If you're a teenager or a parent in Lee's Summit or the nearby Blue Springs area, seeking counseling for a teenager can be a pivotal step toward emotional well-being. Adolescence is a challenging period filled with changes, pressures, and emotions, and sometimes, professional guidance can make all the difference. But how do you find the right therapist who understands the unique needs of teens and their families? In this guide, we'll explore the process of finding the ideal teen therapist in Lee's Summit, offering insights and answering key questions to help you make an informed decision.

Why Consider Teen Counseling?

Is Teen Counseling Right for My Teen?

Counseling isn't reserved for those in crisis. It's a valuable resource for teens facing various challenges, from academic stress and peer relationships to mental health concerns. Even if your teen appears to be doing well, counseling can provide essential life skills, emotional support, and strategies to navigate the complexities of adolescence.

What Are the Benefits of Teen Counseling?

The benefits your teenager will receive from going to counseling are going to vary depending based on their needs and situation. The treatment goals in teen counseling vary as much as teens themselves do. The goals you have for your family as a whole can also impact this. And how involved you as parents may or may not be in therapy can impact the benefits experienced for your family too. Teen counseling benefits may include improved emotional well-being, better coping strategies, enhanced communication skills, and a safe space to express thoughts and feelings. It can equip your teen with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges effectively.

Finding the Right Teen Therapist

Finding the right therapist for your teenager matters. There is plenty of research out there that demonstrates that one of the best predictors of if someone will “get better” in the therapy or if counseling will work is actually the strength of the therapeutic relationship. In other words, whether or not your teenager finds a therapist that is a good fit MATTERS.

What Should I Look for in a Teen Therapist?

Finding the right therapist is crucial. Look for a licensed mental health professional with experience in working with teenagers. They should be trained in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and therapies specific to adolescent needs.

How Can I Ensure My Teen Feels Comfortable in Counseling?

Teenagers need to feel comfortable and safe with their therapist. Seek a therapist who creates a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. Your teen should feel respected, understood, and heard during sessions.

I like to tell my teen clients that they don’t need to like me or think I’m cool. But they do need to feel emotionally safe with me. They should feel like I “get it” and have some tools that can help them.

Every teenager will need something a little different to feel comfortable in counseling. Some are looking for a therapist that is going to be very directive and give them specific skills. Others will be more comfortable with a therapist who has a good sense of humor. Some care about a “cool” office because that space feels more freeing or authentic for them. Others look for a calming space, comfortable chairs, etc.

What If My Teenager Doesn’t Want to go to Counseling?

Some teenagers want to go to counseling and are even the ones to first bring it up to their parents. However, it's just as common for teens to be hesitant about counseling. Discuss the process openly with your teen, emphasizing the potential benefits. Allow them to have a say in selecting a therapist, which can empower them and make the process less intimidating.

The Counseling Process

What Happens During the First Teen Counseling Session?

This may look a little different for each counseling practice or each teen therapist. At Aspire Counseling, everyone’s counseling journey starts with a free consultation. And the first time you meet with a teen counselor at Aspire, we’ll usually start with meeting with both the teenager and a parent. We’ll ask a little about what’s bringing you in to therapy, give both a chance to ask us questions (it’s absolutely ok to ask your new teen therapist questions) and go over the importance of confidentiality in counseling for teenagers. Then, most of the time we’ll save a little time at the end of to give the teen a chance to ask questions or share concerns without their parent there. Sometimes, they have questions or opinions about counseling they’ll feel safer voicing without a parent in the room. At the end of that session, we’ll chat about if it’s a good fit. We’ll only move forward and officially enter into a counseling relationship if the teenager, parent and teen therapist all feel like it’s a good fit.

The next session will generally be an intake assessment session where we’ll ask a lot of questions to help the therapist better understand who the teen is as a person, a little about your family as a whole and the teenager (and parents) treatment goals.

How Long Does Teen Counseling Take?

Another common question but another example of where the answer is as unique as the teen themselves. The duration of teen counseling varies depending on the individual's needs and goals. Some issues can be addressed in a few sessions, while others may require more extensive treatment. The therapist will work with you and your teen to establish a suitable timeline.

Practical Considerations With Teen Counseling

Is Counseling Confidential for Teens?

To be blunt, teen counseling simply won’t work very well without confidentiality. It’s vital that your teen feels safe sharing information with their therapist. They need to know that they can be open and honest without the information getting back to their parents.

The truth is, your teen will likely share things with their therapist that you wish you knew. And that’s good that they’re at least sharing those things with a trusted adult. But when therapy is most effective, the parent trusts in the therapist and the therapeutic process and can let the teen have that space.

My general rule of thumb is that parents can know the general treatment goals, general progress and additional information as it makes sense to bring the parents into parts of sessions. But they don’t get to know the nitty gritty.

There are some exceptions here. The biggest exception is that parents get to know about any safety concerns. The details of this will always be reviewed in your first couple of sessions with your teen therapist.

Taking the First Step

How Can I Get Started with Teen Counseling in Lee's Summit?

To begin your journey toward finding the right teen therapist in Lee's Summit, start by researching local therapists who specialize in adolescent counseling. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and reach out to potential therapists for consultations. During these initial conversations, trust your instincts to determine if the therapist is the right fit for your teen.

Remember, you're not alone on this path. Many qualified therapists in Lee's Summit and Blue Springs are dedicated to supporting teenagers and their families during this transformative stage of life. By taking these proactive steps and seeking the guidance of a skilled therapist, you're giving your teen the tools they need to thrive emotionally and mentally.

Finding the right therapist may take time, but the investment in your teen's well-being is immeasurable. Counseling can be a transformative experience that equips your teenager with valuable skills and resilience to navigate the challenges of adolescence successfully. So, take that first step, and together, you and your teen can embark on a journey toward growth, healing, and a brighter future.

Teen Counseling at Aspire Counseling in Lee’s Summit, MO

About a year ago, Aspire Counseling started looking for a counseling office space in either Blue Springs or Lee’s Summit when one of our therapists moved to the KC area. We’re proud to say that we now have two amazing therapists who both specialize in Teen Counseling working out of our Lee’s Summit counseling office.

If you’re looking for a teen therapist in the Lee’s Summit area, we’d love to have you call us (573-328-2288) or reach out online and schedule with one of our teen therapists. We are able to help teens with depression, self harm, anxiety, trauma, or a variety of other mental health concerns.