For Teens: About Therapy

Whether it's your own idea or your parents', there are many different reasons why you might enter therapy.  Maybe you need to adjust to changes in your life, or are struggling with relationships with family members or peers.  You may be confused by your feelings or behavior, and want to understand yourself better.  You may be overwhelmed by emotions such as guilt, depression, anxiety, loneliness or anger. 

In therapy, you can take the time to reflect on daily events and concerns with someone who is there to listen.  You can make the most of therapy sessions by talking about the parts of your life, big or small, that you want to understand better.  With support and feedback from the therapist, outcomes can include:

• New coping skills for tough situations and emotions

• Better understanding of yourself, and your feelings and behavior

• Skills for communicating with others:  listening to others, and getting others to listen to you

• Clarifying your strengths, values and goals

Along the way, it's important to share any questions or concerns you have about therapy with your therapist, so that you can work together to ensure that the process is meeting your needs.