Teen Therapy

We understand that as a concerned parent, you want the best for your teen. Let us assure you that it's a common question, and you're not alone in wondering if your child can benefit from therapy for teenage depression or other mental health concerns. 

Does your teen seem to be withdrawing or isolating themselves from friends and family? Do they display a significant change in mood or behavior that you find concerning? Are they struggling with sleep issues or recurring physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches? Have they experienced a recent traumatic event such as a major loss, assault, or an accident? Do you see them struggling with their self-esteem? 

While a diagnosis is not always necessary to begin psychotherapy for teens, some common mental health issues they grapple with include anxiety, depression, self-doubt, ADHD, and substance abuse. However, even if your child doesn't fit into any diagnostic category, therapy can be immensely helpful in navigating everyday challenges and stresses. Adolescence is a time of tremendous change and can be difficult to navigate. Talking to a neutral professional can help teenagers work through tough decisions, rough spots, and build new coping skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.

If you're not sure whether our therapy for teens is the best option, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. As therapists, we are here to help you and your child. Together, we can discuss your family's particular situation and determine the best course of action moving forward.

The decision to include parents in their child's therapy sessions is a decision that is ultimately left up to the teen and their own personal preferences. We recognize that each person is different and has unique needs, which is why we approach each case on an individual basis.

Typically, most parents attend the first few minutes of the initial session in order to meet the therapist and share their perspective on what is happening in their child's life. This allows the therapist to better understand the family dynamic and the issues at hand. However, after this initial meeting, most sessions are conducted solely between the teen and the therapist. We want to create an environment where your teen feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with the therapist, so privacy and confidentiality are of the utmost importance.

We understand that not all teens want their parents present during the initial session, and we respect their wishes. If your child has expressed this preference, we will not insist on your presence during the initial consultation. From time to time, the therapist may ask parents to join the sessions to discuss any updates on the progress their child is making. If this is the case, we will first discuss this with the teen and then make the necessary arrangements. Moreover, if there are any issues that arise during sessions, parents can always reach out to the therapist to discuss the best way forward.

Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where your child can grow and heal. We believe that this can best be achieved by working together with your child to understand their needs and create a personalized treatment plan.

Your teen's therapist will utilize talk therapy to engage your teen in a conversation to gain a better understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We help your teen learn coping skills that are designed to help them identify, understand, and regulate their emotions. For instance, we teach your teen how to manage their stress levels, anxiety, and depression using mindfulness techniques. This could include deep breathing exercises, progressive relaxation techniques, and meditation among others.

Additionally, our therapists help your teen reframe unhelpful thoughts via specialized behavioral therapy for teens. This technique helps to challenge and change negative thoughts that may contribute to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. We often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help your teen work through negative thought patterns. Through these teen counseling techniques, your teen can expect to see a positive shift in their thought patterns, increased self-esteem, and overall better emotional wellbeing.

We also use icebreaker games, journaling, worksheets, and art therapy to facilitate opening up and expressing oneself. This approach to mental health counseling for teens helps them connect with their emotions, express themselves creatively, and build trust with their therapist. The therapist will work collaboratively with your teen to determine the most effective and comfortable approach for them.

Overall, our goal is to help your teen feel better as quickly as possible by developing a treatment plan that meets their specific needs, working towards healing and recovery of their emotional and mental well-being.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy and an important aspect of helping your teen build open and trusting relationships with their therapist. At our practice, all sessions are private and confidential between the therapist and your child. This means that any information or concerns discussed in therapy stays between the two parties.

However, it is important to note that there are certain circumstances in which we must break confidentiality and speak with parents or other authorities. These exceptions include situations in which there is a risk of harm to your child, others, or if abuse has been reported. In these situations, our primary goal is to ensure your child's safety and wellbeing, and therefore, we must act accordingly. 

We understand that as a parent, you may be curious about what your teen discusses during therapy. We encourage parents to support their child's privacy and respect their right to confidentiality. We suggest that parents refrain from asking their child questions about their therapy sessions unless the child is willing to share this information. Allowing your teenager to have a sense of control over what they share with their therapist can help them feel more comfortable during sessions and ultimately lead to more productive outcomes.

Each teenager is unique, and the pace of progress often depends on the goals and frequency of therapy sessions.  

On average, teens attend therapy for about 6 months. This period allows ample time for your child to work through their initial concerns or struggles and learn valuable skills to support their mental wellness and growth in the future. However, it's also essential to keep in mind that some teens may require more extended periods of support, especially if they're dealing with complex mental health issues such as suicidal ideation, depression, or extreme anxiety.

Alternatively, some teens may experience positive outcomes after only a few sessions. Typically, we recommend starting with one session per week, as this allows us to build a trusting relationship with your teenager and to gain insight into their motivations and triggers. Therapy is a highly individualized process that is tailored to your teenager's specific needs and challenges, so patience and perseverance are crucial.

Ultimately, rest assured that our therapy sessions are designed to provide your child with the support and tools they need to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and build resilience, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.

As a leading choice for teen counseling in Chicago, we understand that taking the step to seek help for your teen can be daunting. We are here to make the process as seamless and smooth as possible. Our team of highly experienced and compassionate professionals will be happy to talk with you, answer any questions you may have, and gain an understanding of the unique needs of your child.

Once we have a clear understanding of your child’s situation, we will work with you to match them with a therapist who is not only qualified but also a good fit for their specific needs. This matching process is crucial, as it ensures that your teen will receive the personalized care and attention they require in a safe and nurturing environment.

We understand that seeking help for your teen is a significant decision, and we want you to know that we are here for you every step of the way.