Preteen and Teen Therapy
Working with preteens and teens requires a unique approach. Adolescence brings rapid physical, emotional, and social changes, and it’s not uncommon for parents to feel like their teen is speaking a foreign language. Teens face pressure and influence from peers, school, social media, and the outside world. Sometimes, they just need someone to talk to who is not a family member or friend.
Understanding Teen Development
Changes in teens often coincide with puberty, which can begin as early as age 11 (or younger in some cases). Hormonal shifts influence mood, behavior, and body changes. During this time, symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, or low self-esteem may emerge.
Teens go through multiple physical and psychological developmental milestones. As they navigate these changes, they benefit from love, support, and structure, along with guidance from a therapist who understands adolescent development.
Changes in teens often coincide with puberty, which can begin as early as age 11 (or younger in some cases). Hormonal shifts influence mood, behavior, and body changes. During this time, symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, or low self-esteem may emerge.
Teens go through multiple physical and psychological developmental milestones. As they navigate these changes, they benefit from love, support, and structure, along with guidance from a therapist who understands adolescent development.
Involving Your Teen in the Process
It’s important to involve your teen in the search for a counselor. Discuss what qualities matter to them and ensure they feel comfortable with the therapist. When teens feel understood and supported, therapy is much more effective.
It’s important to involve your teen in the search for a counselor. Discuss what qualities matter to them and ensure they feel comfortable with the therapist. When teens feel understood and supported, therapy is much more effective.
How Our Therapists Help Teens
Not all therapists specialize in working with teens, and connecting with this age group can be challenging. Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based techniques to help teens open up and engage in therapy, including:
Not all therapists specialize in working with teens, and connecting with this age group can be challenging. Our therapists use a variety of evidence-based techniques to help teens open up and engage in therapy, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – for anxiety, depression, and stress management
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – teaching emotional regulation and coping skills
- Motivational Interviewing – empowering teens to take an active role in their growth
- Family-Inclusive Approaches – when appropriate, involving family to support communication and relationships
- Person-Centered Therapy – creating a safe space where teens feel heard and valued
Areas that we specialize in working with preteens and teens include:
- Self-esteem & self confidence
- Depression/Mood Issues
- Peer relationships & negative peer influence
- Anxiety/Nervousness
- ADHD & learning difficulties
- Academic underachievement
- Running away
- Anger management
- Coping with parents’ separation or divorce
- Abuse
- Bullying
- Issues with internet, texting, and social media use
- Oppositional & defiant behavior
- Self-harming behaviors (cutting, scratching, burning, etc.)
- Stress