For Kids and Teens

“I've learned to slam on the brake
Before I even turn the key
Before I make the mistake
Before I lead with the worst of me”

— Dear Evan Hansen Original

You and psychology

  • Therapy will look different for different people. Your psychologist will listen to what you have to say and help you identify things that might be contributing to your feelings.

    Your psychologist may teach you coping strategies, help you follow your values, help you understand your emotions, and even transform your emotions into new ones.

  • Mental health is a pretty popular topic on social media, and in media in general these days. Many people relate to what they see on TikTok or Reddit. Other people find it confusing or worry that there might be something wrong with them.

    The popularity of mental heath as a topic has decreased some of the stigma related to mental illness and might help you connect to others. But if it leaves you feeling badly, we suggest you talk about those feelings with adults who you trust. You can definitely talk about these things with your psychologist.

  • Often kids and teens come to a psychologist because their parents think it is a good idea.

    Therapy is voluntary, which means you are in control of your own sessions. If your parent thinks it is a good idea to give it a try, we’d ask you to give us a chance, but in the end, if you decide against it, we will help you and your parent come up with other options.

  • At your first appointment you will meet with your clinician, who will ask you questions in order to get to know you and understand what you are going through. Most often, your clinician will also meet with your parents, although this depends on individual needs.

    The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions. By the end of the session you should have a plan for the next steps.

  • In general, everything you say in your therapy sessions is confidential (private). We want you to have a safe space to say whatever you want to.

    There are times that your psychologist has to share what you said with your parents. In general, this is if they are concerned about your safety, but the specifics will be discussed with you during your first session.

    There will be other times that your psychologist suggests that you tell your parents things, but that will be your decision.

    If you are ever worried that your psychologist might share something with your parents, tell them your worry before you tell them the information. Then you can decide what to do together.

  • Youth are often worried about their friends, particularly when their friend is suicidal, self-harming, or using substances. You may want to keep their secrets, but that probably isn’t the best way to go. First, it leaves you very worried and affects your mental health. Second, it isn’t actually helping your friend.

    Find an adult you can trust. This might be a parent, another relative, a guidance counsellor, or your psychologist. If you are really nervous, you can tell them anonymously at first. They can help you come up with a plan to talk to your friend and make sure that the right people, who can help them, know what is going on.