Therapists for Teens in Kelowna, BC

Photo of Laura Belland, Counsellor in Kelowna, BC
Laura Belland
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Kelowna, BC V1Y
My Expertise: anxiety/social anxiety, perfectionism, and depression - Limiting beliefs, and negative thoughts that keep resurfacing - Negative body image and disordered eating - Self-esteem and self-worth - kBeing stuck and barriers to becoming your most vibrant self- Adolescent and teen issues: friendships and difficult emotions - Counselling for Parents.
Hi there, my name is Laura Belland. I specialize in CBT, self-compassion therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I believe we can often be our own worst enemies and harshest critics, and I hope to help you grow and get past any negative thinking to become your most alive and thriving self; through CBT, compassionate self-care, and mindfulness amongst other strategies. I am passionate about working with clients experiencing anxiety, social anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and depression. I have experience helping those with limiting beliefs about themselves, negative body image, and disordered eating.
My Expertise: anxiety/social anxiety, perfectionism, and depression - Limiting beliefs, and negative thoughts that keep resurfacing - Negative body image and disordered eating - Self-esteem and self-worth - kBeing stuck and barriers to becoming your most vibrant self- Adolescent and teen issues: friendships and difficult emotions - Counselling for Parents.
Hi there, my name is Laura Belland. I specialize in CBT, self-compassion therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I believe we can often be our own worst enemies and harshest critics, and I hope to help you grow and get past any negative thinking to become your most alive and thriving self; through CBT, compassionate self-care, and mindfulness amongst other strategies. I am passionate about working with clients experiencing anxiety, social anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and depression. I have experience helping those with limiting beliefs about themselves, negative body image, and disordered eating.
(226) 785-3042 View (226) 785-3042
Photo of Haida Gaede, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kelowna, BC
Haida Gaede
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RCC, MSW RSW, PgDip, BEd, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1Y
If you're in search of supportive and affirming counselling therapy for yourself, your child, or adolescent, please reach out.
Available evenings & weekends. I’m Haida, a dedicated Clinician specialized in helping people navigate life's intricacies with empathy and understanding. I provide an inclusive and non-judgmental space where each person can feel deeply valued for who they are as they explore their unique thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In my view, therapy is not just about addressing problems, but also cultivating personal growth. Whether you are facing issues related to mental health, school difficulties, identity, relationships, or simply needing a nurturing environment to express yourself, I'm here to support you.
If you're in search of supportive and affirming counselling therapy for yourself, your child, or adolescent, please reach out.
Available evenings & weekends. I’m Haida, a dedicated Clinician specialized in helping people navigate life's intricacies with empathy and understanding. I provide an inclusive and non-judgmental space where each person can feel deeply valued for who they are as they explore their unique thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In my view, therapy is not just about addressing problems, but also cultivating personal growth. Whether you are facing issues related to mental health, school difficulties, identity, relationships, or simply needing a nurturing environment to express yourself, I'm here to support you.
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Photo of Okanagan Christian Counselling, Counsellor in Kelowna, BC
Okanagan Christian Counselling
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
Kelowna, BC V1Y
We work with all ages with anxiety/depression/self harm, trauma (including relational trauma), abuse, mental health (including mood and personality disorders), life transitions, emotional health and we also have a large child/adolescent base.
Families, Marriages/Divorces, Individuals (Adults, Teens, Children) Welcome to your journey to a new and improved you! We believe that healthy relationships/marriages, healthy individuals, healthy families, and healthy children come from healthy hearts, healthy minds, healthy boundaries, healthy pregnancies and raising kids, and doing the healthy personal work necessary to be your best for yourself and for those in your life. You are important, and you taking the time to work on YOU and your relationships is important to your (and their) quality of life.
We work with all ages with anxiety/depression/self harm, trauma (including relational trauma), abuse, mental health (including mood and personality disorders), life transitions, emotional health and we also have a large child/adolescent base.
Families, Marriages/Divorces, Individuals (Adults, Teens, Children) Welcome to your journey to a new and improved you! We believe that healthy relationships/marriages, healthy individuals, healthy families, and healthy children come from healthy hearts, healthy minds, healthy boundaries, healthy pregnancies and raising kids, and doing the healthy personal work necessary to be your best for yourself and for those in your life. You are important, and you taking the time to work on YOU and your relationships is important to your (and their) quality of life.
(855) 756-7612 View (855) 756-7612
Photo of Mary Elizabeth O'Neil, Counsellor in Kelowna, BC
Mary Elizabeth O'Neil
