COUNSELING FOR
HIGH SCHOOL TEENS
I enjoy working with high schoolers, whether they feel ready for change or have doubts about counseling. Many teens begin therapy at a parent’s request and may be unsure if talking to another adult will help. My goal is to create a space where every client feels heard, respected, and understood.
Teens come to counseling with diverse experiences, values, and challenges. I see each client as a person, not a project, and focus on building trust and genuine connection. I strive to make therapy empowering, validating, and even enjoyable. When teens feel truly understood and safe, they become more open to growth and change.
Through experience, I’ve learned to be patient and not push when a client is hesitant. Every teen moves at their own pace, exploring the issues they’re ready to face. If we aren’t the right fit or they need additional support, I’ll help connect them with the right resources.
At the heart of good therapy is trust. For teens especially, a strong client-counselor relationship is the foundation for meaningful progress.
PROS & CONS OF
ONLINE COUNSELING FOR TEENS
Teens are uniquely suited for online counseling. Most teens are used to making relationships online and have been communicating with peers over technology for much of their life. Sharing over a screen, in an environment they control is less intimidating than sitting in an office face-to-face with an adult. It’s easy to feel self-conscious and judged in a small office with nowhere to hide. Clients of all ages put throw pillows on their lap to keep from feeling too vulnerable and exposed. Sharing over a screen from separate locations gives more protection than a pillow. Vulnerability can feel safer online.
In general, teens share more freely virtually than they do in-person - with friends or counselors.
Online counseling isn’t for everyone
If a teen is resistant to the counseling process, it is difficult (but not impossible) to build rapport and maintain engagement online. A client has to be willing to interact with the counselor.
Reluctant teens may benefit more from in-person counseling
When I counsel in person, I give a lot of space for resistance. I am comfortable when a teen chooses to sit quietly. I can respectfully look away and not force interaction. This invites agency. It allows space for the client to determine what happens in counseling. When a teen tests my boundaries and ability, I take what they offer and work without panic or frustration. Together, we build trust and rapport. They get to see if they are too much for me and I get to demonstrate my respect for them. This dance is harder to do online. Healthy tension that leads to engagement is harder to maintain if the client can easily pretend I’m a video and not a real-life person. Attempting to force engagement is futile. Trust may need to be built in person before online counseling is effective.
Finding the right fit
While I specialize in online counseling, I recognize that it’s not the right fit for every teen. If in-person therapy seems like a better option, I’m happy to recommend trusted therapists who can meet your needs. The most important thing is finding a counseling approach that supports the teen’s growth and well-being.
Excellent Resource for Teens & Parents:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Teen & Young Adult Mental Health – A trusted resource on common teen mental health challenges, support options, and coping strategies.
ARISE BLOG
Privacy Laws for Teens in Washington State
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The Risks and Rewards of Counseling: What to Expect