Sometimes teens feel reluctant to attend counseling because of the stigma they have associated with it. It may make them feel as if they are “weird” or that something is wrong with them. It can be helpful to explain to them that talking with a counselor just helps them to sort through their feelings and gives them an adult person to talk with that isn’t their parent. The role we have as the counselor is not to judge them, rather to help them. They also should understand that no one has to know they are coming in for counseling and that what we discuss in our time together is strictly confidential. We always explain the parameters of confidentiality to them during our first session together. Generally after teens come in for their first session, they are much more comfortable with the experience of teen counseling and are more willing to attend future sessions.

Teens naturally work at individuating from their parents during this stage in their development.   Generally, during teen counseling, as they process through the confusing feelings that accompany their growing independence, they learn that they do not have to work so hard to distance themselves, and they become more communicative with their parents. Teen counseling helps them to develop confidence in themselves and have less need for feeling defensive of their individuality. This typically brings more harmony and closeness in their relationships with family members.

It is important for the teen to have a confidential environment to process through their feelings in teen counseling. However, we always explain to them upfront that if there are concerns for their safety, that we would need to share those concerns with their parents. What we often do if the parent is interested in participating is have them come in with the teen for a portion of the first session. This gives the parent an opportunity to share some of their concerns before we spend the remaining portion of the session with the teen individually. Periodically, we may discuss with the teen the need to include the parents for a session to address any concerns they may have. When we do this, we discuss with the teen, in advance, the topics we would be addressing when the parent is there, so that there are no surprises. It is important for the teen to have confidence in the confidentiality we establish so that they feel they have a safe place to process through their feelings openly.

We have specialized in teen counseling for over a decade. In addition to professional work, we have therapists at our Counseling Center who have raised their own children. We know about the ups and downs that teens experience and the stress that it can impose on the family from time to time. We also understand the frustration it can bring to both parent and teen but know that working through these challenges is possible and tremendously rewarding to all involved. We bring empathy, understanding and a non-judgmental approach to our work with teens and their families.

If you are ready to start the process, then it is time to schedule a teen counseling appointment or to schedule a 15 minute phone consultation.   Call us at (303)221-1272 to talk and decide if you would like to set up your initial session.  During the initial phone conversation, we will answer any questions you might have about our approach and then, if you are interested, we can schedule the appointment for you and give you important information regarding the first session.  Following the first appointment, clients are free to go online and schedule, modify or cancel their appointments themselves.