Online Trauma & Grief Therapy for California Residents
Lisa Sonin Larsen, PsyD (CA Lic.# PSY19046)
3123 W. Ave. L 8, Lancaster, CA 93536
Phone: 661-233-6771
Therapy for Teens
How Can Therapy for Teens Help Your Adolescent?
If your teen or preteen suffered a loss or other traumatic event, they may be experiencing some of these problems:
-
Trouble concentrating in school, leading to lower grades
-
Looking like they're distant, distracted, or not fully present
-
Withdrawing from family and friends
-
Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
-
Not very talkative or open with their emotions
-
More often edgy, nervous, or struggling to sleep
-
Seeming sad, irritable, or emotionally unpredictable
-
Extra-sensitive to constructive feedback, so you feel like you have to tread lightly with them
-
Easily overwhelmed and emotionally volatile.
Are you wondering if they need teen counseling?
If your child is between 12 and 19 and struggling emotionally, socially, or academically, it can take a toll on the whole family. They might be hard to connect with, because they seem preoccupied with their own thoughts or emotions. They might be dealing with intense feelings they don’t know how to express. Maybe you’ve noticed a change but aren’t sure what’s wrong because they won’t talk about it. You want to help but feel stuck. They need support, but from someone with whom they feel comfortableopening up. Someone who isn't family, so there's less of a power struggle. Teen therapy can be crucial at times like these.
Learn more about teen therapy
The Challenges Teens Face Today
Today’s teens face more stressors than ever. Even before the pandemic, young people in Southern California were struggling with anxiety and depression.[i] Then, the pandemic disrupted their education, social lives, and routines, leading to an even greater surge in anxiety and depression. Adjusting to in-person school again has been difficult for many. Maybe you tried therapy for your teen before and they didn't participate, but adolescents change their minds. Now might be a good time for checking in whether they need an experienced, compassionate teenage therapist.
According to a UCLA policy brief [ii]about teen mental health, about 45% of kids 12-17 years old had significant stress in 2021. Children and teens are also sensitive to the political climate, even though they can’t legally vote yet.
Here are some of the other challenges that take their toll on kids’ mental health:
-
family conflict,
-
being adopted,
-
experiencing bullying,
-
navigating LGBTQ+ identity,
-
coping with physical differences,
-
poverty,
-
immigration status,
-
racial identity, etc.
Loss, whether through death, a move, or a breakup, can also be deeply impactful. While teens may not have the words to describe their struggles and the emotional toll of these different factors, they can express it in other ways. Sometimes in my teen counseling, I use art therapy with teens to help them work through the thorny issues they face. It can be very empowering to use their imagination and creativity to tackle difficult emotional issues. Teens also seem to enjoy Flash Technique for post traumatic stress therapy.
Teens are also under immense pressure to plan for their future, get into college or trade school, and deal with larger societal concerns like climate change and political uncertainty. Even though they crave independence, they still need guidance and support. Teen therapy can provide a way back to your teen, to work collaboratively on improving their lives and the emotional wellbeing of the whole family. You’re still important to them, whether they verbalize this or not.
How Therapy for Teens Can Help
It may feel impossible now, but you can have a healthier, more easygoing relationship with your kid again. You can notice them feeling more at ease, and more outgoing with others. The same loveable teen is inside there, wanting someone to care and give them space to heal and grieve. It’s hard to remember that when they’re especially ornery or difficult, but it’s true. Teen therapy can help them express their pain in healthy ways that don’t upend their relationships with others.
Teen counseling provides a safe space for adolescents to process their emotions, heal from trauma or grief, and build resilience.
Therapy for teens can help them:
-
Express their thoughts and emotions about difficult experiences.
-
Understand how past events have shaped their behaviors and feelings.
-
Learn coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
-
Discuss concerns they may not feel comfortable sharing with their parents.
-
Communicate more effectively with important people in their lives (hint: that includes you).
I tailor each session to their unique needs, emphasizing their strengths and resilience. I often hear from adult clients who have struggled with depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress that they wish their parents had gotten them professional teen therapy when their symptoms began. They would have avoided suffering for so long. Trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief don’t have to define their future—they can heal and grow beyond their pain.
Do You Have Questions About Teen Therapy?
-
What are therapy sessions like for teens and preteens?
Therapy for adolescents is similar to adult therapy but focuses more on family and school dynamics. Play and art may be involved to engage their interest. Depending on their comfort level, I may meet with them individually, with their caregiver, or all together. Online sessions give us flexibility to schedule around school and work. I aim to create a safe space where they can comfortably express themselves and develop healthy coping skills .
-
Will I know what my child discusses in therapy?
Your child needs a safe, private space to open up, but I also recognize caregivers' need to stay informed. While most conversations remain confidential, I will share any safety-related concerns including self-harm, or risky behaviors. I also encourage teens to communicate with caregivers. I can facilitate family discussions as needed.
-
How do I know therapy will work for my child?
While I can’t guarantee results, I have over 20 years of experience helping young people navigate trauma and grief. My clinical training, combined with my understanding of adolescent struggles, allows me to guide them in transforming pain into meaning and purpose.
-
Will therapy blame me as a parent?
Parenting is one of the hardest and most important jobs. Teen therapy isn’t about assigning blame; it’s about helping your teen express their emotions and understand themselves better so they can make healthier choices. Family sessions can improve communication and strengthen their relationship with family members. My role is to support your child while respecting your role as their caregiver.
Ready to Support Your Teen with Therapy?
If you believe your teen or preteen could benefit from therapy, I invite you to call me or click the button below. From there, we can schedule an intake session to begin the healing process.
Online Teen Therapy in Lancaster, CA
Lisa S. Larsen, Psy.D.(she/her/hers)
3123 W Ave L 8, Lancaster, CA 93536
No in-person sessions offered.
Please call to make an appointment or submit your phone number in the contact form. Thank you. I look forward to speaking with you soon!