Working with Teens

The teenage years are full of change. Between brain development, friendships, school, family relationships, identity, and increasing independence, it can feel overwhelming for both teens and their parents. It is a season of life where emotions can feel bigger, stress can feel heavier, and knowing how to ask for help is not always easy.

I feel privileged to have worked alongside teens throughout my career. I genuinely enjoy helping them better understand themselves, their emotions, and the way their brain and nervous system respond to life's challenges. My goal is not simply to teach coping skills, it is to help teens make sense of what they are experiencing so they can build confidence, resilience, and healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Some of the concerns I commonly support teens with include:

• Anxiety (social, school, and test anxiety)

• Trauma

• Depression

• Self-esteem and body image

• Emotional regulation

• Self-harm and suicidal thoughts

• Grief and loss

• Friendship and relationship challenges

• Family conflict and communication

• Separation or divorce within the family

• Substance use

• Building healthy boundaries and confidence

Every teen is different. While the skills we work on may be similar to those I use with adults, I tailor my approach to each teen's stage of development, personality, and goals. Change during adolescence can sometimes take time because there are so many developmental, emotional, and social changes happening all at once. Progress is about helping teens take small, meaningful steps while the important adults in their lives continue to support and grow alongside them.

Working Together with Parents

Parents play an important role in the counselling process. My goal is to support both your teen and your family while creating a space where your teen feels safe enough to be honest, explore challenges, and develop greater self-awareness.

For therapy to be effective, teens need to know they have a reasonable level of privacy. This does not mean parents are left out. Rather, we work together to find an appropriate balance between confidentiality and parental involvement. Whenever possible, I encourage collaboration and open communication while respecting your teen's need for trust and independence. If there are concerns related to safety or situations where a parent needs to be informed, I will always communicate those openly.

Supporting Your Teen with Context and Compassion

It is important to remember that therapy is a space where teens can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences from their own perspective. Like all of us, teens may sometimes describe situations based on how they experienced them in the moment, which may not always include every part of the story or the perspectives of others involved.

My role is not to determine who is right or wrong. Instead, I help teens develop self-awareness, understand their emotions and responses, take responsibility for their choices, and learn healthier ways to navigate challenges. At times, I may encourage parents to provide brief updates before a session, especially when there has been a significant conflict, change, or concern at home. This additional context helps me better understand the bigger picture and provide more effective support.

As teens begin to feel understood in therapy, they may express themselves differently at home. This does not mean therapy is encouraging them to blame parents or avoid responsibility. Often, feeling validated creates the safety needed for teens to explore difficult emotions, recognize their role in situations, and learn new ways of communicating.

My hope is to partner with both teens and parents, helping each better understand themselves and one another while building healthier ways of communicating, connecting, and growing together.