The teenage years are a time of great change, growth, and self-discovery that is paired with stress, anxiety, and confusion. The common challenges faced by teens include academic pressure, social issues, conflict within interpersonal relationships, and mental health struggles.  Leaving these challenges untreated can significantly impact their mental and emotional well-being, leading to feelings of hopelessness and distress.  

Another main issue teens face today is social media. Teens are under pressure from social media’s unrealistic expectations for beauty and body standards. The overuse of social media can lead to cyberbullying, anxiety and depression, body image issues, chronic comparison, and loneliness.   

Therapy for teens in Plano, Texas, can help teens work through the challenging issues they are facing. At The Montfort Group, we empower teens to weather this season of change and enter the next phase of their lives with confidence while equipping parents to provide much-needed support on the journey. 

What is teen therapy?

Teen counseling is a specialized form of therapy tailored to the unique emotional, social, and psychological challenges of adolescence. It offers a judgment-free space where teens can process their experiences, gain clarity, and develop tools to navigate life’s complexities.  

Therapists who specialize in adolescent counseling use evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, and creative modalities such as art or music therapy. The goal is to meet teens where they are, helping them foster self-awareness, confidence, and emotional well-being. 

 Common Issues Teenagers Face in Therapy

Common issues teens in Plano, Texas, face can include anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, peer pressure, self-harm, or distorted body image. Therapy can be a helpful choice for teens who struggle with one or more challenges: 

• Anxiety: Therapy for a teen with anxiety can teach them to conquer their anxiety by helping them to identify unhelpful thought patterns they have become accustomed to. They will learn about the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behavior and how reframing their thoughts can lead to healthier behaviors. Therapy can also help teens identify their triggers and provide tips for avoiding them.  
• Depression: Therapy for a teen with depression can provide them with a safe space to work through their emotions and concerns, teaching them helpful ways to cope with them. Teens can learn to understand the challenges causing their behavior, thoughts, or feelings.  
• Peer pressure: Therapy can help teens recognize distorted thinking, reframe negative thought patterns, and cultivate a positive thought process. Therapy can help teens build their self-confidence and ability to think for themselves and do what aligns with their own personal values.  
• Self-harm: Therapy can help teach your teen to successfully identify the impulse to self-harm. They can begin replacing negative behaviors with new actions. 
• Distorted body image: From social media scrolling to comments from peers to negative self-talk, therapy can aid teens in identifying and processing unhelpful body-related feedback and reframing negative thought processes. 

How Therapy Helps Teens Cope with Stress and Pressure

Stress and pressure-related issues are common concerns teens face.

• Academic stress: Teens with the expectation of high academic achievement can feel heavy pressure. Therapy can help teens release some of this pressure and identify what or who is causing this pressure and how they can actively communicate with people around them.  
• Social pressure: It is common for teens to place emphasis on their social lives and relationships with their peers. Teens can experience bullying, anxiety, and exclusion that can impact their mental health and confidence. Therapy can help teens identify the root of these issues and work with their therapist to get through them.  
• Family stress: Conflicts within a family can be an added pressure on teens. Arguments with parents or siblings can cause tension and stress leading to anger and depression. T Therapy provides a safe space for teens to express themselves freely, without fear of consequence, and can teach them healthy ways to cope and communicate with family members.  

Therapy for Teenagers with Behavioral Issues

Therapy for teens in Plano, Texas, can be the right choice for teens who are exhibiting behavioral issues. Behavioral issues can include anger, defiance, or substance abuse.  

• Anger: Teens who are experiencing anger or violence can benefit from meeting with a therapist to talk through their emotions and pinpoint the causes of their anger. In the case of violence, a therapist can help the teen identify triggers and help them channel their energy into positive behaviors.  
• Defiance: Therapy can help teens work through the feelings that are causing them to become defiant. It can also help them establish better communication strategies with those around them.  
• Substance abuse: Teens struggling with substance abuse can greatly benefit from therapy. Therapy can help teens identify the force causing them to abuse substances, work through them, and replace these habits with positive behaviors.  

Building Self-Esteem Through Therapy

Therapy for teens in Plano, Texas, can help teens build self-esteem, leading to improved mental health.  

• Getting to know themselves: Therapy is a safe space for teens to express themselves and recount events that have happened to them. By talking out these experiences in therapy, teens can get to know themselves better and see themselves in a more positive light.  
• Coping mechanisms: A teen’s emotional journey can be long and difficult. Therapy can help a teen with problem-solving skills in managing big emotions. When teens become more capable of handling their emotions, it is a real boost to their self-esteem.  
• Setting and achieving goals: If teens are feeling aimless, therapy can help them decide what is important to them and set goals based on those values. Achieving goals can help boost a teen’s confidence and self-esteem.  

How Therapy Helps with Peer Relationships

A teen’s social life is one of the most important aspects of their life, and if they are struggling to create and maintain connections, their self-esteem can really suffer. Therapy for teens in Plano, Texas, can teach them effective communication strategies that can help them better communicate with their peers.

