Therapists for Teens in Hendersonville, NC
![Photo of Amanda Wasserman, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02feb3fb-6450-4f98-bba4-a7c850c45db1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Wasserman
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28739
I have extensive experience working with adolescent and adult clients with eating disorders and other emotional disorders.
Do you constantly reminisce back to a time in your life when things just “felt better?” We as humans tend to avoid things that make us uncomfortable, whether it be conversations, places, or even emotions. My goal as your therapist is to support you while you explore what is presently keeping you from feeling better as we identify and address what's keeping you stuck.
I have extensive experience working with adolescent and adult clients with eating disorders and other emotional disorders.
Do you constantly reminisce back to a time in your life when things just “felt better?” We as humans tend to avoid things that make us uncomfortable, whether it be conversations, places, or even emotions. My goal as your therapist is to support you while you explore what is presently keeping you from feeling better as we identify and address what's keeping you stuck.
![Photo of Mary Monaghan, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b20c3030-52d2-48f3-a60a-aceaaf6d17b4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Monaghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol, harmful eating patterns, self-harm, or fall back on other old habits to cope with your emotions. You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or fear. Maybe you are in recovery from addiction or an eating disorder, and are having trouble maintaining your progress. You may be navigating your gender and sexual identify. Or perhaps you are concerned that your teenager is dealing with some of these issues. Whatever you are facing, you are not alone! I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.
Stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and fear can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol, harmful eating patterns, self-harm, or fall back on other old habits to cope with your emotions. You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or fear. Maybe you are in recovery from addiction or an eating disorder, and are having trouble maintaining your progress. You may be navigating your gender and sexual identify. Or perhaps you are concerned that your teenager is dealing with some of these issues. Whatever you are facing, you are not alone! I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.
![Photo of Susan Tinsley Daily, MS, MAT, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48edcbe3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My specialities include teen issues, supporting queer youth, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, healthy relationships and sexual activity, sexual harassment and assault, impulsivity, internet addiction, parenting, divorce, ASD, and interpersonal and social skill development.
I help teenagers and adults move through life transitions. Topics such as school, friendships, dating, parents, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual activity, substance use, trauma and making choices can invoke all sorts of emotions. I will be non-judgmental, empathetic, humorous and tough-loving, and I'll ask you to be courageous, vulnerable and curious about your thoughts and behaviors. Together we will create insights, change habits, confront fears and self-defeating choices, and strengthen your relationship with yourself and others.
My specialities include teen issues, supporting queer youth, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, healthy relationships and sexual activity, sexual harassment and assault, impulsivity, internet addiction, parenting, divorce, ASD, and interpersonal and social skill development.
I help teenagers and adults move through life transitions. Topics such as school, friendships, dating, parents, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual activity, substance use, trauma and making choices can invoke all sorts of emotions. I will be non-judgmental, empathetic, humorous and tough-loving, and I'll ask you to be courageous, vulnerable and curious about your thoughts and behaviors. Together we will create insights, change habits, confront fears and self-defeating choices, and strengthen your relationship with yourself and others.
![Photo of Syd Speer - Syd Speer, LCMHC/Asheville Integrative Counseling, MA, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a8b9ffe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Syd Speer, LCMHC/Asheville Integrative Counseling
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792
I assist couples wanting to enrich, realign, and re-energize their relationship, offer individual psychotherapy to relieve mood and anxiety conditions, and family counseling to assist with re-solution of child and adolescent associated behavioral problems.
I believe that authentic & supportive relationship is the catalyst for positive change! I help couples, families & individuals better understand themselves & each other. I have extensive experience with relationship repair & enrichment, supporting families & individuals adjusting to separation & divorce, as well as successfully treating mood & anxiety problems. I have specialized training in Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting, Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Therapy, Addiction Recovery support, alternative/integrative processes including Emotional Kinesiology, Single's Coaching, Heartmath, and several other modes of assisting change!
