Counsellors for Teens in Bristol, ENG

Photo of Laura Evans, MBABCP, Counsellor
Laura Evans
Counsellor, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS3
Hi, I’m Laura and I’m a Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) Therapist and mental health nurse with around 15 years' experience in mental healthcare, CBT and counselling. I have worked within the NHS (including significant child & adolescent mental health (CAMHS) experience), university voluntary and private sectors. I support adults and children who may be struggling with: anxiety (including generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety), depression and low mood, OCD, phobias, low self-esteem, perfectionism, body image difficulties and body dysmorphia, stress, panic disorder and panic attacks, trauma and sleep difficulties.
Hi, I’m Laura and I’m a Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) Therapist and mental health nurse with around 15 years' experience in mental healthcare, CBT and counselling. I have worked within the NHS (including significant child & adolescent mental health (CAMHS) experience), university voluntary and private sectors. I support adults and children who may be struggling with: anxiety (including generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety), depression and low mood, OCD, phobias, low self-esteem, perfectionism, body image difficulties and body dysmorphia, stress, panic disorder and panic attacks, trauma and sleep difficulties.
01275 402894 View 01275 402894
Photo of Hannah Byrne - Sapling CBT (cbt, emdr, btti for tics) , MSc
Sapling CBT (cbt, emdr, btti for tics)
MSc
Verified Verified
Bristol BS3
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I am a specialist Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. My professional background is Educational Psychology, trauma and attachment therapy with 18 years experience supporting families. I help people aged 8- 24 who have experienced trauma, anxiety, low mood tics and care experienced young people. We will work together to build a bespoke treatment plan, I believe we all have the potential for positive wellbeing, I will work with you to uncover what this means to you. Weekly clinic held in Bath and Bristol and online.
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I am a specialist Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. My professional background is Educational Psychology, trauma and attachment therapy with 18 years experience supporting families. I help people aged 8- 24 who have experienced trauma, anxiety, low mood tics and care experienced young people. We will work together to build a bespoke treatment plan, I believe we all have the potential for positive wellbeing, I will work with you to uncover what this means to you. Weekly clinic held in Bath and Bristol and online.
0117 325 4798 View 0117 325 4798
Photo of Anna Greenslade (Cbt With Anna), MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Anna Greenslade (Cbt With Anna)
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bristol BS8  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hey! I'm Anna, a CBT Therapist specialised in children, pre- teens, adolescents and young adults; ages 5-25. I treat anxiety (social, health, separation, phobias, worry, panic, perfectionism), depression, self esteem, OCD and PTSD / trauma. I help with emotions such as stress, sadness and anger; and self harm, suicidal thoughts and intrusive thoughts. I have 10 years experience across; school, college and university student wellbeing, NHS (CAMHS), inpatient psychiatric care, SEND support, and mental health therapy organisations. My specialist interests lie within the teenager population, social anxiety, OCD.
Hey! I'm Anna, a CBT Therapist specialised in children, pre- teens, adolescents and young adults; ages 5-25. I treat anxiety (social, health, separation, phobias, worry, panic, perfectionism), depression, self esteem, OCD and PTSD / trauma. I help with emotions such as stress, sadness and anger; and self harm, suicidal thoughts and intrusive thoughts. I have 10 years experience across; school, college and university student wellbeing, NHS (CAMHS), inpatient psychiatric care, SEND support, and mental health therapy organisations. My specialist interests lie within the teenager population, social anxiety, OCD.
0117 463 0506 View 0117 463 0506
Photo of Isobel Sunita Gill-Taylor, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Isobel Sunita Gill-Taylor
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS5  (Online Only)
I am a duel heritage cis female, I have lived and worked in Bristol for 10 years, in a number of settings; Specialist education college for young adults with additional needs; Social Care working with teenagers and their families and in the NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
Thank you for coming onto my profile and taking time to read my information. Initially I will help you identify whether a systemic/relational approach is the right one for you. I am informed by my training in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy, I draw on many approaches within the psychotherapuetic field, and will meet you with kindness and compassion to enable us to work together towards a change within either yourself, your relationship or your family.
