Therapists for Teens in Didsbury, AB
![Photo of Heather Denny, MA, R Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d9170f2-894f-48e3-bfb6-c1368e8496b1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Your teen will build insight and awareness of the thoughts and emotions that are the driving force behind their behaviours to build resilience and confidence.
Do you struggle with depression or anxiety that impacts your relationships and day-to-day life? Do you feel overwhelmed just getting through the day? Do you wonder if life and your relationships should feel somehow better? Happier? Maybe you are a parent of a teen who doesn’t act like other kids. Whether they struggle with attention at school and they get in trouble all the time or are depressed and pull away, you are losing hope. You feel worried and unsure how to help your teen, it’s hard to watch them suffering in relationships with their peers, teachers and family members. You want them to be happy, confident, and successful.
Your teen will build insight and awareness of the thoughts and emotions that are the driving force behind their behaviours to build resilience and confidence.
Do you struggle with depression or anxiety that impacts your relationships and day-to-day life? Do you feel overwhelmed just getting through the day? Do you wonder if life and your relationships should feel somehow better? Happier? Maybe you are a parent of a teen who doesn’t act like other kids. Whether they struggle with attention at school and they get in trouble all the time or are depressed and pull away, you are losing hope. You feel worried and unsure how to help your teen, it’s hard to watch them suffering in relationships with their peers, teachers and family members. You want them to be happy, confident, and successful.
![Photo of Nicole Rambadhan (Psychotherapy For You), MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83b96706-5796-48e7-8aa5-dd591df7ed26/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Rambadhan (Psychotherapy For You)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Didsbury, AB T0M (Online Only)
Welcome! I am glad you are here. My name is Nicole Rambadhan-Registered Social Worker (RSW) with over 8 years of clinical experience and training in child protection, mental health, and health care. I am dual licensed to practice in Alberta and Nunavut. I am a member of the Alberta College of Social Worker (ACSW) and the Association of Social Workers in Northern Canada (ASWNC). Driven by an unwavering commitment to make a positive impact on people's lives I have pursued a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Dalhousie University. During my academic journey, I developed a deep understanding of human behaviour and evidence-based therapies
Welcome! I am glad you are here. My name is Nicole Rambadhan-Registered Social Worker (RSW) with over 8 years of clinical experience and training in child protection, mental health, and health care. I am dual licensed to practice in Alberta and Nunavut. I am a member of the Alberta College of Social Worker (ACSW) and the Association of Social Workers in Northern Canada (ASWNC). Driven by an unwavering commitment to make a positive impact on people's lives I have pursued a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Dalhousie University. During my academic journey, I developed a deep understanding of human behaviour and evidence-based therapies
![Photo of Donna Mirus, RN, ICST, CnREACH, ICST-P](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/366d1525-1450-4e4a-99b7-d5156fbbfe76/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you presently struggling with Anxiety? Depression? Lack of self esteem or confidence? Grief? Or perhaps you have a child who is the one requiring additional support and coping? By coming to therapy you can expect a supportive, non judgement relationship based therapy approach; whereby you or your child can learn the tools and process what is occurring. Sometimes what we think is normal feelings, behaviors or thoughts, may in fact be a sign of something else...let's work together to figure it out.
Are you presently struggling with Anxiety? Depression? Lack of self esteem or confidence? Grief? Or perhaps you have a child who is the one requiring additional support and coping? By coming to therapy you can expect a supportive, non judgement relationship based therapy approach; whereby you or your child can learn the tools and process what is occurring. Sometimes what we think is normal feelings, behaviors or thoughts, may in fact be a sign of something else...let's work together to figure it out.
![Photo of Chris Pawluk - Pawluk Child and Adult Psychology, MEd, DipPsy, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03a4d36f-5d8e-44f5-a5d2-aaf391698327/2/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal client is a child or youth with significant anxiety issues. They need a better understanding of what is going on in their heads and in their bodies. They want to feel less distress, and to be able to do the things that their anxiety is preventing them from doing. I'm not accepting new clients right now.
My ideal client is a child or youth with significant anxiety issues. They need a better understanding of what is going on in their heads and in their bodies. They want to feel less distress, and to be able to do the things that their anxiety is preventing them from doing. I'm not accepting new clients right now.
