What to Expect from Teen Therapy: A Guide for Parents and Teens
Navigating the teenage years can be tough—for teens and their parents. With the pressures of school, social media, friendships, and growing responsibilities, many teens find themselves feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even depressed. If you're wondering whether therapy could help, you're not alone—and you're in the right place.
At Wolfe Counseling Services, I specialize in working with teens and young adults (ages 14 and up), offering flexible telehealth sessions during evenings and weekends to fit into even the busiest family schedule.
Why Teens Go to Therapy
Teens seek therapy for many reasons, including:
Anxiety or panic attacks
Depression or mood changes
Stress from school, sports, or social situations
Difficulty managing emotions
Trauma or loss
Self-esteem issues
Relationship challenges (with family, friends, or romantic partners)
Sometimes, teens just need a space to talk with someone who isn’t a parent, teacher, or friend. Therapy provides a safe, confidential environment to do that.
What Happens in a Therapy Session?
If it’s your teen’s first time in therapy, they (and you) might feel nervous—and that’s totally normal! Here's what you can generally expect:
The first session usually focuses on getting to know your teen, understanding what’s been going on, and identifying goals for therapy.
Future sessions may involve talking through feelings, learning coping skills, building emotional awareness, and identifying patterns that may be contributing to stress.
Parent check-ins may happen occasionally, especially at the start of therapy or when helpful for your teen’s progress—but confidentiality is always respected.
My Approach to Teen Counseling
I believe in meeting teens where they are—emotionally and practically. That’s why I offer telehealth appointmentsduring evenings and weekends, so therapy can work around school, sports, and family life.
I’m also currently training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful therapy technique that helps people heal from trauma, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties. It can be particularly helpful for teens who’ve experienced difficult events or are struggling with intense emotions.
When to Consider Therapy for Your Teen
You might want to consider therapy if your teen:
Seems withdrawn or unusually irritable
Has trouble sleeping or changes in eating habits
Expresses hopelessness or talks about self-harm
Is overwhelmed by school pressure or social anxiety
Has difficulty bouncing back from stressful events
Early support can make a big difference.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're a parent seeking support for your teen or a teen ready to take that first step, Wolfe Counseling Services is here to help. You can reach me directly to ask questions or request an appointment.
📞 717-497-6247
✉️ wolfecounselingservices@gmail.com
🌐 www.wolfecounselingservices.com
You're not alone—and therapy can help.
