

💪 Skill-Building

Your teen will learn practical skills to manage anxiety, challenge negative self-talk, and build resilience. These skills are specifically designed to address common teen challenges, such as test anxiety, social fears, perfectionism, and peer conflict.

🚀 Improved Self-Esteem

Therapy will help your teen develop a healthier relationship with themselves. They will learn how to challenge their inner-critic and develop self-compassion, helping them recognize their worth beyond grades, social status, or others' opinions.

🛠️ Real-World Application

Our therapists emphasize real-world application of the tools and strategies they discuss. Your teen will learn how to navigate difficult situations, communicate their needs effectively, set healthy boundaries, and advocate for themselves in school, at home, and with friends.

Research shows that therapy for teens really works.

You might be wondering, "Does therapy actually help teens?" Yes, it does! Studies show that approximately 60% of youth recover following treatment, and CBT and IFS has been extensively researched and found to be effective for depression, anxiety disorders, and other struggles. Countless adolescents have found real, lasting change through specialized teen therapy.

Research has also shown that the benefits of therapy extend well beyond the last session. Additionally, clients described long-term improvements in their relationships and their ability to engage in school work, alongside reductions in emotional distress.

With a therapist's support, your teen can expect to:

• Develop stronger confidence and a more positive sense of self

• Learn effective coping strategies for managing anxiety, stress, and overwhelming emotions

• Improve their communication skills and relationships with family and friends

• Increase their self-esteem and self-compassion

• Find greater peace, authenticity, and hope in their daily life

Client reviews

Discover what our clients think about our therapy services

My therapist has been absolutely wonderful with me.

She is a wonderful, supportive therapist. She provides a safe and comfortable place for me to work on myself.

Kelsey knows how to help teens navigate the ups and downs of life, whether it's dealing with stress, anxiety, school, family conflict or future career plans. She's trained in CBT and IFS—techniques proven to help teens cope with things like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.

Kelsey’s personal and professional journey gives her a unique perspective, allowing her to connect with teens who feel like they’re carrying a heavy load due to their life experiences. Her warm, personable approach creates a safe place for your teen to open up and get the support they need.

Whether you’re teen is struggling to cope with school stress, mental health issues, or navigating relationships, Kelsey is here to listen, support, and help them work through it all. She knows that everyone's story is different, and she’s dedicated to helping your teen find the tools to feel ready to take on whatever life throws their way.

Meet Kelsey, our therapist for teens

What if they don't like their therapist?

It’s okay if they don’t feel a connection with their therapist right away. You can talk to them about they are feeling, and explore if it's an issue of personality differences or another internal barrier that makes it harder for them to open up. Therapy works best when your teen feels comfortable with their therapist, so if you feel that you need to find a better fit or a different type of counseling, reach out to the therapist or to Liz, the practice manager, and let us know. We will always support our clients in their therapeutic journey, wherever that may lead them.

What is therapy like?

Therapy is a safe, supportive space where your teen can talk about what's on their mind. The therapist will listen, ask questions, and work with them to better understand their feelings and challenges. Each session is different, but it’s all about helping them feel more in control of their thoughts and emotions, and developing new insights and strategies to help them move forward with confidence and clarity.

Do therapist's tell the parents everything?

Most of what your teen shares with their therapist stays confidential. Therapists only share information if they believe the client is in danger or if it's legally required. You can always ask the therapist who will be upfront about what will be keep private and what might need to be shared.

How long will they need therapy?

Therapy is different for everyone. Some people need just a few sessions to work through a specific issue, while others may benefit from longer-term support. You, your teen, and the therapist can discuss this and your therapist will work with you to figure out what works best for everyone.

Common Questions

Do parents get to join the session or meet with the therapist on their own?

Your teen's therapy sessions are their private space to open up and build trust with their therapist. However, parent involvement is an important part of supporting your teen's progress. Here's how it typically works:

• Initial consultation: Kelsey speaks with parents during the consultation call to discuss concerns, goals, and answer questions about the therapy process.

• Regular check-ins: If needed, Kelsey can schedule periodic parent only therapy sessions (separate from your teen's appointments) to share progress updates, provide guidance on supporting your teen at home, and address any concerns. Before speaking with parents, Kelsey will discuss with your teen what information can be shared, respecting their confidentiality while keeping you appropriately informed.

• Family sessions: When appropriate and beneficial, family therapy sessions can be scheduled so the parent can meet with their teen and therapist to work through communication challenges or relationship issues together.

The goal is to find the right balance: giving your teen the privacy they need to be honest and open, while keeping you informed and involved as a partner in their healing journey. Your teen will always know what's being shared with you—no surprises, just collaboration.

Fill out the contact form or text our office at (508) 784-6425.

We commit to responding to all inquiries within 24 hours.

Other questions? Reach out today