I assist couples wanting to enrich, realign, and re-energize their relationship, offer individual psychotherapy to relieve mood and anxiety conditions, and family counseling to assist with re-solution of child and adolescent associated behavioral problems.
I believe that authentic & supportive relationship is the catalyst for positive change! I help couples, families & individuals better understand themselves & each other. I have extensive experience with relationship repair & enrichment, supporting families & individuals adjusting to separation & divorce, as well as successfully treating mood & anxiety problems. I have specialized training in Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting, Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Therapy, Addiction Recovery support, alternative/integrative processes including Emotional Kinesiology, Single's Coaching, Heartmath, and several other modes of assisting change!
![Photo of Taylor Maxson, MS, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80067001-cedf-4f10-8c52-b43d6a4db945/3/320x400.jpeg)
Taylor Maxson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28739
You are an adult who wants to better understand and manage your relationship to neurodevelopmental challenges like ADHD and ASD. You likely know that these come with immense strengths and often many burdens, seen and unseen. You need a collaborator in making sense of where to begin (if looking for a diagnosis or recently diagnosed), what to expect, and to help you persist toward your desired and valued life. You may be a parent/s who wants to better support a struggling child/teen. or you may be experiencing other developmental and/or executive function challenges.
You are an adult who wants to better understand and manage your relationship to neurodevelopmental challenges like ADHD and ASD. You likely know that these come with immense strengths and often many burdens, seen and unseen. You need a collaborator in making sense of where to begin (if looking for a diagnosis or recently diagnosed), what to expect, and to help you persist toward your desired and valued life. You may be a parent/s who wants to better support a struggling child/teen. or you may be experiencing other developmental and/or executive function challenges.
![Photo of Melissa Kay Ciocian, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1804aece-6bb9-4120-aec2-e9f5614d0427/3/320x400.jpeg)
Adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, all stages of life present unique challenges that are sometimes best navigated with support. Just the right help, in an empathetic therapy setting, often makes all the difference. Whether you are a parent, a teen, or a young adult experiencing challenging symptoms related to your mental health, we will work together to find your truth, bring to light goals, focus on strengths, and instill a sense of resiliency and self-worth that are critical to one's ability to evolve and thrive.
Adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, all stages of life present unique challenges that are sometimes best navigated with support. Just the right help, in an empathetic therapy setting, often makes all the difference. Whether you are a parent, a teen, or a young adult experiencing challenging symptoms related to your mental health, we will work together to find your truth, bring to light goals, focus on strengths, and instill a sense of resiliency and self-worth that are critical to one's ability to evolve and thrive.
![Photo of Vanessa Guerrero, MA, LCMHC-A, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63b72da1-0410-4fda-8791-69260248fd67/3/320x400.jpeg)
Vanessa Guerrero
LCMHC Associate, MA, LCMHC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28739 (Online Only)
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
![Photo of Dustin L Nisley, MSW, LCSW, CSAM, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33370c95-3afc-4014-a3de-9d24fd930c03/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dustin L Nisley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSAM
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Has life ever kicked you down and as you were trying to recover from the setback, it felt as though no matter what you did or do, you just can't seem to get back up again? Thoughts and feelings of 'being stuck' ever cross your mind? As we go through life, it can be easy to look for things to blame our struggles on, and as we continue to build these expectations, it's as if we were never in control in the first place! Shifting thoughts, feelings, and perspectives about certain events that happen to us can be an extraordinary challenge; a process that can sometimes take many weeks, months, or even years. And that's okay!
Has life ever kicked you down and as you were trying to recover from the setback, it felt as though no matter what you did or do, you just can't seem to get back up again? Thoughts and feelings of 'being stuck' ever cross your mind? As we go through life, it can be easy to look for things to blame our struggles on, and as we continue to build these expectations, it's as if we were never in control in the first place! Shifting thoughts, feelings, and perspectives about certain events that happen to us can be an extraordinary challenge; a process that can sometimes take many weeks, months, or even years. And that's okay!