I am a duel heritage cis female, I have lived and worked in Bristol for 10 years, in a number of settings; Specialist education college for young adults with additional needs; Social Care working with teenagers and their families and in the NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
Thank you for coming onto my profile and taking time to read my information. Initially I will help you identify whether a systemic/relational approach is the right one for you. I am informed by my training in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy, I draw on many approaches within the psychotherapuetic field, and will meet you with kindness and compassion to enable us to work together towards a change within either yourself, your relationship or your family.
0117 463 4578 View 0117 463 4578
Photo of Milena Nikolova, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Milena Nikolova
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS3
I am currently working with adult and adolescent clients face-to-face in Bedminster and online via video conferencing.
My name is Milena Nikolova. Based in Bristol, I am a qualified Psychotherapist with 20 years of experience in practice. I have worked with wide viriety of clients and in all mental health settings. My therapeutic style is both warm and professional. I am ethically driven and believe that it is important to try to truly understand a client’s point of view. You will also find that I am flexible, adapting my style to your needs. Even in the face of highly emotive situations, I strive to be open-minded, creative and contemplative. Supporting and caring for my clients comes naturally to me.
I am currently working with adult and adolescent clients face-to-face in Bedminster and online via video conferencing.
My name is Milena Nikolova. Based in Bristol, I am a qualified Psychotherapist with 20 years of experience in practice. I have worked with wide viriety of clients and in all mental health settings. My therapeutic style is both warm and professional. I am ethically driven and believe that it is important to try to truly understand a client’s point of view. You will also find that I am flexible, adapting my style to your needs. Even in the face of highly emotive situations, I strive to be open-minded, creative and contemplative. Supporting and caring for my clients comes naturally to me.
07748 981265 View 07748 981265
Photo of Cassie de Pourtales, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Cassie de Pourtales
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS6
Hello, I'm Cassie ! In practice for 13 years, I offer specialist trauma informed support to adults, adolescents and children. I offer adult & teen counselling, parent consultations and child play therapy. If you are a parent struggling to find effective solutions for your child's challenging/distressed behaviour, I'm here to help. If you are a young adult or teen struggling to manage your thoughts and emotions I can provide safe, warm and confidential support. If you are an adult battling with issues related to anxiety, grief, distress or major life changes I am here to help you find your way to relief, resolve and greater ease.
Hello, I'm Cassie ! In practice for 13 years, I offer specialist trauma informed support to adults, adolescents and children. I offer adult & teen counselling, parent consultations and child play therapy. If you are a parent struggling to find effective solutions for your child's challenging/distressed behaviour, I'm here to help. If you are a young adult or teen struggling to manage your thoughts and emotions I can provide safe, warm and confidential support. If you are an adult battling with issues related to anxiety, grief, distress or major life changes I am here to help you find your way to relief, resolve and greater ease.
01275 402765 View 01275 402765
Photo of Olivia Loveday Woodhouse - Wild Wood Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Wild Wood Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS6
(I have trainnings in both counselling and also child and adolescent psychotherapy.
I offer support for the difficult, deeper feelings of children, teenagers, young adults, parents & infants and expectant parents. My aim is to provide a space where you feel safe to bring and explore what is bothering you and where you are heard and understood. When we are listened to from the heart and met with curiosity and compassion it is amazing what can change in our lives. We can begin to understand ourselves better, find self acceptance and our own wisdom This can help us feel more self loving and better able to navigate the ups and downs of life. I offer sessions in Nature and/or Indoors (see more info below).
(I have trainnings in both counselling and also child and adolescent psychotherapy.
I offer support for the difficult, deeper feelings of children, teenagers, young adults, parents & infants and expectant parents. My aim is to provide a space where you feel safe to bring and explore what is bothering you and where you are heard and understood. When we are listened to from the heart and met with curiosity and compassion it is amazing what can change in our lives. We can begin to understand ourselves better, find self acceptance and our own wisdom This can help us feel more self loving and better able to navigate the ups and downs of life. I offer sessions in Nature and/or Indoors (see more info below).
0117 463 3328 View 0117 463 3328
Photo of Gary Catterall - The Child Psychiatric & Psychological Consultants, PsychD, ACP, Psychotherapist
The Child Psychiatric & Psychological Consultants
Psychotherapist, PsychD, ACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
We provide medical psychiatric & psychological assessment, diagnosis, treatment for Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, gender dysmorphia, eating disorders, tic disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, trauma, self-harm, psychotic disorders and emotional dysregulation and more. We have over 20 years’ experience working in various CAMHS mental health settings with extensive experience and knowledge. The service is clinically led by a consultant child psychiatrist and a consultant child & adolescent psychoanalytic psychotherapist who both trained in the NHS who have provided clinical leadership for services.
