Therapy for the Teen in your life.
you are not aloneFor teens who feel deeply, think deeply, and sometimes just need a safe place to be.
When big emotions are hard to understand, explain, or manage...Maybe your teen has been feeling more anxious, overwhelmed, angry, shut down, or disconnected lately. Maybe you've tried talking, encouraging, giving advice, or simply giving them space—and you're still not sure what they need.
Or maybe you're the teen reading this yourself.
You don't have to know exactly what's wrong before reaching out. You don't have to have the right words. And you definitely don't have to have everything figured out.
Therapy can be a place to slow things down, feel understood, and explore what's happening beneath the surface—without judgment or pressure to become someone you're not.
You know your child better than anyone.
You've probably noticed something changing—or maybe you've been navigating the same struggles for a while. You want to help, but you're not always sure what to say or what will actually make a difference.
You don't have to wait until things become a crisis to reach out.
Therapy can give your teen a space that belongs to them while giving you the reassurance of knowing they're being supported by someone who sees the whole picture.
Your teen doesn't need another person telling them what they should do. They need someone who is willing to understand where they are.
I really like that last sentence for your practice.
It connects beautifully to your broader philosophy of not simply giving another reframe or piece of advice.
And if you're the teen reading this...
You might be thinking:
"I don't need therapy."
"My parents are the problem."
"I don't even know what I'd talk about."
"I don't want someone analyzing me."
Fair enough.
You don't have to come in with a list of problems or a plan for how therapy is supposed to work.
You can talk.
You can create.
You can sit quietly.
You can ask questions.
You can be curious.
You can be yourself.
This is your space, too.
Therapy doesn't always have to happen through words.
Some things are difficult to explain—especially when you're still figuring them out yourself.
Art therapy can offer another way to explore emotions, experiences, relationships, and thoughts without needing to find the perfect words first.
No—you don't have to be "good at art."
You don't have to be an artist.
You just need to be willing to explore.
Depending on your teen's needs and goals, therapy may incorporate art therapy, somatic/mind-body practices, EMDR, and Christian faith.
The goal isn't to force a particular method.
It's to create a space where your teen can better understand what they're experiencing and develop ways of responding that feel more manageable and authentic.
It’s not just about what's happening in your head.
Faith can be part of the conversation—but your teen gets to be honest.
For families who want faith to be part of therapy, my Christian beliefs shape the way I approach care. Your teen doesn't have to pretend, perform, or have perfect faith to be welcome here.
There is room for questions, doubts, frustration, uncertainty, and everything in between.
FAQ for Parents
This is more common than you might think.
Some teens love having a space outside of family and friends, while others worry about being analyzed or judged. Those feelings are normal and worth meeting with curiosity.
Not wanting therapy doesn't mean they won't find it helpful. Building trust takes time, so patience and consistency matter. Give your teen space to be themselves and get comfortable in their own time.
It can also help to pair the appointment with something they enjoy afterward—a favorite meal, a treat, or an activity they look forward to.
Your teen doesn't have to love therapy right away. They just need the space to discover whether it can become a place where they feel safe and understood.
What if my teen doesn’t want therapy?
1
Short answer: no.
Your teen needs a space where they can be honest, ask questions, and work through things without worrying that every conversation will be reported back to you.
At the same time, your teen's safety comes first. If they share something that indicates they may be at risk of seriously harming themselves or someone else, I will take the necessary steps to help keep them safe and involve you when appropriate.
Otherwise, what happens in therapy stays private.
Will you tell me everything my teen says?
2
No—and sometimes not talking is exactly where we need to begin.
Therapy doesn't have to mean sitting across from someone and talking for 50 minutes. Some teens need time to get comfortable, gather their thoughts, or simply experience a space where they don't have to perform or explain themselves.
That's where approaches like art therapy, somatic work, EMDR, and a lot of grace can create different ways into the work. Your teen may talk, create, move, notice, reflect, or simply take their time.
Over time, the goal is to help your teen feel safe enough to engage in a way that works for them—not to force conversation before they're ready.
For parents: A quiet or hesitant teen isn't necessarily "not participating." Building trust is part of therapy, and sometimes giving them room is what allows that trust to grow.
Does my teen have to talk the whole time?
3
Can faith be a part of their therapy?
4
Yes. And it never has to be forced.
My Christian faith shapes the way I approach every client—with compassion, grace, honesty, and hope. But that doesn't mean every therapy session needs to be a conversation about faith.
I'll ask whether your teen would like faith to be a more intentional part of our work, and we'll follow their lead. They are welcome to bring questions, doubts, struggles, or faith into the room without pressure to have the "right" answers.
I believe faith grows best in a space where people are free to be honest and curious—not pressured to perform. And, you can trust that Christian values are part of the foundation of my care, while your teen is given the freedom and space to engage with faith in a way that is genuine for them.
How involved are parents?
5
Very involved—but you won't need to be in every session.
Your teen needs a private space to build trust and do their own work, but you are an important part of the bigger picture. I'll stay in communication with you before and after sessions, ask for your input and concerns, and make space for your questions along the way.
Therapy can give your teen tools and a place to work through things, but so much of the growth happens between sessions and in everyday life. You have a lasting influence on how your teen experiences connection, communication, and safety at home.
As part of the process, you'll be invited to family consultations where we can work on communication skills, strengthen your relationship, and learn how to connect with your teen more intentionally.
You don't have to be a perfect parent. You just have to be willing to be part of the process.