Psychotherapy for Adolescents

Navigating the Journey to Self

Adolescence is more than just a "phase"—it is a profound developmental threshold. At our practice, we recognize that the teenage years are a unique season of life that requires a specialized approach. Our adolescent psychotherapy services are designed to support young people as they navigate the complexities of identity, independence, and the transition toward adulthood.

Understanding the Adolescent Shift: A Developmental Perspective

From a developmental standpoint, adolescence is defined by the central task of Identity vs. Role Confusion. According to psychologist Erik Erikson, this period (typically ages 12–18) is when individuals must answer the fundamental question: "Who am I?"

The Move Toward Independence

While childhood is centered on the family unit, adolescence marks a necessary "social reorientation." As teens work to find their own identity, it is developmentally normal for them to:

• Look Beyond the Family: To differentiate themselves from their parents, teens naturally seek role models outside the home—such as mentors, teachers, or public figures—to help them imagine the "adult" they want to become.

• Prioritize Peer Groups: The peer group becomes the primary laboratory for identity testing. Peers provide the immediate feedback and sense of belonging that adolescents need as they experiment with different roles, values, and social identities.

• Seek Autonomy: This shift isn't a rejection of family values, but rather a vital step in forming a stable, coherent self that can eventually function independently in the world.