Counsellor, RCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1Y
Whether you're an individual, navigating personal growth, a parent of a struggling teen or a couple facing challenges, I bring the expertise needed to help foster healthier relationships.
Hello, I'm Mary, your Registered Clinical Counsellor, here to support you, both online or in person. My approach is holistic, recognizing the vital connection between mind body and spirit. If you struggle with anxiety, overthinking or overwhelm and are seeking practical tools to manage these challenges and regain a sense of balance. Let me support you in breaking free while cultivating sustainable coping strategies, and building resilience. I firmly believe in your innate wholeness and ability to live a fulfilled life. My goal is to empower you using therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness.
Whether you're an individual, navigating personal growth, a parent of a struggling teen or a couple facing challenges, I bring the expertise needed to help foster healthier relationships.
Hello, I'm Mary, your Registered Clinical Counsellor, here to support you, both online or in person. My approach is holistic, recognizing the vital connection between mind body and spirit. If you struggle with anxiety, overthinking or overwhelm and are seeking practical tools to manage these challenges and regain a sense of balance. Let me support you in breaking free while cultivating sustainable coping strategies, and building resilience. I firmly believe in your innate wholeness and ability to live a fulfilled life. My goal is to empower you using therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness.
(807) 806-0521 View (807) 806-0521
Photo of Andrea Hamel, Psychologist in Kelowna, BC
Andrea Hamel
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
Kelowna, BC V1Y
Waitlist for new clients
Hamel received her PhD from SFU and has trained at BC Children's Hospital, the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre, and the University of Manitoba.
Dr. Andrea Hamel is a registered psychologist in Kelowna who specializes in assessment and treatment of children, teens, and young adults. She offers psychoeducational assessments for learning issues, intellectual disability, ADHD, giftedness, behaviour issues, anxiety, and other school difficulties. She also offers therapy for social anxiety, performance anxiety, generalized anxiety, perfectionism, phobias, depression, mood swings, emotional outbursts, behaviour issues, low self-esteem, body image issues, and disordered eating. She will soon be receiving training in autism assessment for children and teens.
Hamel received her PhD from SFU and has trained at BC Children's Hospital, the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre, and the University of Manitoba.
Dr. Andrea Hamel is a registered psychologist in Kelowna who specializes in assessment and treatment of children, teens, and young adults. She offers psychoeducational assessments for learning issues, intellectual disability, ADHD, giftedness, behaviour issues, anxiety, and other school difficulties. She also offers therapy for social anxiety, performance anxiety, generalized anxiety, perfectionism, phobias, depression, mood swings, emotional outbursts, behaviour issues, low self-esteem, body image issues, and disordered eating. She will soon be receiving training in autism assessment for children and teens.
(249) 294-2604 View (249) 294-2604
Photo of Alexandra “Anna” Glassco, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kelowna, BC
Alexandra “Anna” Glassco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BASc, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1Y
I am passionate about helping people through the challenges that they may face in life. I ensure my clients know that they are the expert on their own lives, and I use a client centered and holistic approach in my work. I have experience in various settings, including, Interior Health, mental health organizations and MCFD. I work with both teen and adult populations. My main area of focus includes individuals with complex trauma, attachment difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more.
I am passionate about helping people through the challenges that they may face in life. I ensure my clients know that they are the expert on their own lives, and I use a client centered and holistic approach in my work. I have experience in various settings, including, Interior Health, mental health organizations and MCFD. I work with both teen and adult populations. My main area of focus includes individuals with complex trauma, attachment difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more.
(236) 702-0929 View (236) 702-0929
Photo of Debra Bailey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kelowna, BC
Debra Bailey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW RSW
Verified Verified
Kelowna, BC V1Y
I work with adolescent and adult clients of all ages.
Welcome! Are you struggling to manage the overwhelm and stress of daily life? Do you need someone to talk to? Together we will explore your challenges and find creative solutions by leaning into your strengths and learning new strategies to cope with life stressors. You will learn skills to better regulate your emotions, tolerate distress, build effective interpersonal skills and apply mindfulness to your every day life. If you are suffering from past or current traumas we will explore the root causes of your triggers, reduce this distress and bring healing and restoration into your every day life.
I work with adolescent and adult clients of all ages.