![Photo of Aaryn Manning - Aaryn Manning + Accelerated Resolution Therapy, MA, CCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05152bf0-f550-4213-ac4b-83e4492cc0da/2/320x400.jpeg)
Aaryn Manning + Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
Didsbury, AB T0M
Welcome to Compassionate Counselling Care in Olds, AB where you’ll find a safe and welcoming space to seek skilled mental health & counselling support. Aaryn is an experienced, counsellor offering professional expertise and empathetic understanding. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, mental health concerns, unresolved trauma or simply need someone to help you sort out your thoughts, she is committed to providing you with the tools and insights needed to move through difficult experiences. We welcome you to book a free 15 minute consult to ask questions and determine if Compassionate Counselling Care is a fit for you.
Welcome to Compassionate Counselling Care in Olds, AB where you’ll find a safe and welcoming space to seek skilled mental health & counselling support. Aaryn is an experienced, counsellor offering professional expertise and empathetic understanding. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, mental health concerns, unresolved trauma or simply need someone to help you sort out your thoughts, she is committed to providing you with the tools and insights needed to move through difficult experiences. We welcome you to book a free 15 minute consult to ask questions and determine if Compassionate Counselling Care is a fit for you.
![Photo of Jennifer McIntee-Leinweber - Jennifer at Silver Willow Psychology, MA, RPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cbe64ae2-0b89-4aa1-9a7c-b20aa0fc54e7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I am a R. Psych and am passionate about helping individuals and couples make positive life changes. I help people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and substance use concerns or who are having difficulty with dealing with daily life. I enjoy working with young people, adults & couples as they tackle life transitions. Whether you are seeking to foster a better relationship with yourself, your partner, or other people in your life, counselling may be able to help!. Together, we will work to develop customized, attainable goals that meet your needs and create meaningful change.
Hello! I am a R. Psych and am passionate about helping individuals and couples make positive life changes. I help people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and substance use concerns or who are having difficulty with dealing with daily life. I enjoy working with young people, adults & couples as they tackle life transitions. Whether you are seeking to foster a better relationship with yourself, your partner, or other people in your life, counselling may be able to help!. Together, we will work to develop customized, attainable goals that meet your needs and create meaningful change.
![Photo of Makena Hind, BA, MC, Registered Provisional Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/102eee96-e4ea-421e-9ca0-d4a3309c42bd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Makena Hind
Registered Provisional Psychologist, BA, MC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Didsbury, AB T0M
I have had the privilege of working with a diverse clientele, ranging from adults and teens to adolescents and children. I offer child-parent and family sessions, a collaborative space to nurture understanding and connection from the earliest years. My practice is for those who find themselves wrestling with frustrating patterns, the complexities of trauma, grief, ADHD, anxiety, depression, existential questions, "stuckness" and everyday struggles that add up.
I have had the privilege of working with a diverse clientele, ranging from adults and teens to adolescents and children. I offer child-parent and family sessions, a collaborative space to nurture understanding and connection from the earliest years. My practice is for those who find themselves wrestling with frustrating patterns, the complexities of trauma, grief, ADHD, anxiety, depression, existential questions, "stuckness" and everyday struggles that add up.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Rachel Sarah Freeman, CCC, MACP, CCTP, CATP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ffa92483-d764-455e-8541-044421af6da2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Sarah Freeman
Counsellor, CCC, MACP, CCTP, CATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blackfalds, AB T0M
M.A.C.P. (Master of Arts Counseling Psychology), C.C.C. (Certified Canadian Counselor), C.C.T.P. (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional), C.A.T.P. (Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional) I have been working as Certified Canadian Counsellor since 2017, registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, working in both individual counselling and group therapy settings. In 2020 I became certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional for adults, children and adolescents.
M.A.C.P. (Master of Arts Counseling Psychology), C.C.C. (Certified Canadian Counselor), C.C.T.P. (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional), C.A.T.P. (Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional) I have been working as Certified Canadian Counsellor since 2017, registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, working in both individual counselling and group therapy settings. In 2020 I became certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional for adults, children and adolescents.
![Photo of Shelly Qualtieri - Shelly Qualtieri & Associates - Counselling, RSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5bfa84b-b297-46fa-8f99-1e849f3f610c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shelly Qualtieri & Associates - Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RSW, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Balzac, AB T0M
Whether it's therapy for yourself or your teen, we believe in supporting you with easily manageable bite-sized strategies to find your happy.
