Teen Psychotherapy & Counselling in Toronto
There are many reasons a teen might benefit from therapy and each teen will have a unique therapeutic journey. Adolescence is a complex stage of life. Bringing your teen to therapy is an act of support, not an indication that you or your teen has failed. I approach teens with authenticity to help them heal through the safety of our relationship.
How do I know my teen could benefit from seeing a therapist?
PHYSICAL SIGNS
School avoidance
Trouble sleeping
Self-harming
Tightness in the chest
Headaches or body aches
Fatigue
Lightheadedness or fainting
Stomach aches
Increase in heart rate
EMOTIONAL SIGNS
Low motivation
Difficulty concentrating
Brain fog
Obsessive, intrusive or racing thoughts
Procrastination
Mood swings
Constant worrying
Self-esteem issues
RELATIONSHIP SIGNS
Extreme highs and lows in relationships
Difficulty maintaining friendships
Anxiety in social settings
Difficulties connecting to others
Loneliness
Boundary setting issues
Painful recurring patterns
I see preteens & teens aged 12 and up. We move at a safe and comfortable pace and we start where your teen is ready. It’s normal for teens to feel some hesitation and reluctance to the process at first. My job is to make sure they feel as safe and comfortable as possible from the get-go. Sometimes this means we’ll play games or draw when talking is difficult. I maintain a relaxed, informal and non-clinical environment.
I often start with addressing the immediate symptoms that are causing the most difficulty. The focus of therapy then becomes understanding their emotional life so they better understand themselves. I use the therapeutic relationship to shed light on their experiences. With further self-understanding and insight, they will begin to develop their individuality.
By talking through these feelings, there’s less of a need to turn to an action or behaviour.
