Adolescent Therapy

15 Years and Older

Once children have reached the age of 15 it is typical for parents to start being transitioned out of therapy sessions to allow for the increased independence of your teenager.

By the age of 16 parents are usually restricted to joining at the end of sessions for a summary, and by the age of 17, sessions are solely with the teenager.

Each session will follow a format collaboratively decided upon by myself and the client. However, sessions will typically involve the following format:

Start (Updates/Session Plan)

Typically anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes to discuss updates and confirm focus areas for the session.

Middle (Intervention/Check-in)

The bulk of the session (typically 20 minutes minimum) will focus on providing therapeutic strategies, psychoeducation, and/or exploration of focus areas.

End (Summary/Homework)

At the end of the session, we will summarise content and plan any relevant homework for between sessions.

Session Format

Are games used in sessions?

Absolutely!

By this age games are not used as frequently, although they can still be useful to…

  • Facilitate communication

  • Build rapport

  • Teach therapeutic, social, communication and executive functioning skills

  • Create a safe space

  • Provide breaks

Games

  • Typically yes. However, the degree of parental involvement largely depends on the child’s desire for independence and ability to adhere to treatment strategies/tasks in between sessions.

    The amount of parental involvement at these ages is decided on a case by case basis.

    • Have your teen bring a notepad to record important points discussed during the appointment.

    • Email the psychologist prior to the appointment to let them know of any important developments or changes.

    • Encourage your teen to write or type down things that they might want to discuss at the next appointment.

    • For teens taking medication to help with concentration, please help them remember to take this with enough time before sessions.

  • Confidential in sessions is important not only for adults but particularly for adolescents. As such if your teen requests that I do not disclose information to their parents I will honour this request provided that it does not interfere with their safety or the safety of another person.

    Maintaining these boundaries is important as it will help your teen to feel safe to express their true thoughts and feelings in session; something that is necessary for effective therapy.

    Depending on the level of supports needed, I may, with your child’s permission, involve parents in continued supporting strategies. However, the aim at this age is to increase your child’s independence and decrease parental involvement where possible and reasonable.

    However, please be assured that if I believe there are any risks to the safety of your child or another person, that this will be disclosed.

Important Considerations