![Photo of Brian Dugdale, MA, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e85c272-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brian Dugdale
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28739
I provide relational and person-centered therapy to individuals, couples, and families. For the last 14 years I have served a diverse population in treating mental health needs including, anxiety, addiction, relationship/marital trouble, and negative behavior/thinking patterns. People often come wanting a solution to these and many other problems. In my practice, I have found success in helping people look deeper than the surface or for an easy solution. I wish I could promise an easy road ahead. What I can promise is compassion, empathy, support, and guided help on this road to healing.
I provide relational and person-centered therapy to individuals, couples, and families. For the last 14 years I have served a diverse population in treating mental health needs including, anxiety, addiction, relationship/marital trouble, and negative behavior/thinking patterns. People often come wanting a solution to these and many other problems. In my practice, I have found success in helping people look deeper than the surface or for an easy solution. I wish I could promise an easy road ahead. What I can promise is compassion, empathy, support, and guided help on this road to healing.
![Photo of Ardelle Bland, PhD, LCMHC, LPCMHSP, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17115e88-8f80-4396-92c9-918e93aa21cf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ardelle Bland
Counselor, PhD, LCMHC, LPCMHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792
I believe we all have baggage from experiences we have had in this life and that we had to find a way to survive, and we did. Survive, that is. Maybe we didn’t use the best strategy long-term, but we got through it. Then later in life we might realize a habit was formed. Perhaps that habit is causing some problems. Maybe that habit is yelling at people, or maybe it’s an addiction of some kind, maybe it’s being on high alert, maybe it’s anxiety, maybe it’s food. The list goes on. I believe we all carry baggage of some kind. But I also believe in healing. I believe we can change.
I believe we all have baggage from experiences we have had in this life and that we had to find a way to survive, and we did. Survive, that is. Maybe we didn’t use the best strategy long-term, but we got through it. Then later in life we might realize a habit was formed. Perhaps that habit is causing some problems. Maybe that habit is yelling at people, or maybe it’s an addiction of some kind, maybe it’s being on high alert, maybe it’s anxiety, maybe it’s food. The list goes on. I believe we all carry baggage of some kind. But I also believe in healing. I believe we can change.
![Photo of Alex VanDyke, LCMHCA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0dea12a4-85e8-44ff-9dca-2eb2661c3e1e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alex VanDyke
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28791 (Online Only)
Healing isn't linear, it's a courageous journey with ups and downs. Wherever you are along that journey, whatever trials and tribulations you have faced, and wherever you aim to land, you have already made the vulnerable choice to show up for yourself by seeking support. There is immense strength in doing so. I believe that resilience is not just a trait we possess; it's something we actively uncover and cultivate in ourselves. I am dedicated to walking alongside you as you uncover the resilience that already resides within you.
Healing isn't linear, it's a courageous journey with ups and downs. Wherever you are along that journey, whatever trials and tribulations you have faced, and wherever you aim to land, you have already made the vulnerable choice to show up for yourself by seeking support. There is immense strength in doing so. I believe that resilience is not just a trait we possess; it's something we actively uncover and cultivate in ourselves. I am dedicated to walking alongside you as you uncover the resilience that already resides within you.
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![Photo of Hunter Waldrop, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/236ce43d-5c0c-424c-837c-b59706fbe276/1/320x400.jpeg)
Change can be difficult. Therapy provides support as you adapt to life's countless changes and curveballs. As a clinical social worker, I have spent time working alongside teens, young adults, and adults as they work through issues varying from hospitalization to exploring substance use and its effects on daily life, behavioral issues, and family conflict. I draw extensively from Maslow's hierarchy of needs and help clients explore their immediate basic needs and safety while addressing love and belonging, self-esteem, and spiritual aspects of daily life.