Welcome! Are you struggling to manage the overwhelm and stress of daily life? Do you need someone to talk to? Together we will explore your challenges and find creative solutions by leaning into your strengths and learning new strategies to cope with life stressors. You will learn skills to better regulate your emotions, tolerate distress, build effective interpersonal skills and apply mindfulness to your every day life. If you are suffering from past or current traumas we will explore the root causes of your triggers, reduce this distress and bring healing and restoration into your every day life.
(647) 560-1029 View (647) 560-1029
Photo of Miranda Montgomery, Counsellor in Kelowna, BC
Miranda Montgomery
Counsellor, BCYC, RPC, MPCC
Verified Verified
Kelowna, BC V1P
Waitlist for new clients
My area of strengths and specialties include; complex trauma, anxiety, depression, parent teen conflict, parenting struggles, blended families, self esteem, negative self image, youth and children advocacy and support.
At times, life can be demanding, stressful and overwhelming. We often find ourselves in need of direction, support, and guidance. I have been working in this industry for over 17 years and have walked along side many clients as they face their challenges. My philosophy is; the journey of life is not to be walked alone.
My area of strengths and specialties include; complex trauma, anxiety, depression, parent teen conflict, parenting struggles, blended families, self esteem, negative self image, youth and children advocacy and support.
At times, life can be demanding, stressful and overwhelming. We often find ourselves in need of direction, support, and guidance. I have been working in this industry for over 17 years and have walked along side many clients as they face their challenges. My philosophy is; the journey of life is not to be walked alone.
(778) 770-5474 View (778) 770-5474
Photo of Parrotta Therapy, Counsellor in Kelowna, BC
Parrotta Therapy
Counsellor, RPC, BA, CCATP-C
Verified Verified
Kelowna, BC V1P
Imagine a life where you feel competent and in control, a life you don't feel the need to escape from. What would that be like? I teach people of all ages to worry less, quiet the noise, and take their lives back. If anxiety is holding you hostage, I’m the therapist to call. This is my specialty. I am a registered counsellor and certified child and adolescent anxiety treatment professional, and I am currently accepting new clients for my West Kelowna office. There are new possibilities ahead.
Imagine a life where you feel competent and in control, a life you don't feel the need to escape from. What would that be like? I teach people of all ages to worry less, quiet the noise, and take their lives back. If anxiety is holding you hostage, I’m the therapist to call. This is my specialty. I am a registered counsellor and certified child and adolescent anxiety treatment professional, and I am currently accepting new clients for my West Kelowna office. There are new possibilities ahead.
(778) 760-9099 View (778) 760-9099
Photo of Rebecca Olds, Counsellor in Kelowna, BC
Rebecca Olds
Counsellor, MACP, RCC, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1P
I have specific knowledge and experience in the areas of child and teen anxiety, parental anxiety, adoption issues, behaviour management, emotion coaching, sleep consultations and play and art therapy.
Children are one third of our population and all of our future. I specialize in children, teens and families. I believe that parents do the best they can with the tools they have been given - tools that can be learned and expanded through counselling. I graduated with my Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University, and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors I work primarily with individual children (6-12), individual teens (ages 13+) and parents.
I have specific knowledge and experience in the areas of child and teen anxiety, parental anxiety, adoption issues, behaviour management, emotion coaching, sleep consultations and play and art therapy.
Children are one third of our population and all of our future. I specialize in children, teens and families. I believe that parents do the best they can with the tools they have been given - tools that can be learned and expanded through counselling. I graduated with my Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University, and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors I work primarily with individual children (6-12), individual teens (ages 13+) and parents.
(778) 400-2097 View (778) 400-2097
Photo of Katelyn Urban, Counsellor in Kelowna, BC
Katelyn Urban
Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1Y
Accepting new clients! Welcome. Counselling provides you with a space to land where you can feel supported and cared for. Seeking help for your well-being can feel vulnerable, but it is an incredible act of courage given life is full of unpredictable challenges and messy moments. I am here to support you with these moments. So many of us encounter relationship difficulties, overpowering emotions and challenges that hinder our ability to fully engage and connect in our lives. I am committed to creating a safe space for you to explore pathways to authenticity, internal congruence and a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Accepting new clients! Welcome. Counselling provides you with a space to land where you can feel supported and cared for. Seeking help for your well-being can feel vulnerable, but it is an incredible act of courage given life is full of unpredictable challenges and messy moments. I am here to support you with these moments. So many of us encounter relationship difficulties, overpowering emotions and challenges that hinder our ability to fully engage and connect in our lives. I am committed to creating a safe space for you to explore pathways to authenticity, internal congruence and a more fulfilling and joyful life.
(548) 409-0445 View (548) 409-0445
Photo of Helga V Illig in Kelowna, BC
Helga V Illig
