Should I Talk to My Parents About Counseling? A Guide for Teens in Lee’s Summit
If you’re a teen living in Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, or anywhere in the Kansas City metro, you probably have a lot on your plate. Between school, friends, sports, social media, and planning for the future, life can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve even wondered:
“Is what I’m feeling normal, or do I need help?”
“How do I know if I should talk to my parents about counseling?”
“Would therapy even help me, or would it just make things more complicated?”
These are brave, important questions — and if you’re asking them, you’re not alone. At Aspire Counseling, our therapists for teens in Lee’s Summit talk with young people every day who are asking the same things. This blog is here to help you think it through and decide your next steps.
When Should I Consider Counseling?
First things first: counseling isn’t just for people in crisis. Lots of teens in Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs come to counseling for everyday struggles like:
Feeling anxious before tests in school
Having trouble focusing while juggling sports, theater rehearsals, or a part-time job
Worrying about friends, relationships, or fitting in
Struggling to move past a hard experience, like bullying or a family change
Feeling stressed about the future — college, jobs, or “what comes next”
If any of this sounds familiar, counseling could give you a safe place to talk, sort out your feelings, and build skills to handle life with more confidence.
👉 Want to know more? Check out our blog on teen anxiety and how therapy can help.
What Happens in Teen Counseling?
A lot of teens imagine counseling as lying on a couch while someone asks, “How does that make you feel?” But that’s not how it works at Aspire Counseling. Our therapists use different approaches (like CBT, EMDR, or IFS), but the goal is the same: to make counseling feel supportive, not scary.
In a session, you might:
Talk about what’s been bothering you (at school, with friends, or at home)
Learn coping tools for stress or anxiety
Practice new ways of thinking about yourself and your future
Explore how past experiences may be impacting you now
Sometimes sessions even include creative tools like journaling, art, or mindfulness exercises — things that make sense for your personality and interests.
How Do I Bring It Up with My Parents?
This might feel like the hardest part. Many teens worry their parents won’t understand or will just brush it off. Here are some tips:
Pick the right moment – Maybe after dinner or while riding in the car when things are calm.
Be honest but simple – Try saying: “I’ve been feeling really anxious lately, and I think talking to a counselor could help.”
Explain why it matters – Share one example of when things felt overwhelming (like before a test at Summit Christian Academy or after a fight with friends).
Suggest Aspire Counseling – You can tell them, “I heard about Aspire Counseling in Lee’s Summit. They have therapists who work with teens and help with anxiety and stress.”
👉 You can also point your parents to our blog on how counseling helps teens build resilience.
Is Counseling Confidential?
Another question teens often ask is: “Will the therapist tell my parents everything?” The answer is: mostly no. What you talk about in counseling is private. The therapist will only share with your parents if it’s something about your safety (like if you’re in danger of being hurt). Otherwise, counseling is your space to talk openly without judgment.
What If I’m Nervous About Going to Therapy?
Totally normal. Even adults feel nervous the first time they start counseling. Many teens in the KC area say that after their first session, they feel a sense of relief — like a weight has been lifted because they finally have a place to talk about everything.
And remember: you don’t have to “click” with the first counselor you meet. That’s one of the things that makes Aspire Counseling unique. We have multiple therapists who work with teens in Lee’s Summit, so you and your parents can find the best fit.
You’re Not Alone-Begin Counseling in Lee’s Summit
If you’re a teen reading this and wondering if counseling could help, the answer is: it probably could. Talking to someone doesn’t make you weak — it shows strength. And if you’re ready to try, Aspire Counseling in Lee’s Summit is here for you.
👉 Learn more about our teen counseling services
👉 Read our blog on trauma treatment options for teens
👉 Explore what to expect in your first therapy session
About the Author
Jessica Tappana, MSW, LCSW, is the owner and director of Aspire Counseling, a group practice serving Columbia and Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Jessica and her team specialize in evidence-based therapy for teens and adults, with a focus on anxiety, trauma, and resilience. She is passionate about supporting families in the KC metro area and helping young people grow into confident, thriving adults.