Change can be difficult. Therapy provides support as you adapt to life's countless changes and curveballs. As a clinical social worker, I have spent time working alongside teens, young adults, and adults as they work through issues varying from hospitalization to exploring substance use and its effects on daily life, behavioral issues, and family conflict. I draw extensively from Maslow's hierarchy of needs and help clients explore their immediate basic needs and safety while addressing love and belonging, self-esteem, and spiritual aspects of daily life.
![Photo of Ashley Newbrough, MA, MT-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2939a01c-0a13-453a-be4a-052f93181ba2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Newbrough
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MA, MT-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Do you feel the pain of grief, disconnect, or relational strain? Maybe your relationship with yourself needs tending. My clients have taught me that our struggles make sense in context! At the same time, you don't have to remain "stuck" there in the struggle. Together, we will take a systemic and holistic view, where we put the pieces together to make shifts to help you thrive. I don't believe in "therapist talk" and try to learn how you experience the world so I can help you develop new ways of being with yourself, with others, with the people and things that matter most and give your life meaning.
Do you feel the pain of grief, disconnect, or relational strain? Maybe your relationship with yourself needs tending. My clients have taught me that our struggles make sense in context! At the same time, you don't have to remain "stuck" there in the struggle. Together, we will take a systemic and holistic view, where we put the pieces together to make shifts to help you thrive. I don't believe in "therapist talk" and try to learn how you experience the world so I can help you develop new ways of being with yourself, with others, with the people and things that matter most and give your life meaning.
![Photo of Damaris Cortes-Figueroa - DC Wellness, LCMHC, MS/P, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9220c959-e888-4a13-b2ae-82e25021701b/1/320x400.jpeg)
DC Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, MS/P, NCC
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Waitlist for new clients
Damaris works as an outpatient/school-based counselor providing services to both children and adults in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Damaris loves to listen to people and guide them to identify and build their strengths on what they truly love. Some of the issues she currently addresses include understanding and managing anxiety, defiant behaviors, bipolar disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as navigating new mental health and physical health diagnosis, grief or divorce.
Damaris works as an outpatient/school-based counselor providing services to both children and adults in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Damaris loves to listen to people and guide them to identify and build their strengths on what they truly love. Some of the issues she currently addresses include understanding and managing anxiety, defiant behaviors, bipolar disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as navigating new mental health and physical health diagnosis, grief or divorce.
![Photo of Aubrey Baptista, MA, LCMHC, QS, ATR-BC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8b03070-e379-40a1-b3b7-109c8a65904b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Aubrey Baptista
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, QS, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
25 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Welcoming New Clients. Did you know that if you have ADHD, you are more likely to struggle with anxiety & depression? You may struggle in your lifetime with unemployment or underperformance at work. It's likely that you have a strong sense of justice, leaving you exhausted living in a world that becomes less fair day by day. People often misunderstand your intentions and you may have developed some anxiety around others. If only you could feel more confident, get along with people better, and more calm. Being neurodiverse is cool, but it's hard too!
Welcoming New Clients. Did you know that if you have ADHD, you are more likely to struggle with anxiety & depression? You may struggle in your lifetime with unemployment or underperformance at work. It's likely that you have a strong sense of justice, leaving you exhausted living in a world that becomes less fair day by day. People often misunderstand your intentions and you may have developed some anxiety around others. If only you could feel more confident, get along with people better, and more calm. Being neurodiverse is cool, but it's hard too!
![Photo of Tina Okpych, MA, LCMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f758445-c5d3-4c8f-8856-a15cf521516c/3/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with individuals as they navigate their way through challenging life experiences. I am committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients are able to develop a better understanding of themselves and their world. I feel it is imperative to form relationships built on trust, and believe that real progress can only be achieved when such a relationship exists.
I enjoy working with individuals as they navigate their way through challenging life experiences. I am committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients are able to develop a better understanding of themselves and their world. I feel it is imperative to form relationships built on trust, and believe that real progress can only be achieved when such a relationship exists.
