Tweens & Teens Therapy
You're never too old to play
Adolescence is hard, whether you’re a teenager or the parent of one
Doesn’t Have to Be a Power Struggle
As your child grows into their teen years, it can sometimes feel like the child you once knew so well is changing before your eyes. Tweens and teens are beginning to seek more independence, share less, and navigate new pressures, which can lead to family friction, unhealthy coping strategies, and feelings of concern.
Therapy gives adolescents a space to feel heard, supported, and understood while also helping families strengthen connection at home.
Therapy provides tweens and teens with a confidential space and a trained child and teen therapist ready to support them in exploring the challenges they are facing.
For many adolescents, having a space that is just theirs to process, share, and make sense of their experiences can also lead to healthier communication and better dynamics at home.
In my career, I have visited middle and high schools throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Hillsborough counties to teach groups about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and how to resist peer pressure and other temptations modern adolescents face. This is where I’ve honed my skills in talking to youth. I also attend workshops and seminars across America to stay up to date on current techniques for connecting with tweens and teens because supporting this age group presents unique challenges.
Adolescents exist in a unique realm between childhood and adulthood. The person they are today may be neither the child you once knew nor the adult they will become.
The four pillars to successful tween and teen therapy are:
Emotional
Support
A safe space for tweens and teens to explore big feelings, stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, and life transitions.
Creative
Expression
Therapy may include art, journaling, sandtray, games, and interactive activities to help teens express what words cannot always say.
Family
Connection
Support for communication, parent-child connection, and reducing power struggles at home.
Coping
Skills
Tools to support emotional regulation, confidence, relationships, school stress, and healthy decision-making.
Teen Counseling That's Actually
Teen Counseling That's Actually
I provide a unique blend of talk therapy and play-based therapy for teenagers that helps them make sense of the challenges they are facing.
“You deserve support that feels like hope, not pressure.”
By tapping into their creative and expressive sides while also offering space to verbally process, therapy can help your teen build emotional awareness, coping skills, social skills, and confidence that supports healthy growth into adulthood.
Teen Parenting Techniques
How to Help a Teen With Body Image Issues
Your teen stands in front of the mirror and pulls at their shirt. They change clothes three times before school, refuse to be in pictures or stop wearing things they
A Clear Path, Not a Confusing Process
Therapy does not have a one-size-fits-all timeline. Your child’s progress will depend on their needs, goals, and readiness. As their therapist I’ll keep you updated along the way and support your family through each step of the process.
Ready to take the next step?
To get started with therapy for tweens or teens, reach out below and our intake coordinator will guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my tween / teen needs therapy or just normal support?
Mood swings, relationship challenges, and independence-seeking are normal during adolescence. However, therapy may be helpful if your teen shows:
- Persistent sadness or irritability
- Withdrawal from family or friends
- Significant anxiety or panic
- Academic decline
- Risky behavior
- Self-harm behaviors
- Major changes in sleep or appetite
If concerns last more than a few weeks or interfere with daily life, teen counseling can provide structured support.
Is therapy confidential for tweens & teens?
Yes, teen therapy is confidential, which helps build trust. Parents are typically informed about overall progress and safety concerns, but specific details are kept private unless there is risk of harm. Therapists follow ethical and professional standards for confidentiality.
How do I talk to my tween / teen about starting therapy?
Choose a calm, private moment and express concern without blame. Focus on what you’ve noticed (changes in mood, stress, withdrawal) and emphasize that therapy is a supportive place, not a punishment.
Let your teen know that working with a licensed therapist is a way to gain tools for managing emotions, relationships and school stress. Invite them to ask questions. When teens feel involved in the decision, they are more likely to engage.
What if my teen refuses to go to therapy?
It’s common for teens to feel hesitant or defensive about therapy. Resistance often comes from fear, stigma, or uncertainty. If your teen refuses, validate their feelings while keeping the door open. You can also explore this challenge with the therapist!
Sometimes starting with parent sessions can also help create a plan to gently reintroduce the idea. Over time, many teens become more open once they understand therapy is confidential and supportive.
What does play therapy look like with teenagers?
Teens may engage in expressive therapies that incorporate art, music, journaling, and interactive activities. Approaches such as Child-Centered Play Therapy can be adapted developmentally to help teens communicate feelings that are hard to express verbally.
