Therapists for Teens in Downingtown, PA
![Photo of Dr. Kathleen West, PhD, SEP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/caf7aab1-17f1-4608-a3ba-a5745604d659/2/320x400.jpeg)
A graduate of Temple University, I have been a licensed psychologist since 1996. I work with a wide variety of clients and presenting problems including anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss. I have specific expertise in the areas of early trauma, childhood and adolescent issues, parenting and chronic stress. Throughout my experience I have witnessed remarkable healing and a return to a sense of wholeness and aliveness that comes with support through honest and gentle exploration, reflection and self-awareness. The results often manifest in improved relationships, judgment and clarity.
A graduate of Temple University, I have been a licensed psychologist since 1996. I work with a wide variety of clients and presenting problems including anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss. I have specific expertise in the areas of early trauma, childhood and adolescent issues, parenting and chronic stress. Throughout my experience I have witnessed remarkable healing and a return to a sense of wholeness and aliveness that comes with support through honest and gentle exploration, reflection and self-awareness. The results often manifest in improved relationships, judgment and clarity.
![Photo of Colin Smith, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/66428884-84bb-43d9-a28b-450e309ce37f/1/320x400.png)
Are you a teen or young adult struggling to navigate social pressures and responsibilities? A parent of a struggling teen? I help create self-esteem and establish proper perspectives when young adults feel overwhelmed. A full-time school counselor, Colin Smith has been working with adolescents both in schools and in outpatient therapy for nearly twenty years. Working in both public and approved private schools as well as community mental health has provided Colin with various learning opportunities. Areas of experience include individuals with anxiety, depression, self-esteem deficits, autism, and conduct disorders.
Are you a teen or young adult struggling to navigate social pressures and responsibilities? A parent of a struggling teen? I help create self-esteem and establish proper perspectives when young adults feel overwhelmed. A full-time school counselor, Colin Smith has been working with adolescents both in schools and in outpatient therapy for nearly twenty years. Working in both public and approved private schools as well as community mental health has provided Colin with various learning opportunities. Areas of experience include individuals with anxiety, depression, self-esteem deficits, autism, and conduct disorders.
![Photo of Dr. Laura Miller, PsyD, LPC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453358f7-96ba-443d-818e-bf83f5f4e4ac/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Laura Miller
Psychologist, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335 (Online Only)
As a Psychotherapist I have had an eclectic clinical background working with the geriatric, adult, adolescent and child populations in multiple modalities including, family, and individual therapy. My work clinical work focuses on mental flexibility and exploration of individualized patterns in self-regulation, attachment and executive functioning as a way to create familial and individual changes.
As a Psychotherapist I have had an eclectic clinical background working with the geriatric, adult, adolescent and child populations in multiple modalities including, family, and individual therapy. My work clinical work focuses on mental flexibility and exploration of individualized patterns in self-regulation, attachment and executive functioning as a way to create familial and individual changes.
![Photo of Kaitlyn Gawrylewski, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00d02a59-373b-48c3-827c-a0ba8c62f745/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kaitlyn Gawrylewski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Later childhood and adolescence are one of the most challenging times in our lives. Whether you are a caregiver looking for someone to help your child manage the stressors that arise during these stages, or a teen looking for someone to help you navigate the emerging changes and challenges, my humanistic approach may be a good fit for you! I incorporate a whole person view when working with clients. Whether you are living with anxiety, depression, experiencing difficulty in family or peer relationships, or finding it a challenge acclimating to early adulthood, my collaborative approach may be the bridge toward optimal health.
Later childhood and adolescence are one of the most challenging times in our lives. Whether you are a caregiver looking for someone to help your child manage the stressors that arise during these stages, or a teen looking for someone to help you navigate the emerging changes and challenges, my humanistic approach may be a good fit for you! I incorporate a whole person view when working with clients. Whether you are living with anxiety, depression, experiencing difficulty in family or peer relationships, or finding it a challenge acclimating to early adulthood, my collaborative approach may be the bridge toward optimal health.
