Hi, I’m Sara, and if you’re reading this, you might be wondering how therapy can help a teenager in your life. Whether you’re a concerned parent, caregiver, or teen yourself, I want you to know you’re not alone. Adolescence is a time of massive growth, but it can also feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Teen therapy offers a safe, supportive space to explore that ride—and to find solid ground amid all the changes.

Why Teen Therapy Matters

Teenagers today face an unprecedented blend of pressures—academic stress, social media comparisons, shifting friendships, identity development, and sometimes trauma or loss. It’s a lot. Sometimes teens just need someone who isn’t a parent, teacher, or friend to really listen and help them sort it all out. That’s where therapy can step in.

At Sara Sanford Therapy, I offer a space where teens can feel safe, heard, and empowered. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” anyone—it’s about helping teens understand themselves better and develop tools for managing life’s challenges.

Common Reasons Teens Come to Therapy

Each teen is unique, but here are some common reasons they (or their caregivers) reach out for help:

• Anxiety and stress
• Depression or low mood
• Family conflict or divorce
• Academic pressure and perfectionism
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Social challenges or bullying
• Grief and loss
• Identity exploration (including LGBTQIA+ topics)
• Low self-esteem or confidence issues
• Major life transitions

These struggles don’t have to define a teen’s story. With the right support, they can learn to navigate these issues with strength and resilience.

What Teen Therapy Looks Like

Therapy with teens looks a bit different than therapy with adults. I prioritize building a strong, respectful, and trusting relationship. Teens need to feel like their voice matters—and it does.

Sessions may include:

• Talk therapy to help process thoughts and emotions
• Mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety and improve focus
• CBT techniques (learn more about CBT Therapy) to challenge unhelpful thought patterns
• Creative expression (like journaling, drawing, or music)
• Psychoeducation so they can understand their brain, body, and behaviors
• Parent support, when appropriate, to improve communication and family dynamics

Most importantly, therapy is collaborative. Teens are in the driver’s seat—and I’m here to support their journey, not control it.

A Therapy Space Designed for Teens

Whether your teen is engaging in individual therapy or online therapy, our work together is tailored to their needs. Some prefer structured tools, while others just need to talk freely in a space where they won’t be judged or rushed.

This is also a space where neurodivergent teens, queer teens, and those exploring identity feel affirmed and respected. If you’re looking for LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, know that this is a place where your teen will be supported for exactly who they are.

Helping Parents and Caregivers Support Their Teens

Teen therapy can also offer guidance and tools for parents and caregivers. Sometimes we include caregiver sessions to check in, explore parenting strategies, or work on strengthening the parent-teen relationship. This isn’t about blame—it’s about building bridges of understanding.

Check out our full Services page to see how teen therapy can be part of a broader network of care.

When to Consider Therapy for Your Teen

If you’re noticing any of these signs, therapy might be a good step:

• Sudden changes in mood, sleep, or appetite
• Withdrawal from friends or favorite activities
• Excessive worry or fear
• Difficulty concentrating or declining grades
• Risk-taking behavior or self-harm
• Talking about hopelessness or worthlessness

Even if a teen isn’t showing obvious signs, therapy can still be a proactive and empowering space for self-awareness and growth.

Approaches That Work for Teens

I use an integrative and flexible approach, drawing from:

• CBT to manage thoughts and behaviors
• Mindfulness for emotional regulation
• Attachment-based therapy to explore relationship dynamics
• Trauma-informed care for teens with difficult pasts (see Trauma Therapy)
• Creative, body-based, and strengths-focused methods that make therapy engaging

We build a toolkit that your teen can carry with them long after therapy ends.

Getting Started

If you’re ready to explore therapy for your teen, I invite you to contact me for a consultation. We can talk about what’s going on and whether we’re a good fit. You can also visit the Teen Therapy page to learn more about how I support adolescents.

If your teen is open to it, involve them in the process—let them browse the About Me page, check out my approach, and come with questions. Their comfort and trust matter.

You’re Not Alone

Therapy isn’t just for crises—it’s for building confidence, gaining insight, and learning new ways to navigate life. If your teen is struggling—or even just feeling stuck—therapy can be a powerful gift.

Thanks for being here, and for caring. It’s a big step to seek support, and I’m honored to be part of that journey.