We provide medical psychiatric & psychological assessment, diagnosis, treatment for Autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, gender dysmorphia, eating disorders, tic disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, trauma, self-harm, psychotic disorders and emotional dysregulation and more. We have over 20 years’ experience working in various CAMHS mental health settings with extensive experience and knowledge. The service is clinically led by a consultant child psychiatrist and a consultant child & adolescent psychoanalytic psychotherapist who both trained in the NHS who have provided clinical leadership for services.
01452 687104 View 01452 687104
Photo of Chrissie Leigh - Leigh Counselling Services, MA, Counsellor
Leigh Counselling Services
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
Bristol BS10
I offer counselling for a range of concerns, but I specialise in supporting parents of teens where the relationship dynamic is challenged, identifying practical methods to apply in your family.
Are you struggling with difficult, painful emotions? Do you ever feel you're drowning in the pressures and stresses of everyday life? It happens to all of us at some point. Talking about your personal concerns can help to put them into perspective and find a way forward. Perhaps you're dealing with a family bereavement or a personal crisis? Maybe you're a parent struggling with the challenges of living with a teenager? Sharing your feelings with someone who's understanding and empathic can be life-changing, Seeking out solutions to what is testing you will give you the focus to deal with those difficulties and motivate you forward.
I offer counselling for a range of concerns, but I specialise in supporting parents of teens where the relationship dynamic is challenged, identifying practical methods to apply in your family.
Are you struggling with difficult, painful emotions? Do you ever feel you're drowning in the pressures and stresses of everyday life? It happens to all of us at some point. Talking about your personal concerns can help to put them into perspective and find a way forward. Perhaps you're dealing with a family bereavement or a personal crisis? Maybe you're a parent struggling with the challenges of living with a teenager? Sharing your feelings with someone who's understanding and empathic can be life-changing, Seeking out solutions to what is testing you will give you the focus to deal with those difficulties and motivate you forward.
01493 801393 View 01493 801393
Photo of Louise Pivcevic, MA, BACP, Psychotherapist
Louise Pivcevic
Psychotherapist, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
Contact me for an initial free chat about how I can help if: you're a young adult or teen who feels they would benefit from talking things through with a professional and highly experienced psychotherapist, or a parent seeking guidance and support eg, issues with understanding your child's behaviour, mood, peer difficulties, difficulties co-parenting.
I'm a Tavistock trained psychotherapist for adolescents, young adults up to 26 and parents., specialising in student mental health, also in parenting including successful co-parenting around separation/divorce. I have 16 years experience in the NHS and a busy private practice. I have a warm, empathic approach, meeting you where you are. I aim to help you discover more freedom and authenticity in how you relate to yourself and others. I treat a diverse range of issues - anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, transgender, sexuality, Member of BACP, ACP and Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists.
Contact me for an initial free chat about how I can help if: you're a young adult or teen who feels they would benefit from talking things through with a professional and highly experienced psychotherapist, or a parent seeking guidance and support eg, issues with understanding your child's behaviour, mood, peer difficulties, difficulties co-parenting.
I'm a Tavistock trained psychotherapist for adolescents, young adults up to 26 and parents., specialising in student mental health, also in parenting including successful co-parenting around separation/divorce. I have 16 years experience in the NHS and a busy private practice. I have a warm, empathic approach, meeting you where you are. I aim to help you discover more freedom and authenticity in how you relate to yourself and others. I treat a diverse range of issues - anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, transgender, sexuality, Member of BACP, ACP and Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists.
01480 773558 View 01480 773558
Photo of Shaun Gray, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Shaun Gray
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS1
Additional specialised experience includes: CRUSE bereavement counsellor, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), and SCHOOL COUNSELLOR.
I offer therapy and supervision that starts with what you bring; making no assumptions, listening with empathy and working with you towards growth and change. The client-therapist relationship is vital, as we need to trust each other in order to work together effectively (getting the right therapist for you is more important than gaining a client for me). I offer weekly, fortnightly, monthly and ad hoc sessions. Please EMAIL/TEXT as I cannot answer the phone when with clients and I don’t want to miss your call. Jan 2023 - I currently have no evening, after 6pm, sessions available
Additional specialised experience includes: CRUSE bereavement counsellor, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), and SCHOOL COUNSELLOR.