BEd, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Kelowna, BC V1Y
My client centered approach begins with "where you are at" in order to explore and pursue new perspectives on your life and circumstances. It's my goal to help you identify the issues that are challenging you and help you develop new strategies in your life and relationships.
My client centered approach begins with "where you are at" in order to explore and pursue new perspectives on your life and circumstances. It's my goal to help you identify the issues that are challenging you and help you develop new strategies in your life and relationships.
(249) 496-1303 View (249) 496-1303
Photo of Sarada Eastham, Registered Social Worker in Kelowna, BC
Sarada Eastham
Registered Social Worker, BEd, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1X
Hello! I am so glad that you found me. My name is Sarada and I am an experienced therapist holding a Masters in Social Work degree. I work with individuals, couples, families and organizations to identify their values and create greater alignment with their purpose and vision. I believe that my role is to support you to remember and act upon your truest and most authentic Self. What would your life look like when you live the life of your dreams and fullest potential? What is the one step that you can take today to remember and live out that inner spark that we all have?
Hello! I am so glad that you found me. My name is Sarada and I am an experienced therapist holding a Masters in Social Work degree. I work with individuals, couples, families and organizations to identify their values and create greater alignment with their purpose and vision. I believe that my role is to support you to remember and act upon your truest and most authentic Self. What would your life look like when you live the life of your dreams and fullest potential? What is the one step that you can take today to remember and live out that inner spark that we all have?
(587) 912-1205 View (587) 912-1205
Photo of Mindy Zhong, Counsellor in Kelowna, BC
Mindy Zhong
Counsellor, MA, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1Y
I am passionate about supporting others to address challenges, gain new perspectives, and make positive changes in their lives. I have a strong background in helping children and youth with Autism and ADHD in social skill development and emotional regulation. I also have a special interest in supporting parents with parenting strategies, attachment building as well as their mental wellbeing.
I am passionate about supporting others to address challenges, gain new perspectives, and make positive changes in their lives. I have a strong background in helping children and youth with Autism and ADHD in social skill development and emotional regulation. I also have a special interest in supporting parents with parenting strategies, attachment building as well as their mental wellbeing.
(249) 487-0559 View (249) 487-0559
Photo of Hailey Kanigan Emdr Therapist, Counsellor in Kelowna, BC
Hailey Kanigan Emdr Therapist
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1Y
Hailey is a goal orientated Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), an EMDR Certified Therapist and an EMDR-CIT looking to welcome you to a balanced, healthy, and enjoyable lifestyle. Hailey’s experience is specialized in trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and self-development. Hailey is very passionate about providing effective, safe, and attainable therapy. If you are looking to try therapy that is focused on removing triggers or healing from past hurts, then Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) might be the best therapy for you.
Hailey is a goal orientated Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), an EMDR Certified Therapist and an EMDR-CIT looking to welcome you to a balanced, healthy, and enjoyable lifestyle. Hailey’s experience is specialized in trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and self-development. Hailey is very passionate about providing effective, safe, and attainable therapy. If you are looking to try therapy that is focused on removing triggers or healing from past hurts, then Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) might be the best therapy for you.
(778) 760-5083 View (778) 760-5083
Photo of Pamela Plain, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kelowna, BC
Pamela Plain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1Y
I’m a Masters level Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) with over 17 years experience in Mental Health. I work with individuals coping with Mood Disorders, Relationship issues, Trauma and major life transitions. My training in DBT, CBT and Existential Therapy allows me to tailor my approach to your needs and goals. I tend to forge long term therapeutic relationships with my clients that promote their growth and self development. As a Registered Clinical Social Worker I can diagnose mental health conditions and tackle complex issues with sensitivity and competency.
I’m a Masters level Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) with over 17 years experience in Mental Health. I work with individuals coping with Mood Disorders, Relationship issues, Trauma and major life transitions. My training in DBT, CBT and Existential Therapy allows me to tailor my approach to your needs and goals. I tend to forge long term therapeutic relationships with my clients that promote their growth and self development. As a Registered Clinical Social Worker I can diagnose mental health conditions and tackle complex issues with sensitivity and competency.
(581) 805-3090 View (581) 805-3090
Photo of Cassie Smith, Registered Social Worker in Kelowna, BC
Cassie Smith
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kelowna, BC V1Y