Counselling and Therapy Services in Calgary and across Alberta. We believe in supporting you with practical and easily manageable bite-sized tools and strategies to find your happy. Our team of Therapists at Shelly Qualtieri & Associates are passionate and knowledgeable clinicians. We understand your challenges, obstacles, pain, and trauma and are committed to providing a personalized approach and supporting you with tools to facilitate a deeper understanding, build resilience, and find healing.
Whether it's therapy for yourself or your teen, we believe in supporting you with easily manageable bite-sized strategies to find your happy.
Counselling and Therapy Services in Calgary and across Alberta. We believe in supporting you with practical and easily manageable bite-sized tools and strategies to find your happy. Our team of Therapists at Shelly Qualtieri & Associates are passionate and knowledgeable clinicians. We understand your challenges, obstacles, pain, and trauma and are committed to providing a personalized approach and supporting you with tools to facilitate a deeper understanding, build resilience, and find healing.
![Photo of Kathy Stolson, BSc, MC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ca64a8d-4da4-4e01-8c81-85be0533859c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kathy Stolson
Psychologist, BSc, MC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bowden, AB T0M
Waitlist for new clients
I am a registered psychologist and have worked with a diverse clientele over my career. I recognize it can take a tremendous amount of courage to ask for help however, almost everyone can benefit from the opportunity to share and explore in a non judgmental, comfortable setting. This experience can lead to learning new skills, recognizing existing strengths and/or gaining a new perspective. All of which can be helpful in reducing symptoms, discomfort and increase the quality of life.
I am a registered psychologist and have worked with a diverse clientele over my career. I recognize it can take a tremendous amount of courage to ask for help however, almost everyone can benefit from the opportunity to share and explore in a non judgmental, comfortable setting. This experience can lead to learning new skills, recognizing existing strengths and/or gaining a new perspective. All of which can be helpful in reducing symptoms, discomfort and increase the quality of life.
![Photo of Diana Johanson, MC, RT/CT, BA Hons, SSW, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a55c66be-f608-4e88-abed-11691ffbf7cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Diana is a Registered Psychologist who strives to better the lives of others. Diana's special area of interest is addressing issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, separation, parenting, and stress. She has worked in a private and public sectors, incorporating techniques to fit the client's needs best. Some of the therapeutic techniques stem from CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), Solution Focused Therapy, EMDR, DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), and Play Therapy. She offers formal assessments, such as psycho-educational (school), ADHD, Learning disorders, and giftedness.
Diana is a Registered Psychologist who strives to better the lives of others. Diana's special area of interest is addressing issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, separation, parenting, and stress. She has worked in a private and public sectors, incorporating techniques to fit the client's needs best. Some of the therapeutic techniques stem from CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), Solution Focused Therapy, EMDR, DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), and Play Therapy. She offers formal assessments, such as psycho-educational (school), ADHD, Learning disorders, and giftedness.
![Photo of Desiree Morris, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e444543-bc21-4381-8109-5b9c9e8406b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
You're carrying a heavy load of stress, anxiety, overwhelm, loneliness, and emotional pain. Your dissatisfaction is widespread, seeping into your work, friendships, and family connections. Recent life changes—be it a breakup, starting college, a new career, a move, marriage, divorce, pregnancy, or parenthood—have left you feeling adrift. You crave confidence, calmness, and reconnection. And if you are here for your child, you have been looking for a therapist for them as you have noticed your child is tearful, angry, worried, irritable and frustrated most of the time. They are struggling in peer relationships, and breaking down.
You're carrying a heavy load of stress, anxiety, overwhelm, loneliness, and emotional pain. Your dissatisfaction is widespread, seeping into your work, friendships, and family connections. Recent life changes—be it a breakup, starting college, a new career, a move, marriage, divorce, pregnancy, or parenthood—have left you feeling adrift. You crave confidence, calmness, and reconnection. And if you are here for your child, you have been looking for a therapist for them as you have noticed your child is tearful, angry, worried, irritable and frustrated most of the time. They are struggling in peer relationships, and breaking down.
![Photo of Jennifer McIntee-Leinweber, BEd, MA, RPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53f58af4-7166-4e4b-bd3f-3f20096d2854/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer McIntee-Leinweber
Psychologist, BEd, MA, RPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Crossfield, AB T0M
Hello! I'm a Registered Psychologist who is passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults and couples be their best selves. If you are experiencing problematic trauma symptoms such as PTSD or C-PTSD, problematic substance use, relationship issues, or struggle with meeting the needs of daily life, therapy may be able to help! Together, we will develop customized goals that meet your needs, develop useful coping strategies, and create some forward momentum to help improve your quality of life.
