Accepting new in-person and virtual clients.
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Therapy for Adolescents at Authentic Living London
Adolescent Therapy in London, Ontario
Sometimes, growing up is harder than it looks.
The teenage years can bring enormous changes, and sometimes those changes feel overwhelming. Anxiety, low self-esteem, friendship difficulties, family conflict, or emotions that are hard to understand can leave young people feeling alone, frustrated, or misunderstood.
As a parent, it can be painful to watch your teenager struggle, especially when you're not sure how to help. You may notice they've become quieter, more withdrawn, easily upset, or simply not themselves.
At Authentic Living London, we offer adolescents a place where they can talk openly, explore what they're experiencing, and feel heard without judgment. Our therapists work with young people to better understand their emotions, navigate challenges, and develop skills they can use in everyday life.
Your teen doesn't have to face everything alone. And neither do you.
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Who is adolescent therapy for?
Not every teenager who struggles needs therapy. Growing up involves challenges, changing emotions, and figuring out who you are. But sometimes, those challenges become difficult to manage alone.
Adolescent therapy may be worth considering when a young person is experiencing:
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Anxiety or excessive worry: Feeling overwhelmed, constantly anticipating problems, or avoiding situations that make them nervous.
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Depression or low mood: Persistent sadness, irritability, loss of interest, or withdrawing from people and activities they once enjoyed.
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Low self-esteem: Harsh self-criticism, comparing themselves to others, or feeling they aren't good enough.
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Friendship and relationship difficulties: Bullying, peer pressure, social anxiety, or struggling to feel accepted.
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Family conflict: Frequent arguments, communication difficulties, or feeling misunderstood at home.
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School-related stress: Academic pressure, perfectionism, difficulty coping with expectations, or school avoidance.
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Emotional regulation difficulties: Strong emotions, frequent outbursts, or difficulty expressing what they're feeling.
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Identity and life changes: Exploring who they are, navigating changing relationships, or adjusting to significant transitions.
Sometimes the signs are less obvious. A teenager may seem fine on the outside while privately struggling with worries, sadness, or feelings they don't know how to explain.
Your teen doesn't need a diagnosis or a crisis to benefit from having someone to talk to.
Our Approach to Adolescent Therapy
Teenagers need more than someone telling them what to do. They need someone willing to understand.
At Authentic Living London, we recognize that adolescents are developing their independence, discovering who they are, and learning to navigate increasingly complicated emotions and relationships.
Our approach begins with building trust. We want young people to feel comfortable being themselves, asking questions, expressing difficult feelings, and talking about things they may not feel ready to share elsewhere.
Therapy isn't about fixing your teenager or changing who they are. It's about helping them better understand themselves and develop ways to navigate the challenges they're facing.
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Depending on their needs, sessions may focus on:
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Understanding and managing difficult emotions
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Developing coping skills for anxiety, stress, and overwhelming situations
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Building confidence, self-esteem, and a stronger sense of identity
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Learning to communicate feelings and establish healthy boundaries
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Navigating friendships, family relationships, and social pressures
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Recognizing unhelpful thought patterns and exploring new perspectives
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We use evidence-informed therapeutic approaches while adapting sessions to each young person's needs, personality, and comfort level.
Above all, we want adolescents to feel heard, respected, and supported as they find their own way forward.
Therapy That Fits Your Teen's Life
We offer adolescent therapy both in person at our London, Ontario clinic and virtually across Ontario.Some teenagers feel more comfortable meeting face-to-face, while others prefer talking from the familiarity of home. Depending on availability, sessions may also combine both options.Whatever the setting, our goal is to provide a welcoming, respectful space where your teen can feel comfortable being themselves.
About Karissa Paterson, our Adolescent Specialist
Karissa Paterson, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Someone who understands that being a teenager isn't always easy.
Karissa has extensive experience working with adolescents who are navigating anxiety, depression, self-harm, identity concerns, trauma, and family difficulties.
She understands that teenagers don't always have the words to explain what they're feeling, and that opening up to someone new can be uncomfortable. Her approach is warm, patient, and nonjudgmental, with an emphasis on building trust and helping young people feel respected and understood.
Karissa works collaboratively with teens to explore their concerns, develop coping skills, and build confidence in themselves and their relationships. When appropriate, she also works with caregivers to support progress outside the therapy room while respecting the young person's privacy and independence.
Karissa offers both in-person appointments in London and virtual therapy across Ontario.
What to Expect in the First Sessions
Getting to Know Each Other
Your teen's therapist will take time to listen, learn about their concerns, and understand what's happening in their life. Building trust is an important part of this process.
Learning Practical Skills
Depending on your teen's needs, therapy may include coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, communication tools, or ways to approach difficult situations.
Understanding Confidentiality
We'll explain what stays private, when information may need to be shared for safety or legal reasons, and how caregivers may be involved. We want both teens and parents to understand what to expect.
Involving Caregivers When Appropriate
Parents and caregivers can play an important role in supporting their teenager. We'll discuss what involvement makes sense while respecting the young person's privacy, preferences, and developing independence.
Deciding What to Work On
Together, your teen and their therapist will explore what they'd like to be different in their life. Goals might involve managing anxiety, understanding emotions, improving relationships, or feeling more confident.
Moving at Your Teen's Pace
​Some teenagers feel comfortable talking right away. Others need more time. Therapy is a collaborative process, and progress looks different for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adolescent Therapy
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How long are sessions, and how often will my teen attend?
Individual therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes. Many teenagers begin with weekly appointments, although the frequency can vary depending on their needs, preferences, and circumstances. Your therapist will discuss what makes sense for your teen.
Will my teenager have to talk about things they're not comfortable sharing?
No. Building trust takes time, and your teen won't be pressured to share everything right away. Their therapist will work at a pace that feels manageable while helping them become more comfortable exploring difficult topics.
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Will I know what my teenager talks about in therapy?
Teenagers need privacy to feel comfortable opening up. What your teen shares in therapy is generally confidential, subject to applicable laws and safety-related exceptions. At the beginning of therapy, we'll explain confidentiality, its limits, and how information may be shared with caregivers. We encourage appropriate parental involvement while respecting the young person's privacy and developing independence.
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What if my teenager doesn't want to attend therapy?
It's not unusual for teenagers to feel hesitant, especially if therapy wasn't their idea. Some worry about being judged, having to discuss personal experiences, or being told what to do. We encourage parents to involve their teen in the decision whenever possible. A free consultation can be an opportunity to ask questions and explore whether therapy feels like the right next step.
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How long will my teenager need therapy?
There isn't a set timeline. Some teenagers come to therapy to work through a specific concern, while others need longer-term support. The length of therapy depends on their circumstances, goals, and how things develop over time.
Your teen and their therapist can regularly discuss what's working and whether their needs have changed.
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How do I book an appointment with Karissa?
You can book directly through Karissa's online booking page or contact Authentic Living London at 226-224-0301.
If you'd prefer to ask questions before scheduling a full appointment, we also offer a free 15-minute phone or video consultation.
Ready to get started?
ou don't need to have all the answers before reaching out.
Whether you're a parent concerned about your teenager or a young person looking for someone to talk to, we're here to listen.
If you're wondering whether therapy might be a good fit, we invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation with Karissa. It's an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about her approach, and decide what feels right for you or your family.
Contact
We would love to hear from you.
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Please reach out to us in whichever way feels most comfortable to you and we will get back to you within 1-2 business days at most.
130 Thompson Road, London, ON
226-224-0301 (call or text)