Teens & Therapy: Creating Space to Be Seen, Heard, and Understood
- Kacey Skaggs

- Jul 13, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 19, 2025

The teen years are full of transitions - emotional, physical, social, and psychological. It’s a time when young people are beginning to figure out who they are, how they relate to others, and where they belong in the world. That kind of growth is powerful. But it can also be messy, overwhelming, and hard to navigate alone.
As a therapist who works with teens, I often hear parents say:“They’ve changed so much, I don’t recognize them.”
And I often hear teens say:“No one gets what I’m going through.”
The truth is, both are probably right. And therapy can help bridge that gap.
Why Teens Come to Therapy
Teens come to therapy for many reasons, including:
Anxiety, depression, or mood changes
Academic or social stress
Self-esteem and body image struggles
Family conflict or divorce
Identity exploration (including gender, culture, and sexuality)
Grief and loss
Trauma, bullying, or major life changes
Sometimes, there’s a clear reason they’re struggling. Other times, it’s a quiet heaviness, a shift in energy, or a growing sense of disconnection. Therapy can help put words to what feels confusing or stuck.
What Teens Need Most
Teenagers are incredibly insightful - but they’re often not given enough credit for what they’re carrying. They need a space where they won’t be judged, lectured, or “fixed.” They need someone who will listen, ask the right questions, and sit with them in the hard stuff.
In my work with teens, I aim to:
Build trust through genuine curiosity and respect
Offer tools for emotional regulation, communication, and boundary-setting
Support identity development and confidence
Help them make sense of their thoughts and feelings. Without pressure to be perfect.
Above all, I want them to know: You don’t have to go through this alone.
How Parents Fit In
I believe in keeping caregivers involved in a way that supports your teen. I’ll work with you to stay informed and connected, while also honoring your teen’s need for privacy and autonomy. When needed, I’ll support the entire family system in learning how to communicate more effectively and show up for one another in new ways.
Therapy Isn’t About “Fixing” - It’s About Empowering
Therapy isn’t about labeling or changing who your teen is. It’s about helping them understand themselves, feel supported, and develop the tools to navigate life with a little more confidence and clarity. It’s about helping them reconnect to their inner voice - and learning how to trust it.
This is a space to ask the hard questions, speak the unspoken, and start building a foundation that will support you for years to come.








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