When Communication Breaks Down

Being a teenager right now is… a lot. Social media pressure. Academic stress. Identity questions. Mood swings. And that’s before you factor in hormones, drama, or the existential dread of growing up in a chaotic world.

As a parent, it’s hard to watch your teen struggle—and even harder when they won’t talk to you about it.

At Southwest Counseling Center, I offer therapy for adolescents (ages 12+) to help them manage big emotions, build healthy coping tools, and feel like they have a space that’s just for them.

What Is Teen Therapy?

Teen therapy is a supportive, structured process that gives adolescents a safe place to explore their thoughts, feelings, and struggles—without judgment or pressure. It’s not about “fixing” your teen or lecturing them; it’s about helping them understand themselves better, gain control over their emotions, and learn healthier ways to cope.

Sessions are designed to meet teens where they are. That might mean using creative exercises, talking through stressors in everyday life, or practicing real-world skills to manage anxiety, frustration, or negative self-talk. Parents are part of the process, too, but in a way that balances support with your teen’s need for privacy.

I draw on evidence-based approaches like:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): building emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and impulse control.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): challenging negative thought patterns and improving self-esteem.
• Mindfulness & Somatic Strategies: calming anxiety, grounding in the present moment, and improving focus.
• Parent Collaboration: check-ins and guidance for supporting progress at home, without oversharing your teen’s private disclosures.

In short, therapy gives your teen a place to feel seen and heard, while also equipping them with practical strategies they can use at school, at home, and with friends.

Teens & Parents Therapy Expectations

Therapy with adolescents is more than “just talking.” It’s a guided process that combines emotional coaching, skill-building, and identity exploration in a way that adapts to your teen’s unique personality, challenges, and goals. For parents, it’s often reassuring to know that therapy is structured—not random conversations—and that there’s a clear plan behind each session.

Early on, the focus is on building trust so your teen feels safe opening up. From there, we work together to uncover patterns in their thoughts and behaviors, introduce practical tools they can use right away, and strengthen their ability to cope with stress and big emotions. Parents are part of the process, too, but in a balanced way: you’ll be kept in the loop and given strategies to support your teen at home, while your teen also gets the privacy they need to feel ownership over their growth.

In other words, therapy provides a bridge between what your teen is struggling with privately and the skills, insight, and support they need to move forward. Here’s what the process looks like step by step:

Parent Intake & Planning

Before sessions begin, I meet with parents or caregivers to hear your concerns, learn about your teen’s history, and clarify goals. This helps us set realistic expectations and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Building Rapport

The first few sessions focus on trust. Teens are more likely to open up once they feel respected and understood. I don’t force disclosure—rapport comes first, because without it, therapy doesn’t work.

Skill-Building & Emotional Insight

Once trust is built, we begin identifying your teen’s emotional triggers and practicing new skills. These may include calming techniques for anxiety, strategies for handling anger without explosive outbursts, or tools for setting boundaries in friendships.

Parent Collaboration (Without Oversharing)

Parents play a crucial role, but therapy also protects your teen’s confidentiality. I keep you informed about progress and general themes, while making sure your teen feels their privacy is respected. If serious concerns like self-harm, safety, or significant risk arise, you’ll be informed immediately.

Long-Term Support

Some teens benefit from short-term therapy to get through a tough season, while others use it for longer-term growth and identity exploration. We’ll tailor the process to what your teen needs most.