Find Teen and Adolescents Counselling Near You

Exploration and existential struggle is a normal part of adolescence, but if your teenager’s emotions or behaviours change so as to disrupt their ability to function academically or socially, you may want to consult a therapist. For example, if a teen’s grades in school drop suddenly or if they begin isolating from their friends and only spending time online, a parent may want to consider therapy.

Adolescence is a tumultuous time, and a therapist can help with the challenges that arise, whether they relate to emotions, academics, disruptive behaviours, self-esteem, friendships, family dynamics, sexual or gender identity, or alcohol and drug use. A therapist can help teenagers unpack their emotions, understand their experiences, and develop coping skills.

Teenagers may especially benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (which identifies unhealthy thought patterns to change emotions and behaviours), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), which teaches emotion regulation and distress tolerance, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which teaches emotional acceptance and psychological flexibility, and interpersonal therapy, which targets interpersonal difficulties. Additionally, adolescent problems may involve family members; family therapy to improve family dynamics and communication is helpful in those cases.

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.