Hello! I'm a Registered Psychologist who is passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults and couples be their best selves. If you are experiencing problematic trauma symptoms such as PTSD or C-PTSD, problematic substance use, relationship issues, or struggle with meeting the needs of daily life, therapy may be able to help! Together, we will develop customized goals that meet your needs, develop useful coping strategies, and create some forward momentum to help improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Shantelle Szuch, MSc, RPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d95596a4-3f23-4c0e-9c4c-5ff4f445514f/2/320x400.png)
I am a Registered Psychologist in both AB and SK. I have over 15 years of clinical assessment experience with children, adolescents, adults, public safety personnel, front line workers, and health care professionals. My goal with formal assessment is to help you explore your symptoms, gain understanding of your responses and patterns, and empower you to gain renewed agency, with or without a formal diagnosis. I am competent to diagnose within the scope of the DSM. I also offer trauma treatment and am certified in TFCBT and BOS and have training in CPT, NMT, and other models, having worked in this field over 15 years.
I am a Registered Psychologist in both AB and SK. I have over 15 years of clinical assessment experience with children, adolescents, adults, public safety personnel, front line workers, and health care professionals. My goal with formal assessment is to help you explore your symptoms, gain understanding of your responses and patterns, and empower you to gain renewed agency, with or without a formal diagnosis. I am competent to diagnose within the scope of the DSM. I also offer trauma treatment and am certified in TFCBT and BOS and have training in CPT, NMT, and other models, having worked in this field over 15 years.
![Photo of Sharla Crowie - Bloom Narratives Therapy & Wellness, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca6cea53-3bf9-412b-9824-2bae4ad32fad/1/320x400.png)
Bloom Narratives Therapy & Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Balzac, AB T0M
Your mind might be racing as you try to juggle all the responsibilities and hats you wear, or maybe your body is telling you about the impact anxiety is having on your life. You might be feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Maybe you're wondering if you'll ever feel fulfilled and peaceful with your identity. That's where we can come in to help you recover and find relief from past events, trauma, anxiety, stress, burnout, eating disorders, and depression. We are a team of therapists providing individual and relationship counselling locally in Airdrie, Alberta and virtually across Alberta.
Your mind might be racing as you try to juggle all the responsibilities and hats you wear, or maybe your body is telling you about the impact anxiety is having on your life. You might be feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Maybe you're wondering if you'll ever feel fulfilled and peaceful with your identity. That's where we can come in to help you recover and find relief from past events, trauma, anxiety, stress, burnout, eating disorders, and depression. We are a team of therapists providing individual and relationship counselling locally in Airdrie, Alberta and virtually across Alberta.
![Photo of Stephanie Caras, MA, CSAT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1218294-f90a-4277-89fe-e8e455b83d57/2/320x400.jpeg)
Having been well acquainted with the weight and pain of toxic shame myself, as well as having experienced this weight being lifted, I have a passion for helping others go through this shift too, in order to feel freer to share their authentic self with the people they hold most dear. I also have a passion for practicing and teaching mindfulness. Applying mindfulness to the many areas of my own life, including work, parenting, communication, and relationships with both myself and others, to name a few, has been life changing and has allowed me to more frequently experience life in the moment.
Having been well acquainted with the weight and pain of toxic shame myself, as well as having experienced this weight being lifted, I have a passion for helping others go through this shift too, in order to feel freer to share their authentic self with the people they hold most dear. I also have a passion for practicing and teaching mindfulness. Applying mindfulness to the many areas of my own life, including work, parenting, communication, and relationships with both myself and others, to name a few, has been life changing and has allowed me to more frequently experience life in the moment.
![Photo of Lindsay McNena, MC, RPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3c0206f-9284-4cbe-a8d7-62631fd5753d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have 10+ years working with clients experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, school refusal, friendship concerns, navigating family relationships, suicidal ideation/self-harm, and sexual/gender identity. I have worked with adult and youth clients with these concerns, along with relationships, infidelity, and parenting. My practice also includes working with couples, polycules, and consensual non-monogamy. I feel we all have a huge capacity for resilience and learning and enjoy co-creating successful therapeutic relationships which are trauma-informed and recognize client's lived experiences.