![Photo of Ellen M Pallme, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/327bfb06-061e-4784-b8a7-c0ffa2f6742c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ellen M Pallme
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Are you considering making changes in your life? Do you wonder "how did I get here when all I was doing was trying to feel better?" Whether trauma, mental health, or addiction has created challenges in your life, if you are wanting to learn skills and gain an understanding of your situation, and even a willingness to be a little uncomfortable, I would like to share with you ways to achieve your goals. My goal is to create a safe environment where clients feel accepted as they are.
Are you considering making changes in your life? Do you wonder "how did I get here when all I was doing was trying to feel better?" Whether trauma, mental health, or addiction has created challenges in your life, if you are wanting to learn skills and gain an understanding of your situation, and even a willingness to be a little uncomfortable, I would like to share with you ways to achieve your goals. My goal is to create a safe environment where clients feel accepted as they are.
![Photo of J Ann Lentini, MD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb9f8e07-d559-4864-bd1f-d7450ba5077a/5/320x400.png)
Stepping into therapy can be daunting. We have all had times in our life of feeling stuck and unable to find a way to move forward without assistance. Consider this if you find yourself hesitant to ask for help. If you are ready to take the next step, just send me a short inquiry email or text. I respond to all contacts. My style of working is very individualized. I use a variety of approaches to meet people where they are.
Stepping into therapy can be daunting. We have all had times in our life of feeling stuck and unable to find a way to move forward without assistance. Consider this if you find yourself hesitant to ask for help. If you are ready to take the next step, just send me a short inquiry email or text. I respond to all contacts. My style of working is very individualized. I use a variety of approaches to meet people where they are.
![Photo of Alec Rothschild, LCMHCA, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67233abb-5c5c-4a27-8279-e641d4cb2ad7/2/320x400.png)
Welcome! Thank you for stopping by. My name is Alec Rothschild, and I am an Asheville based counselor working with adolescents and young adults. I specialize in working with neurodiverse individuals, LGBTQIA+ individuals, those struggling with relationships, processing trauma, or struggling with their mood, anxiety, or depression. My approach incorporates mindfulness, somatic techniques, and in-the-moment experiments. I'm committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their background. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC individuals, and people of all religions are warmly welcomed.
Welcome! Thank you for stopping by. My name is Alec Rothschild, and I am an Asheville based counselor working with adolescents and young adults. I specialize in working with neurodiverse individuals, LGBTQIA+ individuals, those struggling with relationships, processing trauma, or struggling with their mood, anxiety, or depression. My approach incorporates mindfulness, somatic techniques, and in-the-moment experiments. I'm committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their background. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC individuals, and people of all religions are warmly welcomed.
![Photo of Celeste McKeever, LCMHC, LMHC, RRT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e701ed5-457f-45d8-80e0-e182eb762bce/5/320x400.jpeg)
Celeste McKeever
Counselor, LCMHC, LMHC, RRT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792 (Online Only)
Licensed in FL and NC. Do you want to feel more connected? In therapy we’ll get to the root of what holds you back, heal, and integrate new ways of being. I specialize in deepening relationships, healing attachment wounds, attachment styles, LGBTQIA+, and conscious living. This work is very personal to me. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to healing generational trauma, and supporting others on their journey. Deep understanding is the most powerful healer. If you want to embrace all of your emotions and all parts of yourself and others; call me. I’d love to hear from you!
Licensed in FL and NC. Do you want to feel more connected? In therapy we’ll get to the root of what holds you back, heal, and integrate new ways of being. I specialize in deepening relationships, healing attachment wounds, attachment styles, LGBTQIA+, and conscious living. This work is very personal to me. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to healing generational trauma, and supporting others on their journey. Deep understanding is the most powerful healer. If you want to embrace all of your emotions and all parts of yourself and others; call me. I’d love to hear from you!
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Nearby Teen Therapists Searches for Hendersonville
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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.