Therapy can also help teens become self-aware of sometimes self-destructive behaviors that may harm their relationships. Having relationships with peers helps teens achieve two of the most critical tasks of adolescence: gaining independence and developing their identities.  

Does My Teen Need Therapy?

Recognizing the signs that your teen needs therapy is the first step in providing them with the support they need to thrive. Therapy for teens in Plano, Texas, might be the best choice for your teen if you notice:  

• Sudden changes in behavior: Sudden shifts in behavior are one of the most glaring signs that your teen may be struggling internally. A shift might look like unexplained aggression, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, or a drastic change in sleeping or eating patterns. All of these behaviors can point to your teen struggling with something that they might not know how to express yet. It is important not to label these signs as “just a phase” and rather to get to the bottom of what is causing your teen to so drastically change their behavior.   
• Isolation: If your usually-social teen begins to isolate themselves from friends and family, it is likely a sign that something significant occurred that they are not ready to talk about.   
• Decline in academic or athletic performance: A decline or disinterest in your teen’s academic or athletic performance can be a sign of something more serious in your teen. These changes can stem from a range of issues, including social stressors, family dynamics, or mental health struggles. Understanding the ‘why’ behind the shift is essential to offering the right support.   
• Engaging in risky behavior: An increase in risky behaviors, including the use of substances, reckless driving, or unsafe sexual practices, can be a sign of distress in your teen. These activities might be a sign your teen is trying to escape a negative feeling or a cry for attention.   

If your teen seems withdrawn, overwhelmed, or struggling with daily life, professional support can help. Early intervention can prevent these challenges from escalating into larger mental health concerns. For more signs your teen needs therapy, read here.   

Why is Therapy Important to Teens?

The challenges teens face can include body image issues, social media addiction, self-harm, interpersonal relationships, bullying, and the college-to-high school transition. Teens who struggle with one or more of these issues may not have the ability to work through them on their own or with their families.  

• A safe space: Therapy for teens can provide a confidential and non-judgmental safe space for teens to freely express themselves.   
• Refined communication skills: Therapy can help teens improve their communication skills. Effective communication will help teens express themselves more confidently and clearly, which in turn will strengthen their ability to build and maintain relationships with friends and family.  
• Strengthened coping skills: If a teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, or another issue, therapy can help teens develop healthy coping strategies that will become habitual. Building the foundation of healthy coping skills will last your teen throughout their teenage years into adulthood.  
• Personal growth: Therapy can help teens discover their self-identity, build up self-worth, and explore their values, leading to personal growth. 

What Can My Teen Expect in Therapy?

Therapy for teens in Plano, Texas, is designed to make teens feel comfortable, and sessions are tailored to their personal experiences. Your teen can expect:  

• A welcoming environment where they can speak privately and freely without judgment   
• Confidentiality and trust so they can feel safe discussing their struggles  
• Approaches to sessions using different types of therapy, completely based on your teen’s personal needs  
• 50 to 80-minute sessions, weekly or biweekly, based on your teen’s progress and needs    

The Role of Parents in Teen Therapy

Your involvement plays a key role in your teen’s success in therapy. There is a necessary communication line of wanting your teen to feel supported and respecting that there may be some things your teen wants to keep private from you. Here’s how you can provide your teen with meaningful support:  

• Encourage, but don’t force: Let your teen know therapy is a positive step in building self-confidence, not a punishment.  
• Respect their privacy: Trust that their therapist will keep you informed when necessary while also allowing your teen to feel ownership over their sessions. Give your teens some solace by saying, “Know I’m always here to talk about your therapy, especially if stuff comes up that you want to discuss or need my support or help, but I respect your privacy, and I will not pry for information from you or your therapist.”   
• Communicate with openness: Let your teen know that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Explain that you, your teen, and their therapist are a team dedicated to improving your teen’s well-being.   
• Be willing to learn: Open communication with your teen’s therapist, not to pry for information about what was going on in their session, but on ways to support your teen outside of sessions. A therapist can provide effective communication strategies, fostering better communication and a more connected relationship.  

Therapy Approaches for Teens  

Therapists utilize evidence-based, scientifically-supported methods to address a wide range of emotional and psychological needs. Each therapy approach is designed to be adaptable, allowing therapists to tailor techniques to suit your teen’s individual circumstances and goals. Below are some of the most widely-practiced approaches, each with its own unique focus and benefit:  

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a highly effective, goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns. These patterns often contribute to unhealthy emotions and behaviors, and CBT helps reframe them to promote healthier ways of thinking and living.  

By engaging in CBT, teens will:  

• Learn to recognize and replace distorted thoughts and beliefs that affect your teen’s mood and actions.  
• Gain practical skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.  
• Build healthier coping strategies and develop a more positive, realistic outlook on life.  

2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is particularly effective for those who have experienced trauma or struggle with PTSD. This approach helps individuals reprocess distressing memories in a structured, safe manner. By stimulating both sides of the brain through guided eye movements, EMDR facilitates the processing of traumatic experiences, allowing individuals to reframe and heal from past events.  

The benefits of EMDR include:  

• Reducing the emotional intensity of distressing memories.  
• Healing past traumas that may continue to affect your teen’s present life and relationships.  
• Restoring a sense of safety, emotional balance, and control.  

3. Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-based therapy encourages living in the present moment with greater awareness and acceptance. This practice fosters mental clarity and helps individuals detach from overwhelming thoughts and emotions. By focusing on the present, your teen can reduce stress, enhance emotional resilience, and improve overall mental well-being.  

With mindfulness techniques, teens will:  

• Learn to focus their attention on the present rather than dwelling on past regrets or future worries.  
• Cultivate emotional awareness and self-compassion.  
• Develop strategies to cope with stress and maintain mental clarity, even in challenging situations.  

Each therapy approach offers a distinct path to healing and self-improvement, and the best method for your teen will depend on their unique needs, goals, and preferences. Working closely with a therapist, your teen can explore these methods and create a personalized plan for their journey toward emotional wellness and growth. 

The Benefits of Individual vs. Family Therapy

What is Family Therapy?

Family therapy is a type of therapy aimed at addressing issues and conflicts that come up within a family dynamic. This can be a helpful tool for examining how one family member’s behavior is affecting the rest of the family. Family therapy promotes better communication skills, improved family interactions, and increased teamwork within the family whenever conflicts occur.  

When Should a Family Seek Family Therapy?

There are a variety of reasons a family might be the right candidate for family therapy.   

• Mental health conditions: if a member of the family is struggling with a mental health condition, family therapy can be helpful for family members to understand the condition and work out ways to cope with how it may affect their family.  
• Emotional and behavioral issues: If a family member is struggling with emotional or behavioral issues that are likely affecting every aspect of their lives. Family therapy can allow a family to address challenging patterns that are coming up in their lives.  
• Lack of emotional support: If a family member is struggling and is not receiving the emotional support they require, family therapy can teach family members how this person needs to be supported.  
• Major life changes: If your family has experienced a major life change, such as a divorce, move, death, or financial struggles, family therapy can provide a safe space for members to express their feelings and grow stronger as a unit.  

Individual vs Family Therapy for a Teen:

Therapy for teens in Plano, Texas, can be conducted in two ways: individual or family therapy. If you notice your teen is struggling, take a moment to analyze the situation. Reflect on your family unit. Has your family gone through a major life change? Is your family struggling to communicate, with household conflicts continuing to arise? If the answer is yes, family therapy would likely be the right choice to help your struggling teen.  

If your teen is struggling with issues outside the family, such as relationships with peers, they may benefit more from individual therapy.  

You can also discuss with your teen what kind of therapy they are comfortable with. Speaking with a therapist prior to or right after their first appointment, they can point you in the right direction and recommend which kind of therapy can best benefit your teen and your family.  

How to Find the Right Therapist for Your Teen

Finding the right therapist can lead to a positive therapy experience for your teen. 

• Credentials: Local therapist who is qualified and experienced in working with teens
• Approach: Research the different methods of counseling a therapist can provide  
• Personability: A strong connection between teen and therapist fosters trust and engagement 

The best way to ensure a good fit? Involve your teen in the selection process. When they feel they have a say, they’re more likely to engage fully in therapy. 

Our Holistic Approach to Therapy: Relationships, Past Trauma, and Present Happiness

The Montfort Group’s therapy for teens in Plano, Texas, services take a comprehensive view of your teen’s life, considering every aspect of their story. Together, we’ll address the challenges your teen faces, whether they stem from relationships with peers, family, past trauma, or present difficulties. 

Our focus is on: 

• Improving your teen’s overall well-being. 
• Breaking negative patterns that may be holding them back. 
• Fostering meaningful connections with others. 
• Whether your teen’s needs are short-term or require deeper exploration, we tailor a personalized approach to equip them with practical tools for confidence, reduced anxiety, and greater joy in life. 

 Why The Montfort Group for Teen Therapy 

The Montfort Group is the top choice for therapy for teens in Plano, Texas. The Montfort group is more than just a group of highly-trained therapists, we hope you’ll view us as indispensable members of your life team. We are committed to being partners in your teen’s personal growth. The kind who will lean in and listen with empathy and confidentiality, fostering trust with your teen.  

Our role is not to fix your teen, and our goal is not to create a life-long dependency on weekly meetings. We exist to equip our teen community with the tools needed to survive the personal and relational storms of the teenage years—and discover new ways to thrive once the skies have cleared.  

At The Montfort Group, we have a unique, hands-on approach to therapy for teens in Plano, Texas. We take teen emotions and decision points seriously while helping families establish healthy support systems that will carry them to and through seasons of change. Our team of therapists are qualified women with experience working with teens and families. 

Ready to Begin Your Journey with Therapy for Teens in Plano, Texas?

The Montfort Group would be honored to be a part of your teen’s journey.

Our intention is to provide your teen and family with the care and personalized support your family requires as soon as possible. When you reach out to our team, know that your questions and concerns will be promptly answered. Please contact our office using one of the options below. We look forward to connecting with you! 

Contact our office: 

214-810-2615 

Send us an email ⟶ admin@themontfortgroup.com

Have burning questions? Read our FAQ page for answers.