For Teens

I'm not sure what to expect in a therapy session. What's it like?

Think of therapy as a safe and private conversation with someone who’s there to listen and help you. You can talk about whatever’s on your mind—your feelings, worries, relationships, or anything that’s been bothering you. The therapist will ask questions to understand your experiences and help you find ways to cope and make positive changes.

What if I don't know what to say in therapy?

Feeling stuck on what to say in therapy is totally okay – it happens to lots of people! Don’t put pressure on yourself to have it all figured out before your first session. Your therapist is trained to guide the conversation and help you explore your thoughts and feelings. Just come as you are, and know that it’s a process. With each session, you’ll likely find it a little easier to open up and share what’s on your mind.

What if I'm nervous or embarrassed to talk about my problems?

Almost everyone feels a little nervous or embarrassed when they first start therapy—it’s completely understandable! Therapists at Insight Mental Health Counselling are used to it, and they’ve heard it all. Their job is to listen without judgment and help you feel comfortable opening up. You can even tell them directly that you’re feeling nervous, and they can help you work through it.

Will you tell my parents what we talk about in sessions?

We take your privacy very seriously. Anything you share in our sessions is confidential. That means your therapist won’t share it with your parents (or anyone else) without your permission. There are a few really important exceptions, though. These exceptions exist to keep you and others safe:

• If we’re worried about your safety: If your therapist believes you’re being abused or neglected, or if you’re in danger of being hurt by someone else, they have a legal obligation to report it to the appropriate authorities.
• If we’re worried you might hurt yourself or someone else: If your therapist believes you’re a serious danger to yourself or others, they have to take steps to keep everyone safe. This includes letting your parents know or contacting emergency services.
• If a court orders it: In some very rare cases, a judge might order a therapist to share information about your sessions.

How long will I have to come to therapy?

It’s natural to wonder how long therapy will last, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some teens find that a few months is enough to address their concerns, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll work collaboratively with you to determine the best approach for your unique needs and goals.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

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.