Individual Therapy with Teens

Times are complicated for teens.

Being a teenager today just isn’t the same as in past generations.

Besides the age-old culprits such as hormones, social awkwardness, and the perpetual struggle to be good enough, this generation must also battle constant bombardment by detrimental social media influences.

To make it even worse, the advent of social media as a replacement for in-person human relationships leaves many vulnerable young people without the buffer of positive self-esteem and encouragement that comes from real-life, in-person friends and social groups.

It’s tough to be a teenager!

Therapy is about you, the teen.

Individual Therapy is usually a one-on-one visit in a private setting with only you and me present. What we discuss is confidential. Unless you give me some indication you might harm yourself or someone else, I won’t share what you tell me in therapy without your permission.

However, situations may arise that warrant inviting other people into therapy. For example, if you’re not 18 or older, there will be documents that require a parent’s signature.

Others might help bring resolution.

While therapy is about you, you may have a concern that involves another family member or a problem that depends on someone else’s cooperation for its solution.

Or there may be a sensitive situation that requires a difficult conversation between you and someone you care about.

When these kinds of things come up, bringing those involved into therapy for a particular period and purpose is often helpful.

Gaining information helps meet your needs.

The main purpose of our initial meeting is for me to find out about your physical health, your emotional and behavioral history, your family and social connections, your spiritual and cultural beliefs, and so on.

It’s been my experience that most teens aren’t aware of their complete biological, social, and family histories, so I rely on parents (or other caregivers who know you and your history well) to fill in the gaps for me – and you.

I also make it a priority to give parents ample opportunity to express their concerns regarding your treatment, behavior, attitude, and so forth. There will be time set aside periodically for parents to speak with me privately or for them to speak to you and me together about their thoughts and feelings.

Therapy can make it less complicated.

Through therapy you’ll gain insight and learn skills that will enable you to manage both your emotions and behavior.

For a more detailed description of my typical therapy process, refer to the ABOUT page.

Either an office or telehealth consultation can be made by the click of a button.