They say “I’m fine,” but you know they’re not.

You’ve noticed the signs: your teen seems distant, irritable, withdrawn, or anxious. Maybe their moods change quickly, or they’re struggling at school, avoiding friends, or spending more time alone. You’ve tried to connect, but conversations shut down. And while they insist they’re “okay,” your gut tells you something else.

As a parent, it’s painful to feel locked out of your teen's inner world, especially when you can see they’re hurting.

If you're worried, it doesn't mean you’re not failing. It means you're paying attention. And you don't have to figure this out alone. 

How Teen Therapy Can Help

Adolescence is a time of rapid change. Teens are navigating emotional development, physical changes, social pressure, growing independance, and identity formation. Even when things look "normal" on the outside, many teens feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or alone on the inside. 

Teen therapy provides a safe and supportive space for teens to talk openly, process what they are experiencing, and develop tools to cope. For many teens, therapy is the first place they truly feel heard without judgement, pressure, or expectations. 

At Foothills Integrative, we offer teen counselling that supports emotional wellbeing, confidence, and resilience, while helping teens build healthier ways of coping with stress, relationships, and life challenges. 

We support teens who are experiencing:

  • Anxiety, panic, and excessive worry
  • Depression, low mood, or numbness
  • Emotional outbursts, anger, or irratability
  • Self-esteem, confidence, and identity struggles
  • Peer and friendship challenges
  • School-related stress or academic pressure
  • Family conflict or communication breakdown
  • Grief, loss, or trauma
  • Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
  • Life transitions (divorce, relocation, etc.)

Our Approach to Teen Therapy

We believe teens need a space where they feel respected, understood, and safe to be themselves. Our therapists focus on building trust first, because connection is the foundation for real progress.

We meet teens where they are at, while also helping them develop insight, emotional awareness, and practical coping skills. Some teens need a place to talk freely. Others want tools and structure. Some need help making sense of what they are feeling. Many simply need to know they are not broken.

Our approach is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to the unique needs of each teen. Depending on your teen's concerns, therapy may include approaches such as:

At Foothills Integrative, we also understand that mental health is connected to the nervous system. Many teems are living in a state of chronic stress, overstimulation, or emotional overload. Therapy can support regulation, resilience, and the ability to cope with life more effectively. 

What to Expect in Teen Therapy

We aim to create a supportive process that respects your teen’s autonomy, while also keeping parents included and supported.
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Intake Session

The process typically begins with an intake session or consultation to understand your teen's needs and determine the best path forward. For teens under 16, the intake is typically with the parents. For teens over 16, the intake may either be with the parents or the teen, depending on comfort level and preferences.
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Therapy Sessions

From there, we invite your teen to begin sessions on their own, giving them space to connect with their therapist and express themselves confidentially.
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Parental Involvement

We involve parents when it’s helpful and appropriate, keeping communication open while respecting your teen’s privacy and need for autonomy. You’ll always be supported as part of the process — not left in the dark.

Why Families Choose Foothills Integrative

Reaching out for teen therapy can feel like a big step. Many families come to us feeling worried, unsure, or emotionally exhausted. Our goal is to create a space that feels safe, grounded, and supportive for both teens and parents.

At Foothills Integrative, we offer:

  • Warm, relational therapy that prioritizes trust and emotional safety
  • Therapists experienced in supporting teens through complex emotional challenges
  • Evidence-informed approaches tailored to adolescent development
  • A trauma-informed lens and focus on nervous system regulation
  • Respect for teen autonomy, identity, and confidentiality
  • Collaboration with parents and caregivers, when appropriate
  • A supportive environment rooted in integrity, compassion, and care

We believe therapy should help teens feel stronger, more connected, and more capable of navigating life.

Take the First Step, for you and your Teen

Reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, but it’s also a sign of strength. Whether your teen is ready to begin now or simly needs the option available, we are here. 

We offer a free 20-minute consultation to help you explore what feels like the right next step. No pressure, just presence. 

In-person sessions in Okotoks, and vitual therapy across Alberta

 

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION ASK US A QUESTION

Our Teen Therapists

Frequently Asked Questions

We prioritize your teen’s confidentiality. It helps them feel safe and open. At the same time, we’ll involve parents when it’s helpful to the teen’s progress or necessary for safety. We always aim to support your teen while also keeping caregivers appropriately informed.
Not unless it’s necessary. Trust is the foundation of therapy. What your teen shares in sessions is private, unless there’s a risk of harm or a situation where parental involvement would clearly support your teen’s safety or well-being. When that happens, we’ll involve you in a way that respects your teen’s voice and needs.
Sometimes, especially in the beginning. But most sessions are one-on-one to give your teen space to talk freely. If it’s ever helpful to include you, we’ll discuss that together.

Therapy helps teens deal with stress, anxiety, depression, identity questions, relationship issues, and more. It builds coping tools, emotional awareness, and self-confidence—all in a space that feels safe and non-judgmental.

It varies. We usually spend the first 4–5 sessions getting to know your teen and building trust. After that, we decide together how long therapy should continue based on progress and goals.

Some teens show small shifts early on—feeling calmer, sleeping better, or communicating more. Others take longer to open up. Every journey is different, and we move at a pace that works for your teen.