![Photo of Todd Shirley, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/374201c3-6a8b-46e1-b3a8-f323b4ddb7d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Todd Shirley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Waiting lists are long, things become urgent, and good help can be hard to find. Successful, compassionate therapeautic care for you or your struggling teen is available through the counseling services I offer. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation reach out to set up an appointment or brief introductory virtual meeting. Weekend and evening appointment times are available. I know first hand how scary it can be to watch an adolescent you love struggle and suffer.
Waiting lists are long, things become urgent, and good help can be hard to find. Successful, compassionate therapeautic care for you or your struggling teen is available through the counseling services I offer. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, academic struggles, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, self injury, sexual orientation, gender identity, or suicidal ideation reach out to set up an appointment or brief introductory virtual meeting. Weekend and evening appointment times are available. I know first hand how scary it can be to watch an adolescent you love struggle and suffer.
![Photo of Holly Copeland, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e75ac1e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Holly gained expertise in treating PTSD in her position of Clinical Director of a residential facility for traumatized adolescent girls.
Holly is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years’ experience guiding adolescents, adults, children and families. She is an adept listener who has worked extensively in private practice and in a variety of clinical settings including outpatient clinics, residential treatment facilities and schools. She uses mind-body techniques and maintains a holistic healing perspective to help you achieve mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Holly is trained in a variety of modalities, including EMDR, Flash Technique, Transpersonal and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.
Holly gained expertise in treating PTSD in her position of Clinical Director of a residential facility for traumatized adolescent girls.
Holly is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years’ experience guiding adolescents, adults, children and families. She is an adept listener who has worked extensively in private practice and in a variety of clinical settings including outpatient clinics, residential treatment facilities and schools. She uses mind-body techniques and maintains a holistic healing perspective to help you achieve mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Holly is trained in a variety of modalities, including EMDR, Flash Technique, Transpersonal and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.
![Photo of Joy L Wawrzyniak, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/460c0d18-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Joy L Wawrzyniak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
The teenage years are the most vulnerable, exciting, and growing years of a young person’s life. Self discovery can often yield low self esteem, independence can easily shift to rebellion, and a slow maturation process often creates impulsive decision making. And when a parent’s warnings and worries don’t seem to have an impact on the teenager’s course, or when it feels too heavy to carry alone, it’s helpful to have another guiding force to help. Through counseling, an adolescent can feel understood, begin to understand themselves, and learn to understand and accept their role in the family and society.
The teenage years are the most vulnerable, exciting, and growing years of a young person’s life. Self discovery can often yield low self esteem, independence can easily shift to rebellion, and a slow maturation process often creates impulsive decision making. And when a parent’s warnings and worries don’t seem to have an impact on the teenager’s course, or when it feels too heavy to carry alone, it’s helpful to have another guiding force to help. Through counseling, an adolescent can feel understood, begin to understand themselves, and learn to understand and accept their role in the family and society.
![Photo of Keli Laverty, BC-DMT, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4cd6561-3920-44f5-bb10-4aa37347825a/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you are looking for a therapy experience that goes beyond talking and helps you connect to your whole self, Dance/movement therapy could be for you!! If you have tried traditional "talk" therapy and it has not produced the changes you are wanting, a Dance/Movement therapy session will help you make shifts in session (literally!) that you can apply in your everyday life. If you or your child or teen does not like to "talk" about your feelings, DMT is a solution! At my core, I see movement as our path to wellness. Movement connects us to our physiology and psychology to really affect change- we cannot just think our way to change, we need to move it! I use the body, which is never in the past or future, as a tool to help clients become aware of your own physical and emotional states in the present. I strive to connect my clients to your bodies and from there we practice techniques to empower you to embrace living in your bodies and connecting to your whole self.
If you are looking for a therapy experience that goes beyond talking and helps you connect to your whole self, Dance/movement therapy could be for you!! If you have tried traditional "talk" therapy and it has not produced the changes you are wanting, a Dance/Movement therapy session will help you make shifts in session (literally!) that you can apply in your everyday life. If you or your child or teen does not like to "talk" about your feelings, DMT is a solution! At my core, I see movement as our path to wellness. Movement connects us to our physiology and psychology to really affect change- we cannot just think our way to change, we need to move it! I use the body, which is never in the past or future, as a tool to help clients become aware of your own physical and emotional states in the present. I strive to connect my clients to your bodies and from there we practice techniques to empower you to embrace living in your bodies and connecting to your whole self.
