Online Therapy for Teens (Age 12+)
Teen years are an awkward and trying time. Teenagers are figuring out how to fit in and belong in this world, and everything seems 100% more dramatic at this age.
We love working with teens and can relate to those demanding and exhausting middle and high school years. We support teenagers as they learn, grow and discover how to be themselves. Teens need to feel amazing and powerful, just not in an overbearing and exasperating way.
We specialize in helping teens manage stress and anxiety so they can function well in the home, school and other important areas of their life.
Your teen's stress and anxiety may present as irritability, frustration, mood swings, physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension), avoidance, procrastination, frequent napping, panic-like symptoms (shortness of breath, dizziness, racing heart), and difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep.
When your teen experiences high amounts of stress or anxiety they may have difficulties focusing on tasks, have lots of racing thoughts or think deeply about things for long periods of time, and make self-defeating statements ("I'm not good enough,""I can't do this,""I'm going to fail anyway so it doesn't matter").
Teen's stress and anxiety can also present a lot like depression. Anxious teens might feel tired, lonely and defeated. They may isolate themselves in their room or from others, stop doing the things they typically like to do, skip out on important activities and obligations, or feel like they want to harm themselves.
If you or your teen notices any of the above symptoms or behaviors, it's time for a little extra support. That's where we come in. We'll provide a safe and judgement-free zone for your teen to unload all of the frustrations and difficulties of being a teen and managing life's expectations.
Teens tend to seek out therapy because they're looking for an unbiased outsider to lend an ear and we're happy to do so. We won't tell your teen what to do or how to do it (unless that's what they're looking for), but we will listen attentively, thoughtfully guide your teen's judgement, and provide quality support as your teen navigates their unique concerns.
Also, we're pretty great at treating stress and anxiety, and if your teen is open to learning skills and tools to manage their every day stressors, we're happy to help with that, too!
We most commonly support teens with:
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Depression, sadness or low mood
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Loneliness or isolation
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Highly stressful situations
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Social anxiety or avoidance of social situations
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Panic attacks or anxiety attacks
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Procrastination
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Time management
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High achievement
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Overachievement
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Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
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Neurodivergence
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Giftedness
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Low self-esteem or self-doubt
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Anger / irritability / frustration
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Mood swings
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Communication
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Boundaries
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Sleep difficulties
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Life transitions / major changes or adjustments
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Self-harm or passive suicidal ideations / thoughts of death (thoughts with no plan or intents to kill self)
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School-related difficulties or concerns (low grades, attendance concerns, skipping class, friendships, school pressure and stress, time management concerns, school-life balance, overachieving, school burnout, etc)
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Peer/friendship difficulties or concerns (drama, bullying, difficulties making or keeping friends, friendship insecurities, feeling left out/excluded, etc)
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Sexual identity or gender exploration
How We Help:
Anxiety, Worry & Stress Reduction
Is your teen an overwhelmed and anxious over-thinker with terrible stress keeping them up at night?
Therapy that supports teens in gaining skills and tools to manage their stress, challenge their tendency to jump to negative conclusions, and bring calm into their life.
Setting Boundaries & Assertive Communication
If it seems like your teen is not communicating, they may not be. Many teenagers are having a difficult time expressing themselves with their peers, teachers and family members.
Therapy that empowers teenagers to speak up for themselves and ask for their wants and needs in appropriate ways. Teens can use these skills at home and school, and with friends.
Increased Self-Esteem & Self-Acceptance
Teenagers have many social pressures and this can weigh on their self-esteem, and limit their feelings of belonging and acceptance.
Therapy that encourages teens to recognize their strengths, express themselves with their peers, and be more comfortable with who they are.
Exploring Friendships & Social Connections
Does it seem like your teen is always putting their friend's needs before their own? Are you worried about your teen's current friendships or lack of?
Therapy that guides teenagers as they explore their current friendships and peer relationships, identify their friendship wants and needs, and work towards obtaining them.
Establishing Balance & Self-Care
Your teen may be stuck in unhealthy patterns of coping - binge watching Netflix, scrolling through TikTok for hours or taking 3 hour long naps after school - and this may be interfering with their school work, home expectations or other obligations.
Therapy that inspires adolescents to explore their self-care needs and establish a routine that feels best for them.
How We Support Teens:
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Build a relationship and bond;
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Alleviate the pressure to be perfect;
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Provide nonjudgmental support;
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Normalize fear about teenage life and the future;
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Spark self-awareness;
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Affirm the value of teen experiences; and
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Help adolescents feel seen, heard, and understood.
If you are ready to take the next step, we invite you to connect with us. Our counselors offer a free 15-minute phone or video consultation so you can get a feel for whether we are a good fit for your unique needs.
If you’re interested in learning more, contact us. We'd love to help you get started!