Recognizing when your teenager might benefit from therapy can be challenging, but there are often telltale signs. You might notice changes in their behaviour, such as difficulty sleeping or eating, withdrawing from friends and family, or struggling in school. Another sign could be that your teen seems to be having a harder time managing their emotions. They might be getting upset more easily, feeling sad more often, or worrying a lot, even when things seem okay. Physical symptoms like frequent stomachaches or headaches without a clear medical reason can also point to underlying emotional distress.
Talking to your teenager about therapy requires sensitivity and care. Choose a comfortable and private setting where you can speak openly and honestly. Let them know you’ve noticed they’ve been struggling and that you believe a therapist could provide support and guidance. Emphasize that therapy is a safe space to explore their feelings and develop coping skills. Avoid framing therapy as a punishment and instead approach it as a team effort to help them feel better.
It’s not uncommon for teenagers to resist the idea of therapy initially. If your teen refuses, try to understand their reasons. Are they afraid, embarrassed, or unsure what to expect? Address their concerns with patience and reassurance. You might suggest only going to an intake session with a therapist, so they can meet them and ask questions without feeling the pressure to continue. If they remain hesitant, don’t give up. Continue offering support and revisit the conversation at a later time.
At our practice, we find narrative therapy to be particularly effective for teens. This approach empowers them to separate their identity from their problems, deconstruct their experience, and build upon their strengths. By recognizing their own resilience, teens become empowered to make positive changes in their lives.
Even when your teenager is engaged in therapy, there are many things you can do at home to support their mental well-being. Create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their feelings without judgment. Establish healthy routines, including consistent sleep schedules, regular meals, and daily exercise. Limit screen time and encourage activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction. Most importantly, spend quality time together, engage in activities they enjoy, and maintain open communication.
The length of therapy varies depending on each teen’s unique needs, but it’s often an ongoing process focused on growth and support. Some teens might find that a few months is enough to address their immediate challenges and develop helpful coping skills. Others might benefit from longer-term therapy to work through deeper issues, navigate significant life transitions, or simply have a consistent space for support as they mature.
Typically, teenagers start therapy with weekly sessions, especially at the beginning, to build a strong foundation. As your teenager progresses, we can adjust the frequency to bi-weekly or monthly sessions based on their needs and progress.
We encourage parents to join the first 15 minutes of the intake session to review paperwork, discuss our policies, and share any concerns you have about your teenager. While we prioritize the teen’s privacy and confidentiality during sessions, there may be times when we recommend a parent join for a portion of the session to make sure everyone feels heard and understood.
We take your teenager’s privacy very seriously. Anything they discuss with their therapist is confidential, meaning it won’t be shared without your teen’s permission. However, there are a few important exceptions to this rule, primarily focused on safety:
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed, sometimes therapy is needed, and sometimes medication is needed in combination with therapy.
Curious about our fees? Find detailed information about therapy costs on our fees page.
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