%20(1).png?width=200&height=80&name=Trillium%20Counselling%20Logo%20(999%20x%20398%20px)%20(1).png "Trillium Counselling Logo (999 x 398 px) (1)")
Teen & Adolescent Counselling
Empowering teens and adolescents to build confidence, resilience, and emotional balance
Guiding Teens and Adolescents Through Life’s Challenges — One Conversation at a Time
The teenage and adolescent years are full of growth — and challenges. Our therapists help young people navigate anxiety, mood changes, identity questions, social stress, and family conflict. We offer in-person and secure online therapy, matching each client with a therapist who truly connects with them.
Whether you’re a teen feeling overwhelmed or a parent noticing your child’s mood or motivation shift, our therapists can help. We work with clients from early adolescence through late teens and into adulthood, adjusting our approach to developmental stage and goals. Sessions can be in-person at our Kitchener–Waterloo office or online for flexibility, convenience and privacy.
Social support is a critical piece of adolescent mental health, but many teens are missing it. Recent studies highlight a significant gap, finding that only 58.5% of teens always or usually receive the social and emotional support they need.
This research also uncovered a major disconnect: while almost 2 in 5 teens reported they were not getting the support they needed, a-whopping 93.1% of parents believed their child was receiving adequate support. Unfortunately, this gap can be harmful. The study confirmed that a lack of social support was associated with worse mental and physical health. Teens who felt unsupported also reported worse health, poorer sleep, and were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and low life satisfaction. (Read more on these findings here).
Common Reasons Young People Come to Therapy
Challenges we help teens and adolescents manage
- Anxiety, overthinking, panic, or excessive worry
- Sadness, low motivation, or loss of interest
- Stress related to school, peers, or performance
- Bullying, peer pressure, or relationship stress
- Identity, self-esteem, or body-image concerns
- Conflict with parents or family members
- Adjusting to change, relocation, or family transitions
- Processing grief, trauma, or difficult experiences
- This is not a complete list—teens and parents may seek therapy for many reasons
Our Approach
Empathetic, evidence-based, and custom for each client
- The right fit is important: We put a lot of work and emphasis on connecting each client with a therapist who has the right set of therapy practices and/or experiences in order to understand their needs and help them feel at ease, fostering genuine engagement and trust.
- Therapeutic approaches: Our experienced therapists use evidence-based techniques—including CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma-informed practices—tailored to resonate with teens and adolescents.
- Support that fits your life: Sessions are available in-person or through our secure online platform, offering flexibility to suit busy school schedules and extracurriculars. We also work to find a time and consistency that work best for your busy life.
- A welcoming, affirming environment: Our culturally responsive and LGBTQ2S+ affirming practice is committed to providing a safe, inclusive space where every client feels respected and supported.
Lets us Help you Find the Right Match
How Can Teens and Adolescents Benefit from Therapy?
It’s natural for teens and adolescents to feel uncertain about starting therapy. Some may wonder if reaching out means their concerns aren’t valid, while others worry it’s only for times of crisis. In truth, therapy is a proactive, evidence-based resource that fosters emotional resilience, deepens self-understanding, and helps develop skills that support wellbeing throughout life.
Therapy at this stage offers a private, compassionate space—one that belongs entirely to the young person. Here, they can talk openly about school, friendships, family dynamics, or anything on their mind, all without judgment or pressure. Decades of research highlight the positive impact of therapy: For example, a comprehensive study by Dr. John Weisz and colleagues found that children and adolescents who participated in therapy were better adjusted than nearly 8 out of 10 of their peers who didn’t receive support. The American Psychological Association also recognizes psychotherapy’s effectiveness for people of all ages and backgrounds.
For young people, therapy can provide meaningful support by helping them:
- Navigate intense emotions, learning to manage feelings like anger, sadness, or anxiety in healthier ways.
- Build greater self-confidence and a clearer sense of identity.
- Strengthen communication and connections with family, friends, and peers.
- Manage stress and focus better on school, sports, or social commitments.
- Develop practical coping strategies for setbacks, transitions, and times of uncertainty.
Therapy often has positive ripple effects beyond the mind. Many teens experience improved sleep, better concentration, and fewer aches or headaches as emotional stress eases. Scientific studies even show that therapy can strengthen the brain’s pathways, supporting better emotional regulation and decision-making over time.
At Trillium Counselling, we appreciate that every teen and adolescent is unique, with their own experiences, goals, and comfort levels. Our therapists approach can be tailored, providing a supportive environment where young people feel respected, heard, and empowered to move forward with confidence.
Support Starts Here
FAQs
Therapy works best when the 'fit' is right with your therapist. That’s why we carefully match you with someone whose expertise fits your needs and preferences. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is key to creating a supportive and effective experience.
Before meeting your therapist, you’ll complete a brief intake form. Your first 50‑minute session focuses on what brings you in, your goals, relevant history, and what success would look like. We’ll explain confidentiality and co‑create a plan so you know what comes next. It’s normal to feel nervous—your therapist will guide the pace.
The frequency of sessions depends on your needs and goals. Many people start with weekly or bi-weekly appointments and adjust as they make progress. The total number of sessions is unique to you—your therapist will work with you to find the right approach.
Life’s challenges can show up as stress, anxiety, depression, or difficulties in relationships. Depending on your needs and goals, our therapists may use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address unhelpful thought patterns, EMDR to process trauma, or Narrative Therapy to help you reshape the stories you hold about yourself and your experiences.
Other approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), or Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), may also be used to ease feelings of guilt, shame, or overwhelm. Each therapy plan is personalized to your situation, creating a safe and supportive space to explore, heal, and grow.
Most of our services are covered by extended health benefit plans. Coverage varies with every plan, so please check your specific plan or contact your provider to confirm your benefits.
Most employer benefits cover therapy with a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) or a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). We can direct bill to most major insurers when your plan allows it; otherwise, we email insurance‑ready receipts after your session.
Not sure yet? Let’s talk it through.
If you’d like to ask questions or explore your options first, book a free 20-minute matching consult or give us a call (226-752-8857) . One of our team members will help you find the right therapist and next steps that feel comfortable for you.