I offer therapy and supervision that starts with what you bring; making no assumptions, listening with empathy and working with you towards growth and change. The client-therapist relationship is vital, as we need to trust each other in order to work together effectively (getting the right therapist for you is more important than gaining a client for me). I offer weekly, fortnightly, monthly and ad hoc sessions. Please EMAIL/TEXT as I cannot answer the phone when with clients and I don’t want to miss your call. Jan 2023 - I currently have no evening, after 6pm, sessions available
01934 314467 View 01934 314467
Photo of Dr Elene Robson, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Elene Robson
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
I have over 20 years of experience working in the NHS, specialising in child and adolescent mental health. This has allowed me to gain extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, young adults, siblings and parents to overcome a wide range of psychological, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
I have over 20 years of experience working in the NHS, specialising in child and adolescent mental health. This has allowed me to gain extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, young adults, siblings and parents to overcome a wide range of psychological, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
01803 308929 View 01803 308929
Photo of Rose Wild - Rose Wild, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Rose Wild
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
I know how overwhelming it can feel trying to find a therapist who is right for you. It is sometimes hard to get a feel for what kind of person a therapist really is beyond their qualifications and training... which is kind of important if you are going to be vulnerable with them! Let me show you a little of who I am so you can see if we are a good match. My name is Rose. Before I began facilitating healing for others, I spent years dedicated to my own healing. I experienced severe & complex trauma as a child and teenager that resulted in various forms of dis-ease in my adult life.I tried talking therapies and although I could under
I know how overwhelming it can feel trying to find a therapist who is right for you. It is sometimes hard to get a feel for what kind of person a therapist really is beyond their qualifications and training... which is kind of important if you are going to be vulnerable with them! Let me show you a little of who I am so you can see if we are a good match. My name is Rose. Before I began facilitating healing for others, I spent years dedicated to my own healing. I experienced severe & complex trauma as a child and teenager that resulted in various forms of dis-ease in my adult life.I tried talking therapies and although I could under
01707 247359 View 01707 247359
Photo of Elaine Hutchinson, Counsellor
Elaine Hutchinson
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Bristol BS40
The therapy and counselling I provide is totally client-led, with very few boundaries; your child or teen can share their world however they would like & talk (or not) as the mood takes them.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
The therapy and counselling I provide is totally client-led, with very few boundaries; your child or teen can share their world however they would like & talk (or not) as the mood takes them.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
01749 605317 View 01749 605317
Photo of Stafford Wilson, MBACP, Counsellor
Stafford Wilson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS3
Counselling is a safe space where you can talk about problems and process difficult emotions without shame or judgement. We often feel that we should be able to deal with our problems without others help. But it is often through sharing and opening up to others, that we can find the way to heal ourselves. Trauma, mental or emotional problems, disconnect us from ourselves and others. Sharing our pain and our story (in a relationship where it is held safely) can allow us to value, respect and have compassion for all parts of ourselves. This re-integration unblocks our creative/healing potential and our sense of purpose and meaning.
Counselling is a safe space where you can talk about problems and process difficult emotions without shame or judgement. We often feel that we should be able to deal with our problems without others help. But it is often through sharing and opening up to others, that we can find the way to heal ourselves. Trauma, mental or emotional problems, disconnect us from ourselves and others. Sharing our pain and our story (in a relationship where it is held safely) can allow us to value, respect and have compassion for all parts of ourselves. This re-integration unblocks our creative/healing potential and our sense of purpose and meaning.
01275 402712 View 01275 402712
Photo of Carly Read, BACP, Counsellor
Carly Read
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS6  (Online Only)
Hi I’m Carly. I specialise in working with children & young people, survivors and the LGBTQIA+ community (of which I’m a proud member). I have years of experience working with women, children and young people, having worked for charities like National Women's Aid, The NSPCC, Rape Crisis and Off The Record. I’m also an artist, and a big believer in the healing power of play & creativity. I am happy to work with you in this way if you want to, though equally there’s no pressure to.
