What is your go-to approach for teen counseling?

My go-to approach for helping teens in counseling is an eclectic approach that combines elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Holistic Psychology, Psycho-Education and Expressive Arts Therapy. I prefer this approach because it allows for the teen to name and recognize negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their emotional difficulties while also helping them advocate and express themselves through back education and knowledge. All while also incorporating various avenues for self expressing, coping, healing, and processing with support every step of the way.

What tools do you teach in teen counseling?

Mindfulness Techniques: Teaching teens mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, body scans, and mindfulness meditation to help them cultivate present-moment awareness, reduce stress, and improve emotional regulation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Skills: Providing teens with CBT skills such as identifying and challenging negative thoughts, behavioral activation (engaging in positive activities), and learning relaxation techniques to manage anxiety and depression. Stress Management Strategies: Equipping teens with practical strategies such as time management, problem-solving skills, and assertiveness training to effectively cope with academic, social, and personal stressors. Emotional Regulation Techniques: Teaching teens techniques like identifying and labeling emotions, using grounding exercises, and practicing self-soothing behaviors to manage intense emotions and promote emotional stability. Communication Skills: Helping teens develop effective communication skills including active listening, assertive communication, conflict resolution techniques, and empathy building to enhance relationships with peers, family, and others. Goal Setting and Planning: Guiding teens in setting realistic and achievable goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and creating action plans to foster motivation and personal growth. Social Skills Development: Assisting teens in developing social skills such as making friends, initiating conversations, interpreting social cues, and navigating social situations to improve interpersonal relationships. Resilience Building Activities: Engaging teens in activities that promote resilience, such as identifying strengths, fostering a growth mindset, learning from setbacks, and building self-confidence to bounce back from challenges. Self-Care Practices: Encouraging teens to practice self-care activities such as healthy eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and engaging in hobbies or activities they enjoy to promote overall well-being and stress reduction. Conflict Resolution Techniques: Teaching teens strategies for resolving conflicts constructively, including negotiation, compromise, and problem-solving approaches, to manage interpersonal conflicts effectively. Expressive art therapy techniques: Encouraging teens to look at other avenues of passion through various art modalities to help express, process, heal ,cope, and learn about themselves or their experience.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in teen counseling?

Behavioral Changes: The teen begins to demonstrate improved coping skills, such as using calming techniques or problem-solving strategies learned in therapy. Emotional Regulation: There is a noticeable decrease in intense emotional outbursts or an increase in the child's ability to identify and express their feelings appropriately. Increased Communication: The teen shows greater openness and willingness to communicate thoughts, concerns, and experiences either verbally or through non-verbal means like art or play. Improved Relationships: Positive changes in relationships with family members, peers, or authority figures, indicating better social skills and increased empathy. Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem: The teen exhibits a growing sense of self-worth and confidence in handling challenges or setbacks. Generalization of Skills: The teen starts applying therapeutic strategies outside of therapy sessions, showing that they are internalizing and integrating what they have learned into their daily life. Feedback from Others: Caregivers, teachers, or other significant adults notice improvements in the child's behavior, emotional well-being, or academic performance. Teen's Own Perception: The teen expresses feeling happier, more secure, or more capable of managing their emotions and relationships.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement teen counseling?

Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindful walking to cultivate self-awareness, reduce stress, and improve emotional regulation skills. Journaling: Keep a journal to reflect on thoughts, emotions, and experiences discussed in therapy sessions. Writing can help clarify feelings, track progress, and identify patterns or triggers. Implement Coping Strategies: Practice coping skills learned in therapy, such as relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, or using a stress ball, to manage anxiety, anger, or other challenging emotions. Set and Work Towards Goals: Set personal goals based on therapy sessions and work on achieving them step-by-step. Break goals down into manageable tasks and celebrate milestones along the way. Read Self-Help Books: Explore books or articles related to topics discussed in therapy, such as mental health, resilience, communication skills, or personal growth. Discuss insights gained with the therapist as appropriate. Engage in Creative Outlets: Use creative activities like art, music, writing, or photography as a means of self-expression and emotional release. These outlets can provide alternative ways to explore and process feelings. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and spending time on hobbies or activities that bring joy and relaxation. Seek Peer Support: Connect with supportive friends or peers who can provide encouragement, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Sharing experiences and feelings with trusted individuals can be validating and beneficial. Attend Support Groups or Workshops: Participate in support groups or workshops focused on topics relevant to their therapy goals, such as anxiety management, social skills, or mindfulness practices. Apply Learned Skills: Actively apply therapeutic strategies and insights to daily life situations outside of therapy sessions. This application helps reinforce learning and promotes long-term behavioral changes. Communicate with Therapist: Maintain open communication with the therapist about progress, challenges, and any questions or concerns that arise between sessions. This ongoing dialogue supports continuity and effectiveness of therapy.

What should someone do to prepare for starting teen counseling?

To prepare a teen for therapy I think it's most important for the caregiver to provide some information to their child (if it is not the teenâs decision). It is important as a caregiver to do some research therapists and types of therapy/ specializations you may be waiting for your teen Then discuss what this may look like to your teen, engaging them in the process (possibly showing their therapist picture, bio, website, etc.) answering their questions. Explain the âwhyâ to your child so they are able to feel reassured that therapy is a safe space to talk about their feelings and concerns. Set realistic goals both for them and for yourself and manage expectations. Lastly, create an open minded and supportive environment for your teen to mirror.

Teen Counseling in Cambridge, MA • Find Help

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Boston

Afreen Nizami

Counselor (Resident)

As a woman of color and a mom myself, I understand the issues our different communities are presented with on a daily basis with ...

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Boston

Zhiran Li He/Him

Counselor (Resident In Counseling)

As an international student and immigrant, I bring both professional training and lived experience to my work. I understand the co...

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Framingham

Olivia Fenty She/Her

Counselor (In Process of LCMHC)

As a counselor, I create healing-centered spaces grounded in compassion, cultural understanding, and community care, drawing from ...

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Brookline

Evelyn Burdick She/Her

Supervisee

As individuals, our lived experiences and perspectives are inherently unique to us....

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Leominster

Sarah Lewis Rhaouati She/Her

Masters Level Clinician

Having experienced both the highs and the setbacks life brings, I’ve learned that resilience begins within. There is strength in b...

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Teen counseling FAQs

What is teen counseling?

Teen counseling helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst teens include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and problematic relationships with food.

How does teen counseling work?

Teen counseling works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the teen’s unique needs — based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks teen therapists in Cambridge have the expertise and experience to help young individuals at their level.

Does my teen need therapy?

Signs that teens might need Teen counseling can be very subjective, as they are experiencing many changes and can have intense reactions to them. As parents, you know your child best and are best equipped to judge whether certain reactions are standard behaviors for your teen or whether they might be hinting at a larger problem. Even so, there are a few common signs and events that often point to a need for therapy, such as experiencing divorce or loss, grief, consistent low moods, teens distancing themselves and becoming isolated, losing interest in hobbies, excessive anger or irritability, substance use issues, and suicidal ideation, among others.

Is teen counseling conducted in person or online?

Teen counseling providers at Thriveworks in Cambridge, MA offer both in person and online therapy by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does teen counseling last?

The length of teen counseling depends on your teen’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, teen counseling sessions will last for several months.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurance and we offer self-pay options too.

Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Insurance options

Self-pay costs

Our therapists and counselors in Cambridge accept 28 insurance plans

Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS
Carelon
Cigna | Evernorth
Compsych
Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
Harvard Pilgrim

Self-pay costs at Cambridge

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

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★★★★★

I really like how easy it is to navigate Thriveworks - from the variety of providers to the flexibility of hours. I enjoy working with Liz the most, there's a level of understanding that she brings to our sessions that facilitates healing. I'm grateful that Thriveworks allowed me to meet with many different folks before deciding who aligns the most with my current needs.

Kenedi Sep 2025