Teen Therapy

Psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as “talk therapy,” offers a collaborative space for teens to explore identity, manage peer and family relationships, and work through the emotional transitions of this stage of life. Many adolescents come to therapy seeking relief from intense anxiety, excessive worry, intrusive or overwhelming thoughts, low mood, social challenges, behaviors that feel hard to control (often driven by anxiety), or a sense of feeling “stuck.”

For a deeper dive into psychotherapy itself, parents and teens may find the Psychotherapy for Adults page a helpful starting point.

What Is Psychotherapy for Teens?

At its core, psychotherapy for adolescents is similar to therapy for adults. It is a space to speak openly and gain clarity on thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Teens often struggle with persistent worries, confusing or intense emotions, intrusive thoughts, and challenges they do not fully understand (including behaviors that feel difficult to manage and are frequently rooted in anxiety). These are universal human experiences. At the same time, adolescence brings its own complexities because development happens quickly at this stage and family context often plays a central role.

Areas We Explore

Therapy can cover a wide range of topics depending on the teen’s needs. These may include school pressures, peer dynamics, family tensions, intense emotions such as anger or sadness, excessive worry or intrusive thoughts, anxiety-driven behaviors that feel out of control, challenges with motivation, or difficulties following a traumatic event. The goal is generally to ease emotional overwhelm, strengthen self-understanding, and uncover choices that reflect how the young person hopes to live. Sessions draw from the teen’s priorities and from parental insights so that varying perspectives are considered in developmentally appropriate ways.

My Approach

My approach is not homework-driven or directive, nor is it structured like school. Instead, it is an open exploration of an individual’s experiences and challenges during their transitional period. The work is collaborative and flexible, evolving from the topics brought to each session, while addressing recurring themes that may underlie struggles (such as anxiety, worry, or intrusive thoughts). Together, we consider where these challenges might be coming from and explore ways to address them to help the teen gain insight, develop strategies, and make choices that align with their goals.

Parents and Involvement

Most adolescents enter therapy at a parent’s request. This can influence motivation and may create differing views of what feels most important. When helpful, family sessions are incorporated to support open communication, clarify expectations, and find balance between perspectives. Parents play a supportive role in the therapeutic process while allowing space for the teen’s independence and self-expression.