Are you a parent who desperately wants to get your teen some help? You’ve tried other therapists, but your teen comes out of session telling you they don’t want to go back, or calling the therapy boring. You’re probably racking your brain asking yourself, “how do I find a therapist for my teenager”. We’re here to help. At EverHope we have a super gentle and warm approach, we often get the feedback that therapy with us doesn’t actually feel like therapy.
What to Look for When Figuring Out How to Find a Therapist for My Teenager
The honest answer is that fit matters more than credentials. Teens are quickly able to sense which therapist feels “real” and which one doesn’t. At EverHope we take a laidback approach. Our therapists who work with teens often take a few sessions getting to know the teen, which helps to create a safe space for them to open up. Free consultation calls allow a space for your teen to interview their prospective therapist and get a sense if they are “cool enough”. For our neurodivergent and LGBTQI+ clients having a therapist who connects with them through lived experience is often super helpful.
Why Teens Shut Down in Therapy
Many teens come into therapy feeling like they need to change or that something is wrong with them. If this is the narrative they have it will be difficult for them to connect and use therapy as a place to grow. If your teen feels like they are being lectured, or like the therapist is on the parents side they are even less likely to engage. Knowing these blocks allows us to present therapy in a way that makes our teens want to engage.
What if my Teen Doesn’t Want to go to Therapy?
Including your teen in the initial consultation call can be a great way to get their buy-in. It allows them to feel like they have agency and control over the situation. Honestly, most teens think they don’t want to go to therapy and initially will refuse, its just about finding the right therapist for your teen.
How do I know if a Therapist is a good fit for my teen?
The number one marker is if your teen is willing to go back, they may say something like “that didn’t totally suck”. In order for rapport and trust to be built it may take a couple sessions. Try to not feel discouraged as it may feel like the therapy isn’t working, but rest assured if your teen is going back the therapist is laying the foundation.
What Therapy Feels Like When it Doesn’t Feel Like Therapy
Therapy with teens may look like playing a game, listening to music, watching anime or reading a comic book. Therapy doesn’t have to look traditional, rather it may be low pressure and include limited eye contact. Connecting with a teen means setting goals in their own words and working towards something that is meaningful to them.
What Working with EverHope Looks Like
Our services are fully virtual, so your teen may join from their safe space, which often is their room. We pride ourselves on replying to inquiries same day and offer intakes within a week. We work to match your specific needs with a therapist who will be able to meet those needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my Teen is in Crisis? Call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Does Online Therapy Work for Teens? Yes, we often find that teens are more receptive to online therapy for various reasons including them joining from their safe space, not having to engage in continuous eye contact and overall it feeling less stuffy and rigid.
How Fast Can My Teen get Started? Reach out for a consult, we often are able to offer same week appointments.
Will the Therapist Tell me What my Teen Shares? No, with one caveat. If there are any risks or safety factors your therapist definitely will share with you. If there are ongoing concerns that need to be addressed your therapist may recommend a family therapy session.
Can my Teen Help Pick Their Therapist? Yes, and they should. We love including teens in our initial free consultation calls, it allows the teens to ask questions and get a sense of the therapists style and if they think the therapist will be a good fit for them.
We would love to hear from you, if you are looking for therapy for your teen call or email us for a free consult. 323-979-7827 and info@everhopetherapygroup.com
About the Author: Kaela Stambor, LCSW is the founder of EverHope Therapy Group, a practice supporting teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and life transitions. EverHope offers LGBTQI+ and neurodiversity affirming therapy throughout California.