![Photo of Peggy MacQueen, MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6565a65d-77c3-4368-bcc5-784a14ac23a6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Peggy MacQueen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335
Experience with issues related to grief &loss, sexual trauma & abuse, along with anxiety, depression, communication within marriage and family relationships, and teen & young adulthood issues.
There are seasons in life when direction from a professional can make a difference; in family relationships, peer relationships and marriage relationships. I believe in empowering people to become the best they can be by understanding from where they came. This awareness of your family of origin brings knowledge, and empowers you to work through the past and move forward to a more fulfilled life. Getting to know you and your concerns is the beginning of a therapeutic relationship which will allow me to assist in fostering your personal goals.
Experience with issues related to grief &loss, sexual trauma & abuse, along with anxiety, depression, communication within marriage and family relationships, and teen & young adulthood issues.
There are seasons in life when direction from a professional can make a difference; in family relationships, peer relationships and marriage relationships. I believe in empowering people to become the best they can be by understanding from where they came. This awareness of your family of origin brings knowledge, and empowers you to work through the past and move forward to a more fulfilled life. Getting to know you and your concerns is the beginning of a therapeutic relationship which will allow me to assist in fostering your personal goals.
![Photo of Daniel Yemin, PsyD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4054fe03-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My other areas of treatment specialization include adolescent and young adult psychology, coping with chronic illness and navigating divorce.
With 24 years of experience as a practicing clinical psychologist, I use a combination of psychodynamic, relational and cognitive behavioral strategies to increase self-awareness and insight, and to develop and strengthen coping strategies and problem solving skills among my adolescent and adult clients. Utilizing a methodologically integrated approach, my aim is to help clients identify, understand and overcome obstacles to well-being and success in the domains of relationships, family, work and school.
My other areas of treatment specialization include adolescent and young adult psychology, coping with chronic illness and navigating divorce.
With 24 years of experience as a practicing clinical psychologist, I use a combination of psychodynamic, relational and cognitive behavioral strategies to increase self-awareness and insight, and to develop and strengthen coping strategies and problem solving skills among my adolescent and adult clients. Utilizing a methodologically integrated approach, my aim is to help clients identify, understand and overcome obstacles to well-being and success in the domains of relationships, family, work and school.
![Photo of Carter Weeber, LPC, MEd, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/422b8a32-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carter Weeber
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd, MS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
I am committed to helping you meet your goals by tailoring my therapeutic approach to fit the unique needs of each child, adolescent, couple or family. By providing a warm and empathetic environment, I will collaborate with you to identify what may be holding you back from the freedom to live a more enriching life. My mission is to help you rediscover a sense of hope and encourage you to move forward with the feeling of empowerment and a renewed ability to cope with life's challenges. If desired, I enjoy integrating Christianity into our discussions.
I am committed to helping you meet your goals by tailoring my therapeutic approach to fit the unique needs of each child, adolescent, couple or family. By providing a warm and empathetic environment, I will collaborate with you to identify what may be holding you back from the freedom to live a more enriching life. My mission is to help you rediscover a sense of hope and encourage you to move forward with the feeling of empowerment and a renewed ability to cope with life's challenges. If desired, I enjoy integrating Christianity into our discussions.
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![Photo of Alexandra Pomponio - reNEW You Counseling and Wellness, LLC , MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff9fffa8-90bb-49c6-bf53-a0ce73981b1b/1/320x400.jpeg)
reNEW You Counseling and Wellness, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335
There is help for you, your child, teen, young adult, and family! We passionately serve all of our clients with the goal to help them reach their highest potential. We believe in early intervention and supporting people through their feelings, thoughts, transitions, and adversities as early as possible in order to reduce the onset of more serious psychopathology in later years. We also believe in compassionately supporting the family system and educating parents on childhood development, parenting strategies, healthier ways to manage their own emotions, breaking generational trauma, and learn healthier communication and connection.
