Frequently Asked Questions (And Concerns) About Teen Therapy

It’s very common for teens to feel reluctant about starting therapy. I encourage parents to ask their teen to try a few sessions—usually 3–4—to see how it feels. Often, teens discover that therapy isn’t what they expected and begin to appreciate having a space that’s just for them.

If at any point your teen, you, or I feel that it’s not the right fit), we’ll talk about it openly. My goal is for your family to have a positive experience in therapy, even if that means helping you find another therapist who’s a better fit.

If your teen continues to refuse therapy, I often encourage parents to consider beginning their own therapy. Supporting a teen who is struggling—especially one who resists help—can feel confusing, isolating, and emotionally draining. Your own therapy can offer:

• Support and perspective as you navigate your teen’s moods, behaviors, and boundaries.
• Space to process your own reactions, fears, or frustrations so they don’t become the focus of family conflict.
• Guidance on communication strategies that can reduce power struggles and foster more connection.
• Modeling healthy coping and openness—when parents engage in their own growth, teens often take notice and become more open to doing the same in time.

Even if your teen isn’t ready to step into therapy yet, your work can help create a calmer, more supportive environment that increases the likelihood they’ll come around later.

I take care to create a space where teens feel seen, respected, and safe to express themselves. I use creativity, humor, and flexibility to connect with each individual and to find communication styles that feel natural—whether that’s through talking, writing, art, or other forms of expression.

Therapy isn’t about forcing conversation—it’s about meeting your teen where they are and helping them find their own way to speak about what matters most.

It’s normal for teens (and adults!) to view the world through their own unique lens. Everyone’s perception is shaped by their experiences, emotions, and developmental stage. Part of therapy involves understanding your teen’s “inner logic” and gently helping them test how it holds up in real life.

Teens often think in all-or-nothing terms—either blaming themselves too much or not enough. Simply correcting them with logic rarely changes this. What does help is when they feel heard and respected. Feeling understood opens the door for reflection, accountability, and growth.

Your teen’s therapy is a confidential space. I maintain this privacy so your child can feel secure sharing openly. However, parents remain important partners in the process. I’ll share safety concerns, treatment recommendations, and offer guidance on how you can support your teen’s progress at home.  You’re always welcome to reach out with questions or updates on what you're observing at home. 

Confidentiality is crucial for building trust with teens. What your teen shares in therapy stays private unless there is a safety concern—such as harm to self or others—or if they give permission for specific information to be shared.

Preserving privacy allows therapy to become a place where your teen can think freely, explore identity, and make choices from a sense of ownership rather than pressure. In the absence of threat, teens are more able to evaluate what’s working in their lives and make meaningful, self-directed change.

Therapy is not about teaching lessons or giving quick advice—it’s about facilitating an experience that helps your teen see themselves and their choices more clearly. Real change happens when a teen begins to take ownership of their actions, emotions, and relationships.

Adolescents, like all people, change when they are ready. My role is to create the kind of environment that makes that readiness possible—one where your teen feels safe enough to look inward, reflect honestly, and experiment with new ways of being.

Therapy helps teens learn to:

• See themselves more clearly
• Tolerate and integrate mixed feelings
• Develop healthier ways to manage emotions and relationships
• Take greater ownership of their choices and lives

Adolescence is full of ambivalence—wanting independence but fearing it, wanting connection but needing privacy. Therapy provides a space to explore these inner conflicts safely, helping your teen move toward greater self-awareness, responsibility, and fulfillment.