Teen Therapy in Chicago, IL and Merrillville, IN
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the expectations at school and at home, feel anxious or inadequate as you attempt to create meaningful connections with your peers, or fearful as you explore your gender and sexual identity. we understand, and we’re here to help.
At Hold the Vision Therapy, we believe in helping teens develop coping skills to manage their emotions and build self-esteem to express themselves safely and comfortably. Our therapists create a safe and affirming space to learn and practice how to communicate their needs to friends and family
If you’re ready to start feeling less anxious and uncertain and be more secure and confident, schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our teen therapists today!
3 Top-Rated Teen Therapists in Chicago
3. Samantha Jones, LMFT
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Education: Master's Degree from Adler University
Years in practice: 4
Specializations: Building healthy communication, establishing boundaries, building trust, conflict resolution, life stage transitions, grief and loss, exploring identity and sense of self, trauma, managing stress, anxiety, and/or depression
1. Faye Williams, ALMFT
Credentials: Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Education: Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University
Years in practice: 4
Specializations: Teens (Transitioning, Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Relationships, Body Image, Social Media Boundaries), Couples (Parenting, Co-Parenting, Parallel Parenting, Inter-faith relationships, Deconstructing differently, Healing from Purity Culture, Navigating equity outside of gender norms), Families (Communication, Parenting, Boundaries, Blended families), Self-Esteem (Embodiment, Intuitive Eating, Transitioning, Building Self-Trust and Confidence)
2. Gracie Orellano, ALMFT
Credentials: Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Education: Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler University
Years in practice: 1
Specializations: Improving communication between teens and parents, confidence in parenting, couples work, narratives within Latine culture, intergenerational issues, identity and self-esteem concerns
Our approach to teen therapy.
The adolescent years are challenging and unique to each person. What might be helpful for one teen in therapy, won’t be the same for others. That said there are a few core topics we can explore when we get started.
We’ll discuss how to regulate emotions and manage stress when you experience changes in your mood and behaviors. We’ll explore what values are important to you when finding friendships and relationships. Our therapists will provide a non-judgmental space for you to express your anxieties in all areas of your life where you are feeling pressure, whether that’s in your academics, relationships, extracurricular activities, or your responsibilities at home. We’ll explore your relationships with your family and discuss the often-confusing dance of needing space from your parents while also wanting them close. Our therapists will provide a safe and affirming space to explore what gender expression and sexual identity means to you and how you can live and be authentic with the world around you.
At Hold the Vision Therapy, we focus on families (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.) because that’s where we all learned about being in relationships! We all come from somewhere. The beliefs, values, and ideas we carry about relationships, partners, and ourselves as partners comes from previous relationships and the relationships we watched growing up. We need to understand how other things, like society, religion, culture, government and other institutions impact our beliefs, values, and ideas. Digging into these areas can make all kinds of things begin to make sense for you and your family. And from there we can start to create change!
Our therapists understand how crucial these topics are to your growth and development. We remember how stressful and confusing a period this was for me. Our goal is to provide a safe and affirming space for you to express and discover yourself. When working with teenagers, building trust is our first priority. In developing our rapport and learning about your needs, we will also build safety in the therapeutic space. We’ll learn together how to best communicate your needs in helpful and healthy way. Our therapists will support you in identifying healthy coping skills that work best for you. We’ll learn about your strengths and find opportunities for growth. Therapy is a great opportunity to invest in yourself and find love for all of the pieces of you that make you unique and special!
If you have any additional questions about how teen therapy works click the button below! Our therapists at Hold the Vision Therapy serve clients virtually throughout Illinois and Indiana!
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Adolescent therapy is aimed at individuals who are 12 – 19 years old. Similar to talk therapy for adult individuals, the therapist will be focused on helping teens make sense of their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and identify strategies to support their future goals
You’ll get as much out of relationship therapy as you put in. Sadly, we were not given magic pixie dust in graduate school, so we can’t miraculously fix things for our clients. (That would be nice, right?) But if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, couples counseling can support you in transforming your relationship(s) and getting it closer to your ideal.
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It’s a good idea to consult a therapist if your teenager is struggling emotionally, socially, and/or academically. Some potential signs that this is happening to your teenager are:
Experiencing feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, or constant worrying
Reporting feelings of extreme loneliness or having difficulty making friends
Isolating themselves from friends or family
Frequently fighting with friends and family members
Not participating in activities or hobbies once enjoyed
Engaging in self harm behaviors or expressing suicidal thoughts
Sudden drop in academic performance or excessive tardiness or absenteeism in school
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When looking for a therapist for your teen, ask yourself these important questions:
How will the therapist relate to my teenager? Read through their website to learn about their approach and to get a sense of therapist’s style.
Will they understand my teenager? A quick consult with the potential therapist over the phone or via video chat can provide insight into their experience your teenager’s issues and address your parental concerns.
How do I know if I can trust this therapist? Pay attention during the consultation how you feel with this therapist. Are they giving you a sense of compassion and care towards the presenting problem? Do they feel genuine in their interactions with you? If so then trust your gut!
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For pricing, please reach out to the individual therapist you would like to work with.
Hold the Vision Therapy is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO so if your plan has mental health benefits, we can utilize your insurance. We will bill BCBS directly for you.
Hold the Vision Therapy believes therapy should be accessible so sliding scale options may be available if requested and eligibility requirements are met.
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All of Hold the Vision’s therapists are in network with BCBS PPO plans. If you have out of network benefits with another carrier, we’ll be happy to provide you with a monthly superbill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adolescent Therapy
Get help from an experienced teen therapist!
The same way you look for an experienced mechanic or contractor based on the make and model of your car or the part of your home that needs attention, you and your teen want someone who has experience with both the issues they’re dealing with and the unique challenges that come with those issues as a teen.
Adolescents are one of our areas of focus. Our therapists are specifically trained to work relationally, so we also understand the importance of working with teens in relation to their families. Our therapists can and will hold space for both parental concerns and the needs of your teen.
We know it can be tough to reach out for help, when you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, or at your wits end. But you don’t have to have face these challenges alone. Our licensed therapists can help.
Whether you live in Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, or anywhere else in Illinois, we can work together virtually. Click the button below to connect and get started!