There is help for you, your child, teen, young adult, and family! We passionately serve all of our clients with the goal to help them reach their highest potential. We believe in early intervention and supporting people through their feelings, thoughts, transitions, and adversities as early as possible in order to reduce the onset of more serious psychopathology in later years. We also believe in compassionately supporting the family system and educating parents on childhood development, parenting strategies, healthier ways to manage their own emotions, breaking generational trauma, and learn healthier communication and connection.
![Photo of Eliot Dalton, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f39fdd1d-3b5e-4f9c-bce0-934a88fa49ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eliot Dalton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335 (Online Only)
I provide individual therapy for adults and teen/adolescents via telehealth.
Your decision to seek therapy marks a significant step, and I can help guide you forward with the next. In my 10 years of experience providing therapy to adults and teens, I’ve helped individuals tackle a broad range of challenges. I utilize several evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help clients grow and meet their goals, taking the strengths from each to design a unique approach for each person. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues . Conveniently, I'm in-network with Aetna and Highmark insurances.
I provide individual therapy for adults and teen/adolescents via telehealth.
Your decision to seek therapy marks a significant step, and I can help guide you forward with the next. In my 10 years of experience providing therapy to adults and teens, I’ve helped individuals tackle a broad range of challenges. I utilize several evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help clients grow and meet their goals, taking the strengths from each to design a unique approach for each person. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues . Conveniently, I'm in-network with Aetna and Highmark insurances.
![Photo of Kimberly Dwyer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1240615-6046-4d96-911c-1f0dfe8783de/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Dwyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335 (Online Only)
Do you feel disconnected from life, work, or relationships? I work with teens, young adults, and parents to build on their strengths and break unhelpful patterns. My goals as a therapist is help clients build skills to reach their goals and feel successful in all areas of their lives. I also enjoy working with parents to develop tools and strategies to manage challenging behaviors with their child or teen. Using attachment theories to explore patterns, I work to strengthen relationships amongst families.
Do you feel disconnected from life, work, or relationships? I work with teens, young adults, and parents to build on their strengths and break unhelpful patterns. My goals as a therapist is help clients build skills to reach their goals and feel successful in all areas of their lives. I also enjoy working with parents to develop tools and strategies to manage challenging behaviors with their child or teen. Using attachment theories to explore patterns, I work to strengthen relationships amongst families.
![Photo of Sean Galiczynski - Yellow Springs Counseling, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1054f134-12ff-465a-8fdf-d5ba37372a38/1/320x400.jpeg)
Yellow Springs Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
In working with children and adolescents (ages 5-17) you accept the responsibility of meeting with a population who may not have consented to therapy. Although guardians act within the child's best interest, the intervention may not be something the adolescent supports at the time. With this understanding, my primary goal is to simply connect regardless of who walks through that door. Progress cannot occur without a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. To ensure this result, I rely on genuineness and transparency with the client. My extensive experience, both as a School Counselor and Therapist, lead my counseling direction
In working with children and adolescents (ages 5-17) you accept the responsibility of meeting with a population who may not have consented to therapy. Although guardians act within the child's best interest, the intervention may not be something the adolescent supports at the time. With this understanding, my primary goal is to simply connect regardless of who walks through that door. Progress cannot occur without a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. To ensure this result, I rely on genuineness and transparency with the client. My extensive experience, both as a School Counselor and Therapist, lead my counseling direction
![Photo of Lisa Pulliam, MA, NLC-EP, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e38b929-d99d-4e8d-aac7-ef6d556713b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I approach the healing and growth process with curiosity and compassion, focusing on stabilizing skills while exploring the root issues that may contribute to the presenting problems. With more than two decades of combined experience as a mentor, life coach, and equine-assisted coach and educator, I utilize multiple approaches for moving through anxiety, fear, stress, past and present trauma, grief and loss, college/career transitions, and relational challenges as well as developing leadership, team-building, and communication skills. I specialize in serving women, teen girls, equestrians, and leaders.
