The teen years are full of change, growth, and self-discovery. They can also feel overwhelming at times. Teens today often juggle academic pressure, social expectations, family transitions, and the influence of social media — all while trying to understand who they are and where they belong.
I provide a supportive and collaborative space where teens can talk openly, feel understood, and develop tools to manage life’s challenges. I also recognize how important family support is and, when appropriate, work collaboratively with parents while respecting teens’ need for privacy and independence.
Molly Bahr
Anxiety can show up in many ways for teens. Some experience constant worry, perfectionism, social anxiety, panic attacks, or specific fears. Anxiety may also feel physical, including racing heart, shakiness, dizziness, or trouble sleeping.
In therapy, teens learn to better understand anxiety, identify triggers, and build coping skills to manage overwhelming thoughts and emotions. The goal is to help teens feel more confident and capable in situations that once felt stressful or scary.
Adolescence often brings questions about identity, values, interests, and future goals. Many teens feel pressure to have everything figured out, which can lead to stress and self-doubt.
Together, we explore strengths, interests, and personal values to help teens develop confidence, self-understanding, and direction as they make decisions about their future.
Depression is more than having a bad day or feeling sad occasionally. It can impact motivation, relationships, energy levels, and daily functioning. Teens may feel hopeless, withdrawn, disconnected from activities they once enjoyed, or struggle with changes in sleep and appetite.
Therapy offers a safe place for teens to talk honestly about what they’re experiencing while developing tools to improve mood, increase motivation, and reconnect with meaningful activities and relationships.
Self-esteem plays a major role in how teens view themselves, their relationships, and their abilities. Low self-esteem may lead to self-criticism, comparison to others, or difficulty trusting personal strengths.
In therapy, teens learn to recognize their strengths, challenge negative self-beliefs, and develop self-compassion. Strengthening self-esteem helps teens feel more confident, resilient, and secure in who they are.
Some teens experience intense emotional distress, including self-harm behaviors or thoughts of suicide. Therapy provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space to talk openly about these experiences while developing coping strategies and strengthening support systems.
Relationships are a central part of adolescence and can bring both joy and stress. Teens may experience friendship struggles, romantic relationship challenges, communication difficulties, or family conflict.
I help teens develop healthy communication, boundary-setting, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills that support stronger, more positive relationships with peers, partners, and family members.
It’s normal for teens to experience stress and emotional ups and downs. Therapy can be helpful when challenges begin to feel overwhelming, persistent, or start affecting daily life, relationships, or school functioning.
Some signs therapy may be helpful include increased anxiety or worry, persistent sadness or irritability, withdrawal from friends or activities, changes in sleep or appetite, low self-esteem, difficulty managing stress, increased family conflict, or engaging in risky or self-harming behaviors. Therapy can provide additional support, tools, and a safe place for teens to talk openly.
The first session is focused on helping teens feel comfortable and getting to know them as individuals. There is no pressure to share everything right away. We may talk about current challenges, relationships, school stress, interests, strengths, and goals for therapy.
I also explain how therapy works and answer any questions so teens feel informed and involved in the process. My goal is to create a relaxed, supportive space where teens feel safe being themselves.
Confidentiality is an important part of building trust with teens. Sessions provide a private space where teens can speak openly about their thoughts and feelings.
Parents and caregivers are an important part of supporting a teen’s growth. When appropriate and clinically helpful, I may collaborate with parents by offering general guidance or recommendations while still maintaining appropriate privacy to help teens feel comfortable speaking openly. If safety concerns arise, including risk of harm to self or others, parents will always be informed so we can work together to support the teen’s well-being.
Parent involvement varies depending on the teen’s age, needs, and treatment goals. Some sessions may include parents, while others focus on individual time with the teen. When helpful, I may schedule parent check-ins to provide guidance, discuss progress, and offer support strategies for home. My goal is to create a collaborative approach that supports both teens and families.
It’s very common for teens to feel unsure or hesitant about starting therapy. I work to create a comfortable, low-pressure environment where teens can move at their own pace and feel respected. The first few sessions often focus on building trust and helping teens feel understood. Many teens become more open to therapy once they feel safe and realize therapy is a space designed to support them, not judge or force change.
The length of therapy varies depending on each teen’s goals, challenges, and progress. Some teens benefit from short-term support focused on specific concerns, while others choose to continue therapy longer for ongoing growth and support. Treatment plans are regularly reviewed to ensure therapy continues to meet the teen’s needs.
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