Hi I’m Carly. I specialise in working with children & young people, survivors and the LGBTQIA+ community (of which I’m a proud member). I have years of experience working with women, children and young people, having worked for charities like National Women's Aid, The NSPCC, Rape Crisis and Off The Record. I’m also an artist, and a big believer in the healing power of play & creativity. I am happy to work with you in this way if you want to, though equally there’s no pressure to.
0117 456 3051 View 0117 456 3051
Photo of Stephen Leighton, MA, BPC, Psychotherapist
Stephen Leighton
Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
Individuals from all walks of life seek help with many different problems, for example with depression and anxiety, panic states, phobias, obsessional behaviour or angry outbursts. People who turn to psychotherapy may also feel worried in more general ways such as feeling aimless or dissatisfied in their work life, or feeling unable to make satisfactory personal or sexual relationships. With empathy and careful listening my aim is always to help you feel better about yourself and your life, in work or in love.
Individuals from all walks of life seek help with many different problems, for example with depression and anxiety, panic states, phobias, obsessional behaviour or angry outbursts. People who turn to psychotherapy may also feel worried in more general ways such as feeling aimless or dissatisfied in their work life, or feeling unable to make satisfactory personal or sexual relationships. With empathy and careful listening my aim is always to help you feel better about yourself and your life, in work or in love.
01454 802664 View 01454 802664
Photo of Sarah Elizabeth Ensoll - Connect and Change Therapy, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Connect and Change Therapy
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS9
Hi! I'm Dr Sarah Ensoll - a Clinical Psychologist with 14 years qualified experience working across the lifespan. I am able to support people experiencing a range of psychological difficulties, specialising particularly in eating disorders/difficulties, anxiety problems, OCD, and managing distress or perfectionism/high self-criticism. I am also skilled in working with parents and people experiencing relationship difficulties. I will meet with you to think about the problems you are experiencing and develop a plan for our work together informed by the best research evidence along with your individual experiences, needs and goals.
Hi! I'm Dr Sarah Ensoll - a Clinical Psychologist with 14 years qualified experience working across the lifespan. I am able to support people experiencing a range of psychological difficulties, specialising particularly in eating disorders/difficulties, anxiety problems, OCD, and managing distress or perfectionism/high self-criticism. I am also skilled in working with parents and people experiencing relationship difficulties. I will meet with you to think about the problems you are experiencing and develop a plan for our work together informed by the best research evidence along with your individual experiences, needs and goals.
0117 463 1593 View 0117 463 1593
Photo of Natalina louise Miguel - Natalina Miguel - Play Therapist @ Vermonti Health, PTUK, Counsellor
Natalina Miguel - Play Therapist @ Vermonti Health
Counsellor, PTUK
Verified Verified
Bristol BS3
Creating a safe and secure environment is paramount, enabling children the freedom to explore at their own pace is so important. My primary aim is to first build upon a trusting therapeutic relationship. It is through this foundation, I believe, that will path the way to the child growing emotionally. I will seek to build their confidence, helping them to believe in who they are and knowing that they have the tools in which to help themselves.
Creating a safe and secure environment is paramount, enabling children the freedom to explore at their own pace is so important. My primary aim is to first build upon a trusting therapeutic relationship. It is through this foundation, I believe, that will path the way to the child growing emotionally. I will seek to build their confidence, helping them to believe in who they are and knowing that they have the tools in which to help themselves.
07766 596606 View 07766 596606
Photo of Ricardo Goni, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Ricardo Goni
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS6
ONLINE clients. 19 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Broad experience with young adults and individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem and others. Minority groups, neurodiverse, creative individuals, LGBTQ are welcome! Free consultation. Feeling sad, anxious or trapped and ready for a change? let's work together, on your own pace, step by step, exploring your emotions and traumatic events in a way that is safe for you. Gestalt therapy is a very dynamic approach that grounds you in the present, helps you to let go or reclaim emotions and to close cycles or unfinished businesses.
ONLINE clients. 19 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Broad experience with young adults and individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem and others. Minority groups, neurodiverse, creative individuals, LGBTQ are welcome! Free consultation. Feeling sad, anxious or trapped and ready for a change? let's work together, on your own pace, step by step, exploring your emotions and traumatic events in a way that is safe for you. Gestalt therapy is a very dynamic approach that grounds you in the present, helps you to let go or reclaim emotions and to close cycles or unfinished businesses.
0117 463 7926 View 0117 463 7926
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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.