Hi Everyone! I'm Cassie, social worker practicing in Kelowna. My areas of expertise are trauma, grief and eating disorders. I have helped clients to understand their trauma and learn how to cope, to understand grief and it's impact on their lives, and to understand disordered eating and repairing relationship with food. I can help individuals living with depression and anxiety, offering stress management and coping strategies that offer sustainable change. Are you someone living with ADHD? As someone recently diagnosed, I come from a place of understanding and evidence-based tools that can help you be successful in your life.
Hi Everyone! I'm Cassie, social worker practicing in Kelowna. My areas of expertise are trauma, grief and eating disorders. I have helped clients to understand their trauma and learn how to cope, to understand grief and it's impact on their lives, and to understand disordered eating and repairing relationship with food. I can help individuals living with depression and anxiety, offering stress management and coping strategies that offer sustainable change. Are you someone living with ADHD? As someone recently diagnosed, I come from a place of understanding and evidence-based tools that can help you be successful in your life.
(249) 523-3369 View (249) 523-3369
Photo of Ashley Berg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kelowna, BC
Ashley Berg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RSW, MSW, BA
Verified Verified
Kelowna, BC V1Y
I am currently accepting new clients! I am a warm, empathetic, supportive, and open-minded counsellor, who provides a safe and welcoming environment. I work collaboratively with my clients and provide therapy, support, and psychoeducation throughout counselling. My aim is to give you the coping tools to help you help yourself. I offer in-person, virtual, and telephone appointments, and have a flexible schedule to accommodate your busy life. I am a registered provider of First Nations Health Authority, ICBC, CVAP, EAP, and Autism Funding.
I am currently accepting new clients! I am a warm, empathetic, supportive, and open-minded counsellor, who provides a safe and welcoming environment. I work collaboratively with my clients and provide therapy, support, and psychoeducation throughout counselling. My aim is to give you the coping tools to help you help yourself. I offer in-person, virtual, and telephone appointments, and have a flexible schedule to accommodate your busy life. I am a registered provider of First Nations Health Authority, ICBC, CVAP, EAP, and Autism Funding.
(778) 766-2421 View (778) 766-2421
Photo of Jocelyn Carlson, Counsellor in Kelowna, BC
Jocelyn Carlson
Counsellor, MEd, , RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1Y  (Online Only)
Whether you or your child are struggling with a mental health issue or simply want to achieve a more fulfilling life Jocelyn is here to help. She is compassionate, non-judgemental and experienced. She creates a comfortable space to support you to build inner strategies and become more attuned to your strengths within. If you or your child are struggling with anxiety, low mood or depression, going through a life transition or just feel generally dissatisfied in your life she can help. You will develop and achieve your personal goals and create a life that leaves you feeling excited and inspired.
Whether you or your child are struggling with a mental health issue or simply want to achieve a more fulfilling life Jocelyn is here to help. She is compassionate, non-judgemental and experienced. She creates a comfortable space to support you to build inner strategies and become more attuned to your strengths within. If you or your child are struggling with anxiety, low mood or depression, going through a life transition or just feel generally dissatisfied in your life she can help. You will develop and achieve your personal goals and create a life that leaves you feeling excited and inspired.
(778) 401-9584 View (778) 401-9584
Photo of Shailyn Waites, Registered Social Worker in Kelowna, BC
Shailyn Waites
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kelowna, BC V1V  (Online Only)
I am here to support you with a range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, grief, perfectionism, life transitions, and supporting athletes both in sports and during the transition out of sports. I am passionate about working together to uncover the root causes of these challenges, assisting in the processing and understanding of the emotions involved, and to create healing within the mind-body connection. Through our work together, I focus on identifying and unlearning negative self-beliefs, helping you develop healthy ways to cope, and guide you in the journey of rediscovering your authentic self.
I am here to support you with a range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, grief, perfectionism, life transitions, and supporting athletes both in sports and during the transition out of sports. I am passionate about working together to uncover the root causes of these challenges, assisting in the processing and understanding of the emotions involved, and to create healing within the mind-body connection. Through our work together, I focus on identifying and unlearning negative self-beliefs, helping you develop healthy ways to cope, and guide you in the journey of rediscovering your authentic self.
(506) 560-3426 View (506) 560-3426

See more therapy options for Kelowna

Teen Counsellors

What does therapy for teenagers look like?

When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.

How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?

There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.

How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?

It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.

How do you prepare teens for therapy?

You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.