Therapy For Kids & Teens

Has Parenting Begun To Feel Impossible Lately?

Parenting can feel overwhelming when you notice changes in your child or teen but can’t figure out what’s really going on. Maybe your younger child is having emotional outbursts, yelling, or shutting down whenever something feels hard. Or perhaps your teen is pulling away—spending more time in their room, turning in homework late, or losing interest in the hobbies and friends that once brought them joy.

You might wonder if these are just “normal” phases or signs that something deeper is happening. Whether your child is too young to put their feelings into words, or your teen seems unwilling to open up, the silence can leave you feeling helpless and unsure of what to do next.

At Park Slope Therapy, we specialize in supporting kids and teens through these tough moments. Therapy gives children the tools to manage big emotions, develop stronger social skills, and build confidence. For teens, it offers a safe space to talk honestly, learn healthy coping strategies, and navigate the pressures of growing up. And for you as a parent, it means not having to figure it all out alone—we’ll provide strategies and guidance so you feel supported every step of the way.

Between School, Sports, And Social Media, Kids These Days Face A Ton Of Stress

Childhood and adolescence are no cakewalk. Kids and teens today face enormous pressure—whether it’s doing well in school, excelling at sports, keeping up socially, or preparing for the next stage of life. Add in the influence of social media, and many young people feel like they’re never quite good enough. The constant comparisons and unrealistic expectations can fuel anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

At the same time, parenting through these stages can feel like rocket science. Maybe your child is overwhelmed by big emotions or struggling to fit in. Or perhaps your teen has started pulling away, resisting your attempts to connect, and shutting you out when you try to help. It’s a tough cycle—wanting to be there for them, but not knowing how.

The good news is: you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Park Slope Therapy, we provide a safe space where kids and teens can share what they’re going through, build coping skills, and regain confidence. Therapy also supports you as a parent, giving you the tools and perspective you need to feel more equipped and less alone in the process.

The Pressure Is Everywhere

These days, pressure touches everyone in the family. Parents are expected to juggle work, relationships, and raising “perfect” kids—all while keeping up appearances. Kids and teens, meanwhile, face nonstop demands to excel in school, succeed in activities, maintain friendships, and plan for the future. Social media only makes it harder, creating constant comparisons and unrealistic expectations that leave many young people feeling like they’re falling behind.

For parents, reaching out for help can sometimes feel like admitting failure. But therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a commitment to your child’s well-being and your family’s future. Kids who start therapy early can develop emotional intelligence and resilience that give them an advantage as they grow. Teens benefit from a safe space to process the pressures of school, social life, and identity, while parents gain tools and strategies to feel more confident in their role.

Therapy is a reminder that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. With the right support, kids, teens, and parents alike can feel less overwhelmed and more equipped to thrive.

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Therapy Helps Kids and Teens Build Skills and Feel Understood

At Park Slope Therapy, we know that every child and teen faces challenges—and every family deserves support. Our goal is to help young people build the tools they need to handle stress, big emotions, and the pressures of growing up.

For kids, therapy is like giving them a “backpack of skills” they can carry with them anywhere. We help them understand what’s behind their anger, anxiety, or frustration, so they can name their feelings, use words to express themselves, and choose healthier ways to cope instead of melting down or shutting down.

For teens, therapy offers something just as important: a safe space where they feel seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are. Rather than another adult telling them what to do, their therapist becomes a trusted ally—someone who listens, validates their struggles, and encourages their growth.

And for you as a parent, we make sure you’re not left out of the process. We’ll give you strategies and support so you can feel more confident in responding to your child or teen’s needs, and more connected to them in daily life.

What To Expect In Therapy Sessions

Starting therapy can feel uncertain, so we want you to know exactly what to expect. Whether your child is in elementary school or navigating the teenage years, our process is designed to make everyone feel supported.

We’ll begin with an intake session or consultation call with you, the parent, to understand your concerns and hear what you’ve noticed at home or school. From there, your child or teen will start meeting individually with their therapist. For younger children, we may also include parent sessions or family sessions to create a treatment plan that meets everyone’s needs. For teens, we prioritize privacy so they feel safe enough to be honest and open—while still checking in with you regularly so you know how things are going.

In sessions, kids will practice identifying and naming their emotions, learning coping skills, and finding new ways to express themselves. Teens will work on understanding what gets in the way of their happiness, building strategies for everyday challenges, and tuning into their values so they can make thoughtful choices instead of just going on autopilot.

Every step of the way, you’ll be included and supported. While therapy gives your child or teen a space that belongs to them, we also want you to feel equipped and confident in helping them outside of sessions.

Creating A Personalized Counseling Plan

Every child and teen is different, which means their therapy plan should be, too. At Park Slope Therapy, we focus on building on your child or teen’s strengths while giving them a toolbox of skills they can use long after therapy ends.

For kids, this often means learning how to communicate more clearly, manage their time, and develop calming techniques to prevent meltdowns or outbursts. For teens, therapy may focus on navigating stress, improving self-esteem, or making choices that align with their values instead of giving in to pressure.

We use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps young people understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For some teens, we may also incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which offers practical strategies for managing anxiety, regulating emotions, and tolerating stress.

No matter the approach, our goal is the same: to empower kids and teens with confidence, resilience, and coping skills—and to support you as a parent with strategies that make everyday life smoother. Together, we’ll create a plan that truly fits your family.

You May Have Some Questions About Therapy For Children…

Will acknowledging that my child needs support affect their self-esteem?

Recognizing that your child needs help is an integral part of parenting. It shows you love them deeply and want the best for them. What’s more, therapy can help them improve their self-esteem by giving them a set of tools for increasing their chances of success. This way, they’ll have strategies that they can use when they feel their confidence slipping.

How often do parents get to meet with the therapist?

In many ways, counseling for children is also counseling for parents. During the first session, you’ll meet with the therapist to determine if they’re a good fit for your child and family. Throughout the course of therapy, we’ll continue to collaborate with you so that you’re always in the loop regarding treatment. You’re also welcome to have parenting sessions from time to time if necessary.

Will my child always need to see a counselor?

No, they won’t. Counseling with kids and families is often short-term. Your child’s therapist will work with you and your family to determine the length and frequency of counseling. The children we see typically “graduate” therapy once they’ve mastered the skills they learn here.

What if my teen doesn’t want to go to therapy?

We totally get the reluctance. Sometimes teens think a therapist will just be another adult telling them what to do. Our approach is the exact opposite. We’re here to help your teen get to know themselves better and find the answers that they hold within them. What’s more, there is no pressure to commit to therapy right away. We encourage your teen to try a session and see how they like it. Usually, the teens who see us are surprised at how much they benefit from just a few sessions.

How will you keep my teen’s information safe?

Confidentiality is hugely important to us. For your teen to work through their struggles successfully, they need a place where they can talk about them openly and without fear of anyone else finding out. That’s what therapy provides.

What if other people judge me because my teen is in therapy?

In many ways, the stigma around therapy is a thing of the past. The current generation of teens is the therapy generation. For them, seeking therapy is admirable and talking about teenage depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues is normal. What’s more, no one else has to know about your teen’s time in therapy if you don’t want them to!

Parenting Is Tough. You Deserve All The Support You Can Get.

We know how hard it is to raise a child nowadays and that’s why we’re here to help out. To connect with one of our child counselors, you can fill out the contact form, email us, or call 929-297-9753.

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