Teen therapy

Our teen therapy services at Every Heart Dreams Counseling support adolescents typically between ages 13 and 18. We also offer specialized counseling for young adults who may benefit from continued therapeutic support as they transition into early adulthood. Each teen's developmental needs are unique, so our therapists personalize treatment approaches based on where your teenager is emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

Parents in El Dorado Hills and surrounding areas often notice signs like withdrawal from friends and activities, changes in sleep or eating patterns, declining academic performance, increased irritability, or expressions of hopelessness. If your teen is experiencing overwhelming anxiety, trauma responses, relationship struggles, or difficulty managing emotions, therapy can provide valuable support. Trust your instincts as a parent. If you're concerned about your teenager's mental health, reaching out for a consultation is always a good step.

Our group practice offers several evidence-based therapeutic modalities tailored to adolescent needs. These include DBT therapy for emotional regulation skills, EMDR therapy and Brainspotting for trauma processing, Internal Family Systems for understanding different parts of themselves, and Trauma Informed Yoga for mind-body connection. Our therapists select and combine approaches based on your teen's specific challenges, personality, and goals.

Confidentiality is an important part of building trust in teen therapy. Our therapists explain confidentiality guidelines during the first session, helping both parents and teens understand what will be shared and what remains private. While teens need space to speak openly, parents receive appropriate updates about progress and treatment direction. The specific balance is discussed collaboratively and may vary based on your teenager's age, the issues being addressed, and family dynamics.

The duration of teen therapy varies significantly based on individual needs and treatment goals. Some teenagers benefit from short-term focused work addressing specific challenges, while others need longer-term support as they navigate ongoing developmental changes. Our therapists at Every Heart Dreams Counseling regularly assess progress with you and your teen, adjusting the treatment plan as needed. We focus on equipping your teenager with lasting skills rather than creating dependency on therapy.

Parent involvement is personalized to each family's situation and your teen's needs. Some treatment plans include periodic family sessions, while others focus primarily on individual work with your teenager. Our therapists often find that some parent consultation helps reinforce progress at home and strengthens family relationships. We'll discuss the best approach during your initial consultation and remain flexible as therapy progresses.

Absolutely. Many teens in Folsom, Sacramento, and El Dorado Hills experience significant academic pressure. Our therapists help teenagers develop healthy coping strategies for test anxiety, perfectionism, time management challenges, and social pressures at school. Through approaches like DBT therapy, teens learn practical skills for managing stress and emotions. We also address underlying issues that may be affecting school performance, such as trauma, relationship struggles, or low self-esteem.

Resistance to therapy is common among teenagers, and our therapists are experienced in working with hesitant or skeptical teens. We create a non-judgmental space where adolescents can explore their feelings at their own pace. Many reluctant teens discover that therapy feels different than they expected once they connect with the right therapist. We encourage parents to have open conversations about why therapy might be helpful while respecting their teen's feelings about the process.

Yes, trauma therapy is one of our specialties at Every Heart Dreams Counseling. Our therapists are trained in multiple trauma-focused approaches including EMDR therapy, Brainspotting, and Integrated Trauma Therapy. We understand that trauma can manifest differently in teenagers and may affect relationships, school performance, emotional regulation, and self-perception. Treatment is always paced according to your teen's readiness and comfort level, creating safety throughout the healing process.

Getting started is straightforward. Contact Every Heart Dreams Counseling to schedule an initial consultation where we'll discuss your teen's needs, answer your questions about our approach, and provide information about scheduling and pricing. This conversation helps us match your teenager with the right therapist from our group practice. We serve families throughout El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Placerville, Folsom, and Sacramento areas.