Being a teenager isn’t easy – they’re in the awkward place between childhood and adulthood, while both their life and their body is changing quickly. As a teen/tween, it can feel every problem will last a lifetime. And so often these problems are minimized by others: “You’re just a kid. You don’t have real problems.” But we know that isn’t true, and we know that the struggles for teens and tweens are real, and that they deserve real support.

These biological changes along with schoolwork, family life, defining their identities, and relationships with their peers can impact their mood and behaviors. Sometimes, this can lead to feeling anxious or depressed. If your tween or teen struggles with mood regulation, self-esteem, self-harm, or has difficulties with communication, we are here to help. We also have clinicians that specialize with LGBTQ+ youth and addiction, as well.

We designed our therapy spaces with our clients in mind, so we have a dedicated “teen room” full of games and craft supplies! Our therapists often use humor and sass in session, which can help the clients feel more comfortable and safe so that they are able to open up and share their world. Therapy sessions are for exploration and processing, not judgment. To encourage expression and process feelings, we employ evidence-based treatment methods such as Arts and Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Structural Therapy with teens & tweens at Relate Family Therapy.

We provide a safe, neutral space to be yourself and a person to connect with to help you get to the other side of these issues in your life. We use talk therapy, but we also use art, games, movement, and other forms of creativity and expression so that our clients can be their true, genuine selves as they process what’s going on in their lives. We empower our clients to find their voices and use them, knowing that teenagers are young enough that they still don’t always speak with words like an adult does. This is why we still allow for play, although it often looks different than the play therapy our child clients engage in.

Relate Family Therapy and Counseling is founded on a collaborative approach to counseling, working with the individual and family to move toward what would most benefit the client.