Teen Therapy
Helping Teens Thrive: Guidance Through Life’s Tough Moments at Sherwood Psychology
It can feel overwhelming when your teen doesn’t seem like themselves anymore. You know they
have so much potential, but something is clearly in the way. Sometimes it’s hard to know what
that “something” is—or your teen doesn’t seem ready to talk about it. Sometimes it’s clear what
the problem is—but figuring out how to help can feel impossible.
Parenting a teen is challenging—and it can feel lonely. That’s where Dr. Kurta and our team of
teen therapists in Ottawa come in. At Sherwood Psychology, we help teens develop skills to
manage stress, anxiety, low mood, social challenges, attention difficulties, and
neurodevelopmental or mental health concerns such as autism and OCD. Teens who struggle
with ADHD in Ottawa can also benefit from individualized CBT and coaching sessions designed
to improve focus, organization, and emotional regulation.
Together, we work with your teen to understand what’s getting in their way, identify practical
coping strategies, and build confidence in their ability to navigate life’s challenges. And we don’t
stop there—when your teen is willing, we can work with you as a parent, helping you
understand what your teen is experiencing and giving you tools to guide them with empathy and
confidence. You and your teen don’t have to face this alone. Let us walk alongside you, helping
your teen regain balance, build resilience, and reconnect with their strengths, fostering a calmer
and more connected household.
“I can’t sleep because I keep worrying about my test. I need good grades to get into University.”
“I can never remember when my assignments are due. I’m so behind and I feel embarrassed to
ask for help from my teachers.”
“I get so anxious before I talk in class or present something. I feel like everyone is judging me.”
“I compare myself to everyone on social media and feel like I don’t measure up.”
“I get angry or upset over small things and then feel bad about it afterward.”
“I keep overthinking everything I say or do.”
“Sometimes I just want to disappear or be invisible because I feel overwhelmed.”
These are all things we hear from our teen clients at Sherwood Psychology in Ottawa. Do they sound familiar?
Why Teens Struggle
academic pressure, social media, peer relationships, life changes, and hormonal shifts.
Many teens are reluctant to share their feelings with parents. They might act out, withdraw, or appear indifferent while struggling internally. A therapist at Sherwood Psychology can offer a safe space for your teen to express themselves, while giving you strategies to support them outside of sessions.
How Teen Therapy Helps
Teens often struggle to express themselves to parents, and they can’t always get the full
support they need from peers. Therapy gives them a confidential environment to explore
thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
Helps Navigate Rapid Emotional Changes
Hormonal, social, and academic pressures can lead to mood swings, irritability, or anxiety. Our
anxiety therapists in-person in Hintonburg, Ottawa and virtually teach skills to regulate
emotions, manage stress, and cope with challenging situations.
Builds Coping and Life Skills
Teens learn strategies for managing anxiety, anger, or low motivation. Therapy can improve
problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal skills, supporting independence. ADHD
coaching also focuses on organization, focus, and academic strategies.
Supports Identity and Self-Esteem
Adolescence is a time of self-discovery. Therapy helps teens understand themselves better, set
healthy boundaries, and build confidence.
Reduces Risk of Long-Term Mental Health Issues
Early intervention can prevent problems from becoming more serious in adulthood. Teens learn
practical strategies that strengthen resilience and emotional health.
Improves Relationships
Therapy equips teens with communication skills, empathy, and conflict-resolution tools to
strengthen family, peer, and school relationships.
Provides Guidance Without “Lecturing”
Teens are more likely to engage with a neutral adult who listens and collaborates, rather than a
parent who they may view as “nagging” or “controlling”.
Encourages Healthy Habits and Routine
Therapy can help teens set goals, manage schoolwork, and maintain self-care practices,
promoting overall wellbeing.
We make therapy feel approachable and down-to-earth, meeting teens where they are. We tailor therapy to meet developmental needs using research-based approaches such as:
● Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Helps teens understand how thoughts influence emotions and behavior. Interactive exercises, role-playing, and real-life problem solving build practical skills.
● Mindfulness & Emotion Regulation: Teens learn techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and emotion identification to manage stress, anxiety, and mood swings.
● Strengths-Based Coaching: Focuses on your teen’s unique strengths to build confidence, resilience, and motivation.
● Parental Involvement: With your teen’s agreement, parents may attend part of the first session to understand the process. After that, sessions focus on the teen, with updates and coaching for parents as needed.
Our Approach to Teen Therapy
What to Expect
● Explore the challenges they are facing
● Understand their goals for therapy
● Discuss strategies to implement at home and at school
● Co-create a plan for ongoing sessions
Therapy for teens is collaborative and empowering. Teens often appreciate having a space to speak openly without judgment, while parents gain tools to help their teen thrive.
