What is the structure of a typical video therapy session?
In my sessions we have 50 minutes (sometimes 55 if we get carried away) of talking about them. I actually don’t speak all that much (maybe more than your average therapist, but this isn’t about me and my knowledge). Most of the time is teenagers taking time to talk through their thoughts and feelings. When they do this it’s amazing how much they connect dots and better understand themselves. Unsurprisingly, Empathy is the key to all my sessions.
How can parents keep informed of the progress of sessions?
I won’t break confidentiality with the teens I work with (unless there is risk of harm or illegal activity, but even then the teen will be aware). But therapy isn’t about secrets, it’s about a teen working their way to help themselves, and I always encourage teens to share these little gems with their parents/careers so they can help should crisis hit, as a reminder of what helps/matters.
I have no answers… the teens have it in them.. I just help them find it and it’s important everyone knows what this is when it’s uncovered.
Why is a family based approach helpful when dealing with teen mental health issues?
It’s a team effort raising a teen. The difference is that before the teen years a parent is the referee in life – this is how life works. When the teen years hit, all parents should move to the position of a coach.
Coaches support and promote self learning and discovery. They allow a player their own choices on the pitch and only if things look bad, then they intervene in how the game is played! It’s a team effort raising a teen and it succeeds best with a strong relationship… not strong rules and fear.
What issues have you dealt with in your podcasts?
Among other subjects, anxiety, friendships, exams, nagging or not to nag, body image, burn out vs overwhelm, and my most popular three things ever teen parent should know. I have had many guests, from real teen parents sharing their knowledge and authors on how to approach conversations about sex. There really is so much that can effect the relationship, I’m slowly but surely trying to cover it all in 15 minute bursts.
Where can I find out more about Teen Therapist Online?
Www.Teentherapistonline.com has links to all my social media, podcasts and my TikTok account for teens where I share tips for them specifically.
