Individual Therapy for Teens
“I got all these feelings that
I’m maskin’, Can I lay it on you?
That’s what I’m askin’”
Being a teen today can feel like juggling a million things at once. There’s school pressure, social media comparisons, worries about what’s happening in the world, and all the changes happening in your life. Trying to figure out who you are, what matters to you, and how to be more independent is a lot, and it can feel overwhelming.
It’s normal for all of this to weigh on you. Sometimes it shows up as stress, anxiety, frustration, or just feeling alone. You might feel like no one really gets it. Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and it’s okay to need support while navigating all of this.
Technology and social media alone are difficult to deal with
Technology and social media are a huge part of life, and they can be amazing for staying connected, but they can also be overwhelming. Constant comparisons, online drama, cyberbullying, and late-night scrolling can make it hard to relax, sleep, or just feel good about yourself.
Therapy is a place where you can talk about all of this openly. It’s a space to explore healthy ways to use technology, set boundaries that actually work, and build resilience against the stuff that drags you down online. It’s also about strengthening your sense of self so your confidence and self-worth don’t depend on likes, followers, or what everyone else is doing. The goal is to help you develop real-life skills to feel balanced, grounded, and confident in who you are becoming.
Other pressures
Maybe you struggle with anxiety and stress, or you’re feeling depressed or moody…feelings that can make you overwhelmed or wanting to isolate. Friendships can get complicated, and home life can sometimes be stressful. Add that to school, and everything else going on, and it’s no wonder life can feel overwhelming.
Some teens come to therapy to because they want to build self-confidence or figure out who they are. Others are dealing with big life changes like moving, their parents separating, or having to switch schools. Things that can shake up your sense of stability. Maybe you are working through grief, trauma, ADHD, or experimenting with ways to cope, like trying substances.
Whatever you’ve got going on, therapy is your space to be heard and actually understood. It’s a place to talk it out, sort through the chaos, and pick up skills that make life a little easier while you figure out who you want to be.
“Sometimes what you need most is an adult in your corner to help quiet the chaos. No judgement, no agenda, just support. ”
A Space for you
We get it…therapy for teens isn’t the same as it is for adults. Here, it’s all about building trust first, so you can talk openly without feeling judged. We’re not here to “fix” you or make you change overnight. This is a space where the pressure is lower, and you get to just be yourself.
Everyone’s experience is different. Some days you might want tools to deal with stress or anxiety. Other days, you might just need someone to listen as you vent. Whatever it is, we work with you in a way that actually makes sense for your life, not anyone else’s.
The goal isn’t perfection or having it all figured out. It’s about having a safe space to be honest, try things out, and build skills and confidence along the way. It’s your time to explore, reflect, grow, or just ‘be’…all at your own pace.
Questions teens often have about therapy
What if I don't actually know what I need?
That happens a lot. We don’t expect you to come in with all the answers. Even sitting quietly or saying “I don’t know” can be a starting point. Together, we’ll figure it out. Most often the first few sessions involve playing games or just generally getting to know each other. We won’t move faster than you feel comfortable.
Do I have to talk about things I don’t want to?
That’s an easy one…no. You get to decide what you share. Sometimes it takes a while to feel comfortable, and that’s okay. Pressure is what you face outside of this space…not inside it.
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
Are you going to tell my parents what we talk about?
In general, what you discuss is kept private. This allows you to feel safe being honest and open about your thoughts, feelings, and struggles. But there are some situations when we are required to involve parents or appropriate supports:
Safety Concerns: If you share that you are at risk of harming yourself or others.
Abuse or neglect: If there is suspicion of abuse or neglect, therapists are legally mandated to report this.
Significant health or safety risks: If a serious situation arises that places you or someone else in danger.
The goal is for what you say in therapy to stay between your therapist and you. Sometimes we may encourage you to share important insights with your parents, but that will always be up to you.
Does my family get involved?
Therapy is your space first. But sometimes things actually get easier when the people at home get some support too. And don’t worry, you get to decide if and how they’re involved.
Here’s what it could look like (only if you’re ok with it):
Quick check-ins: Fast updates so parents know how to actually support you instead of guessing.
Parent tips: Helping them get what you’re going through and giving them better ways to respond.
Family sessions: If it feels right, sitting down together to cut the drama, communicate better, and make home less stressful.
It’s never about handing over control. It’s about giving you (and your family, if you want) the tools to make life smoother and relationships less complicated.
Bottom line: therapy’s your place to figure things out, without all the pressure. Because at the end of the day, you deserve a space that’s just for you.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
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That’s okay. Not every therapist is the right fit for every person. If it doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t mean therapy won’t work—it just means we need to find a therapist you connect with better. With your permission, we’ll go about finding some other folks that you can meet with.
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Therapy is about your goals. Your parents might have concerns or want to support you, but ultimately we work with you to figure out what matters most to you and what will help you feel better.
In can be helpful for parents to be involved in some ways, like helping support you at home, but what you talk about in sessions is private unless there’s a safety concern. You get to have a say in your own therapy.
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That’s okay. Feeling unsure or nervous is normal. Therapy works best when you feel like you have a choice…we will go at your pace. You don’t have to have all the answers—you can start small and just see how it feels.
