A Parent’s Guide to Teen Psychotherapy: What to Expect

Teenagers seek psychotherapy for various reasons. While some pursue it out of personal interest in self-improvement, often, they attend sessions because their parents have recommended it. Psychotherapy is typically sought when parents notice significant changes in their teen's behavior and mood. For example, your teen may exhibit changes in their eating habits or struggling to get out of bed for school each morning. Adolescence is a time of immense pressure, where external expectations, shifting identities, and self-esteem challenges can make life overwhelming.

Starting psychotherapy can feel daunting for a teen. Parents can ease this transition by familiarizing themselves with the process and having open conversations with their child about what to expect. Below is a guide covering key aspects of the therapy process, including assessment, confidentiality, session structure, and progress evaluation.

How Does Therapy Work?

Therapy for teens typically unfolds in five phases:

1. Assessment Phase

The process begins with an intake assessment, where parents have the opportunity to discuss their child’s challenges with the therapist. This might take place over the phone, via email, or in person at the first session. With younger teens, both parents may participate in an in-depth assessment interview. The therapist will gather essential information about the child’s history, symptoms, and therapy goals. The session may be split, with parents sharing their perspective initially and the teen meeting with the therapist one-on-one afterward. By the end of this phase, therapy goals will be established.

2. Parental Involvement and Privacy Considerations

A crucial part of the assessment phase is determining parental involvement and confidentiality. Each family will decide on a level of comfort with parental participation, considering factors such as the child’s age, the severity of concerns, and family dynamics.

There are three common confidentiality structures:

• Full Communication: Parents, therapist, and teen share open communication. Parents receive regular updates, attend sessions as needed, and can contact the therapist with questions.

• Partial Communication: The teen has some privacy, with the therapist sharing agreed-upon updates. Parents may contact the therapist but only with prior awareness from the teen.

• Minimal Communication: The teen has full privacy, and parents only receive updates approved by the teen. This option is more common for older teens (16+).

Confidentiality agreements must comply with Canadian privacy laws. If a therapist identifies a safety concern, they have a legal duty to involve parents or authorities as needed to protect the teen.

3. Psychotherapy Sessions

Once therapy begins, the teen will primarily meet one-on-one with the therapist. Sessions are designed to be supportive and interactive, helping the teen gain insight into their emotions and develop coping strategies.

A typical session follows this format:

• Check-in: Reviewing the past week and any assigned exercises.

• Exploration: Discussing therapy goals, roadblocks, and new coping strategies.

• Planning: Identifying skills to practice at home and determining whether updates should be shared with parents.

4. Continual Assessment of Progress

Therapy usually starts with four initial sessions, after which the therapist evaluates progress. If positive changes are observed, sessions may transition from weekly to bi-weekly. Parents remain involved through periodic updates and may receive recommendations for supportive resources, such as books or family sessions.

5. Ending Therapy

Therapy concludes when the teen has made significant progress and met their goals. Parents may notice improvements in their child’s mood, behavior, and family interactions. Some teens may discontinue therapy prematurely due to discomfort or lack of readiness for change. If concerns arise, parents are encouraged to communicate with the therapist. Therapy remains an open-ended process, and teens can return for future sessions as needed.

Psychotherapy can be transformative for teens and positively impact their mental health and family dynamics. Understanding the process helps both parents and teens feel more prepared, setting the stage for a successful therapeutic journey. By fostering a supportive and trusting environment, parents can play a vital role in their child’s mental health and well-being. If you are interested in booking an appointment for your teen, you can reach out to us or book online.

Article written by Maryse Hebert, Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at Aura Counselling Services