I have 10+ years working with clients experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, school refusal, friendship concerns, navigating family relationships, suicidal ideation/self-harm, and sexual/gender identity. I have worked with adult and youth clients with these concerns, along with relationships, infidelity, and parenting. My practice also includes working with couples, polycules, and consensual non-monogamy. I feel we all have a huge capacity for resilience and learning and enjoy co-creating successful therapeutic relationships which are trauma-informed and recognize client's lived experiences.
![Photo of Cassandra Wilkes, RSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4403a6f-d554-408d-9f7e-4f16ffd5b28b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Struggling with a traumatic event, mental health and/ or addictions can feel like drowning in unseen waves; the waves of grief, anxiety, anger, fear, trauma, relational concerns, transitions, or self-worth. We try to soothe ourselves by acting out on ourselves, and others or engaging in behaviours that harm us and those we love. I believe that we can hold fragility and resilience, courage and fear, uncertainty and hope. You can begin the process of rebuilding and reclaiming all while staying afloat. Together, we will begin to anticipate those waves coming and not get pulled under but rather negotiate them with resounding courage.
Struggling with a traumatic event, mental health and/ or addictions can feel like drowning in unseen waves; the waves of grief, anxiety, anger, fear, trauma, relational concerns, transitions, or self-worth. We try to soothe ourselves by acting out on ourselves, and others or engaging in behaviours that harm us and those we love. I believe that we can hold fragility and resilience, courage and fear, uncertainty and hope. You can begin the process of rebuilding and reclaiming all while staying afloat. Together, we will begin to anticipate those waves coming and not get pulled under but rather negotiate them with resounding courage.
![Photo of Kimberly Williamson, RSW, ICST, TCTSY-F, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/526ac77d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Williamson
Registered Social Worker, RSW, ICST, TCTSY-F
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Crossfield, AB T0M
You may feel exhausted all of the time and overwhelmed with no time for you. You might have trouble sleeping and no longer feel like yourself anymore, but you don’t know why. You are tired of going through the motions and fear nothing will change. You experience conflict or a lack of closeness in your relationship. Your arguments go on and on without getting resolved leaving you feeling lonely and further apart. You feel hurt, or a sense of numbness about your relationship. You wonder if you’ll ever have a fulfilling relationship. You’ve had enough troubled relationships. You’re tired of hurting and struggling.
You may feel exhausted all of the time and overwhelmed with no time for you. You might have trouble sleeping and no longer feel like yourself anymore, but you don’t know why. You are tired of going through the motions and fear nothing will change. You experience conflict or a lack of closeness in your relationship. Your arguments go on and on without getting resolved leaving you feeling lonely and further apart. You feel hurt, or a sense of numbness about your relationship. You wonder if you’ll ever have a fulfilling relationship. You’ve had enough troubled relationships. You’re tired of hurting and struggling.
![Photo of Benjamin Dunlop, MC, BA, Registered Provisional Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5bfecf4-61a7-4887-b764-170bf7355d70/2/320x400.jpeg)
Benjamin Dunlop
Registered Provisional Psychologist, MC, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blackfalds, AB T0M
Hi, I'm Ben. This is not an easy first step, but you should be proud of making this step. I know I am. It is very common to feel overwhelmed, isolated, or stuck in negative thought patterns, and feel like these emotions impact your daily life and overall well-being. If you are struggling with feelings of low self-worth, pervasive sadness, or chronic stress, and have difficulty managing your emotions or maintaining healthy relationships there is a way to find change. If you want clarity, support, or simply someone safe to talk to, I am more than happy to help!
Hi, I'm Ben. This is not an easy first step, but you should be proud of making this step. I know I am. It is very common to feel overwhelmed, isolated, or stuck in negative thought patterns, and feel like these emotions impact your daily life and overall well-being. If you are struggling with feelings of low self-worth, pervasive sadness, or chronic stress, and have difficulty managing your emotions or maintaining healthy relationships there is a way to find change. If you want clarity, support, or simply someone safe to talk to, I am more than happy to help!
See more therapy options for Didsbury
Nearby Teen Counsellors Searches for Didsbury
- Airdrie
- Blackfalds
- Carstairs
- Crossfield
- Innisfail
- Lacombe
- Olds
- Red Deer
- Red Deer County
- Sundre
- Sylvan Lake
- Three Hills
Teen Counsellors
What does therapy for teenagers look like?
When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.
How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?
There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.
How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?
It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.
How do you prepare teens for therapy?
You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.