San Francisco Therapy for Parenting Teenagers

Are you frustrated or overwhelmed with parenting your teenager? Are you worried about your teen’s behavior and want to talk with someone about how to move forward? Do you need support during this transitional time?

Parenting teenagers does not have to be difficult. Adolescent development can feel challenging to parents, and families can benefit from the support and guidance offered through psychotherapy. Some of the issues that can be addressed in therapy are self-esteem problems, body image, identity issues, sexuality, acting out behaviors (substance use, talking back, running away, truancy), divorce and blended families, peer and family relationships, and school or academic problems. Therapy can provide support to parents who are overwhelmed or stressed, and provide a safe place to explore the tremendous opportunity for growth that parenting a teenager offers.

It can also be helpful to have your teenager see a therapist individually to let them have a separate space in which to talk about their problems. Teens may be seen separately, with their parents, or with the entire family as the need arises. In cases where the teenager is seen separately, periodic parent sessions and phone contact are essential and often helpful. Here are some common questions teens have about therapy.

Kirsten offers support and guidance for parents of teenagers through individual therapy, family therapy, relationship therapy, and parent consultation sessions. We will explore your situation and work together to figure out the goals for therapy.