Therapy for Teens

I work with teens ages 14 and up, with a particular focus on anxiety, overwhelm, perfectionism, and big emotions.

Some teens come to therapy experiencing panic, physical discomfort connected to anxiety, or a general sense that something feels wrong even when it is hard to explain exactly what. Others may be very hard on themselves, feel pressure to get things right, or need support building more self-compassion.

Parents often reach out because they can see that their teen is struggling, but they are not always sure what is going on or how to help anymore. Their teen may say that they are having a hard time but struggle to put it into words, or they may brush off support even when it is clear they are distressed.

That can be a hard place to be as a parent. Teens are becoming more independent and want more autonomy, while still needing support from the adults around them.


What does teen therapy look like?

The first session usually involves taking a thorough history and understanding what’s been going on. From there, we work together to identify what your teen would like to get out of therapy.

Goals are individual, but teens I work with may want to:

  • build coping skills for big emotions

  • reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms

  • increase confidence and self-esteem

  • have a place to express themselves

  • improve emotional regulation - build skills for executive functioning

  • become less perfectionistic and more self-compassionate

Sessions are often more structured, with me bringing in activities, skills, or interventions that connect directly to the goals we have identified. We may practice tools together in session, talk through what is happening underneath intense emotions, or work on ways to understand and respond to anxiety differently.

For some teens, simply having a space where they do not have to have everything figured out can be important too.

I want teens to leave therapy with more understanding of what is going on for them and with tools they can use in their everyday lives.

Teen Therapy FAQ