I approach the healing and growth process with curiosity and compassion, focusing on stabilizing skills while exploring the root issues that may contribute to the presenting problems. With more than two decades of combined experience as a mentor, life coach, and equine-assisted coach and educator, I utilize multiple approaches for moving through anxiety, fear, stress, past and present trauma, grief and loss, college/career transitions, and relational challenges as well as developing leadership, team-building, and communication skills. I specialize in serving women, teen girls, equestrians, and leaders.
![Photo of Martha Napolitana, MA, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/917f2ee3-5d71-406d-83f8-0092c52b43d9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Martha Napolitana
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
I use an integrative approach tailored specifically to your child or teen’s needs and goals, and work closely with you – the expert on your child – to achieve success for your family.
If you had a magic wand, how would your life be different? Would your child’s anxiety, fear, and struggles vanish? Could parenting become easy and conflict-free? When your child or adolescent struggles with behavioral, emotional, and trauma issues, it affects the whole family and makes you feel powerless and overwhelmed. Welcome to Invictus Counseling! I work with children, teens, and parents to address behaviors, emotions, and trauma and develop goals to overcome those obstacles. There’s no magic wand – but there is a way to help, to nurture, and to improve.
I use an integrative approach tailored specifically to your child or teen’s needs and goals, and work closely with you – the expert on your child – to achieve success for your family.
If you had a magic wand, how would your life be different? Would your child’s anxiety, fear, and struggles vanish? Could parenting become easy and conflict-free? When your child or adolescent struggles with behavioral, emotional, and trauma issues, it affects the whole family and makes you feel powerless and overwhelmed. Welcome to Invictus Counseling! I work with children, teens, and parents to address behaviors, emotions, and trauma and develop goals to overcome those obstacles. There’s no magic wand – but there is a way to help, to nurture, and to improve.
![Photo of Rujuta Chincholkar-Mandelia, PhD, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2427adc-abf2-46f0-99a4-d30a1ba4f72d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rujuta Chincholkar-Mandelia
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MEd
Verified Verified
Downingtown, PA 19335
By coming here, you took the hardest and most important step towards the path of healing. You are a parent seeking help for your teen daughter who is experiencing anxiety, depression and who has lost interest in her daily activities. You are a woman who is going through separation and divorce and struggling with whether you made the right decision. Whether you are feeling anxious or depressed or grieving a loss of a loved one or a relationship and you feel overwhelmed, I am here to help you! I work with teens and women who have experienced traumatic situations and feel like there is no joy in their lives.
By coming here, you took the hardest and most important step towards the path of healing. You are a parent seeking help for your teen daughter who is experiencing anxiety, depression and who has lost interest in her daily activities. You are a woman who is going through separation and divorce and struggling with whether you made the right decision. Whether you are feeling anxious or depressed or grieving a loss of a loved one or a relationship and you feel overwhelmed, I am here to help you! I work with teens and women who have experienced traumatic situations and feel like there is no joy in their lives.
![Photo of Sally Carpenter, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/544303e7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sally Carpenter
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I help adults and teens who are struggling with over-thinking, excessive worrying, feeling overwhelmed, feeling low or frequently annoyed. I work with people who want healthier relationships and more self-confidence.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I help adults and teens who are struggling with over-thinking, excessive worrying, feeling overwhelmed, feeling low or frequently annoyed. I work with people who want healthier relationships and more self-confidence.
![Photo of Molly Carlock, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5eb32b6a-411e-4be1-bb4f-78b33d433136/1/320x400.jpeg)
Molly Carlock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335 (Online Only)
Hey there! My name is Molly. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for making progress in therapy and that’s why I strive to be the relatable therapist that you're comfortable spilling your guts to. I have experience working with many populations in various settings such as outpatient counseling, hospitals and in the emergency room where I provide assessments, level of care determinations and referrals to patients who present with acute psychiatric and substance abuse disorders.
Hey there! My name is Molly. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for making progress in therapy and that’s why I strive to be the relatable therapist that you're comfortable spilling your guts to. I have experience working with many populations in various settings such as outpatient counseling, hospitals and in the emergency room where I provide assessments, level of care determinations and referrals to patients who present with acute psychiatric and substance abuse disorders.
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Teen Therapists
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.