Therapy for Adolescents
Supports young people in making sense of their emotions, identity, and relationships during a period of rapid change. Therapy helps adolescents navigate pressures such as social comparison, academic stress, and family expectations while building a more grounded sense of self.
Who It's For
Adolescence is a period of significant psychological, emotional, and social development. During this stage, young people are not only forming their sense of identity, but also learning how to think, relate, and navigate an increasingly complex world. Drawing on developmental perspectives such as Piaget’s work, along with systemic and family-based approaches, this work considers both the individual and the relational environment in which adolescents are growing.
From a systemic lens, including the work of Salvador Minuchin, family dynamics play an important role in shaping how adolescents understand themselves and relate to others. Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and further applied in relational work such as Sue Johnson’s, highlights how early experiences with caregivers influence a young person’s sense of safety, connection, and self-worth. These early patterns often continue to shape how they approach closeness, trust, and communication later in life, including in future romantic relationships.
Today’s adolescents also face unique pressures. Many experience constant comparison through social media, which can affect self-esteem and create a sense of not being “enough.” Others navigate conflicting cultural expectations between family values and broader social influences, which can lead to anxiety, confusion, or a sense of disconnection. Some may struggle with panic, low motivation, or difficulty engaging in school and daily life.
In therapy, the focus is on helping adolescents better understand their thoughts and emotions, while also creating space to reflect on their relationships, identity, and the pressures they are navigating. The work supports emotional regulation, clearer thinking, and the development of a more grounded and stable sense of self. When appropriate, parents may also be involved to support healthier patterns within the family system.
References
Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Parent-child attachment and healthy human development. Basic Books.
Johnson, S. M. (2019). Attachment theory in practice: Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) with individuals, couples, and families. Guilford Press.
Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and family therapy. Harvard University Press.
Piaget, J. (1972). The psychology of the child. Basic Books.