Teen & Adolescent Therapy

Teen Psychologist in Calgary

The Benefits of Teen Counselling

In today’s age, teenagers face many societal, ideological, and personal challenges that can greatly affect their present and future. Unstable circumstances, including global events, peer pressure, traumatic experiences, and gender and identity issues can lead to depression, anxiety and behavioural changes.

Being in the right supportive and safe environment can help them talk about their feelings, learn new skills and develop positive responses to negative outcomes.

As a qualified and leading teen psychologist in Calgary, I offer your teenager a safe place to discuss their emotions, delve into the origins of their issues, and use a combination of therapies to help them have a better and brighter future.

Who is Teen Counselling For?

Specializing In...

ANXIETY

Anxiety is, unfortunately, very common for teenagers nowadays. Many factors, like hormonal changes, uncertainty of the future, high expectations, parental disapproval, overall stress, and peer pressure, can make your teenager anxious. Signs can include recurring fears about everyday life (such as going to school), avoidance of new situations, sensitivity to criticism and extreme self-consciousness.

DEPRESSION

Depression is a complex illness that comes in many different forms with many causes, including traumatic life events, social and family circumstances, and medical conditions. The main symptoms of depression in teenagers include feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, withdrawal from social situations, overwhelming sadness or mood swings, and suicidal ideation.

TRAUMA

Traumatic experiences, such as divorce, abuse, bullying, and global issues, can have a negative impact on a teenager's life. As a result, your teenager might experience psychological and physical distress, including strong reactions, sadness, flashbacks, anger, anxiety, avoidance of triggers, and a pessimistic outlook on life, to name a few.

Additional Areas of Expertise

My Methodology

When it comes to teen counselling in Calgary, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Everyone is different, enduring various challenges unique to their situation and personality. My approach mimics that difference, tailoring it to the young person sitting in front of me.

In the first session, I’ll begin with an assessment-oriented approach to getting to know your teenager, creating a safe space for them to describe their concerns and goals. With this foundation, I’ll create a treatment framework that delves into key causes of your teenager’s issues while combining and utilizing different therapies so that they can make positive life changes.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is an effective treatment in psychology, particularly for teens. The process involves your teenager identifying and changing both their thoughts and behaviours.

Solution-Focused Therapy

This type of therapy helps your teenager become an efficient problem solver. They’ll learn to identify problems and focus on goals that lead to solutions.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

PE is often indicated for those suffering from PTSD. Imaginal and in-vivo exposure is utilized to help them process the trauma.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

In DBT, your teen is taught to accept their thoughts and behaviours while encouraging them to change them through unique techniques.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

MBCT combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy to help your teen reduce and control their stress, anxiety, depression and trauma.

Mindfulness & Mediation

Teaching your teenager calming mindfulness and meditation techniques will enable them to control their stress while improving their mental wellbeing.

Client-Centered Approach

The Client-Centered Approach is more of a mindset than a type of therapy, where the needs of the individual take precedence over all else.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative Therapy is often used with teens to help them gain awareness of the 'story of the their life,' and help them to change it as they like.

What to Expect From a Teen Psychologist in Calgary

I understand the pressures and difficulties of growing up in this age of technology and uncertainty. As a teenager, it’s difficult to convey the right words when expressing overwhelming and highly-emotive feelings – particularly in a therapist’s office, which can seem intimidating.

It’s why at Elevate Psychology, I created a welcoming, grounded and approachable space for teenagers to be themselves. I keep things down to earth and professional while promoting inclusivity so that all teenagers from different heritages, cultures and situations get the treatment they need.

Growing up in today’s society is not easy, but I can give your teenager the skills to change their lives for the better.

At what age do you offer counselling to teenagers?

I only work with teens 16 years of age or older.

Do you disclose everything you discuss to the parents when you work with a teen?

When working with teens under the age of majority (i.e., 18), legally, I am required to obtain the consent of parents/guardians before commencing counselling in Calgary. This also means that certain pieces of information may be shared with the parents, depending on the teen and parents’ concerns. I usually discuss what information may be disclosed to them and what will not with both teens and parents. The disclosed information is typically related to the teen’s safety and wellbeing or if the teen prefers for the parents to receive updates about their therapy. If a teen is 18 or older, no information is disclosed to any party, except when there is a need to protect the teen or others from harm (as is typical with all adults) or if the teen requests disclosure.

Do parents have to be present in sessions?

To answer briefly, no. I typically ask to speak with parents for a portion of the initial session. I will include parents in a session if deemed necessary, or is a part of the plan that all parties agree to at the onset of therapy. Otherwise, if it is not necessary, all Calgary psychologist sessions are conducted with the teen only.