Tapestry counselors help foster greater personal integrity and healing while deepening intimacy within marriages, families, churches, and the community.
Adolescent &
Family Therapy
There’s no question you love them.
But do you feel like you’re just trying to survive their adolescent years? You’ve invested so much in their education, sports and social development.
Perhaps it’s time to invest in your relationship with them.
Settling for a 'fine' relationship with a teenager, or assuming the teenage years are simply a period to endure, overlooks the unique developmental and relational opportunities of this stage. Adolescence is a critical period for identity formation, emotional development, and relationship building—not just for the teenager, but for the family as a whole. Engaging in therapy doesn’t have to be reserved as a 'last resort' for severe issues. It can serve as a proactive intervention that fosters a healthy, resilient, and positive parent-teen relationship. Engaging a counselor early can allow parents and teens to build effective communication skills and deeper empathy so they can navigate the coming challenges together.
We get it.
There are reasons why you’ve hesitated
to reach out to a professional therapist...
“Teens are unpredictable
and emotional —
this is normal and will just pass.”
While it’s common to view teens as unpredictable and emotional, assuming these traits will simply pass on their own can overlook critical opportunities for connection and growth. During the ups and downs of adolescence, maintaining attunement, validating their experiences, and staying connected are essential aspects of supporting teens’ healthy development. Yes, teens may exhibit heightened emotions, but that makes it all the more important to respond thoughtfully and constructively. Although some emotional challenges might resolve over time, others may persist or intensify if not addressed.
Therapy can be a valuable resource for both parents and teens, and it’s often more effective and efficient
when introduced before issues reach a crisis point.
Some parents may be concerned that therapy would amplify their teen’s heightened emotions, but rather than amplifying emotions, therapy can provide a structured environment for teens to process feelings and develop tools for emotional regulation.
“The therapist is going to blame me for all of my teen’s problems. It’ll make things worse!”
We all know what Freud said about Moms. So, its not surprising that some parents may worry that involving a therapist will lead to blame or criticism, especially if they fear being held responsible for their teen’s struggles. However, a competent therapist recognizes the vital role parents play in their teenager’s life and approaches family therapy with a goal of strengthening, rather than undermining, the parent-child bond. The focus is on fostering understanding, enhancing communication, and building a collaborative approach to addressing challenges.
Rather than assigning blame, effective therapy aims to empower parents and teens alike,
helping them navigate difficulties together and develop a healthier, more supportive relationship.
“Family therapy is a symbol that I’ve failed as a parent.”
Parenting adolescents is messy and hard. At some level, we all fear that we will wake up ten years from now and realize that we’ve failed our kids. We all want to be excellent parents, and when our child is struggling, the thought that “it’s all my fault” is inevitable. But this thought ultimately doesn’t help you or your teen.
Choosing family therapy doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent;
it shows that you care deeply about your teen and recognize when they’re struggling.
Seeking help might even take more courage than trying to handle everything alone, and it demonstrates a commitment to building a strong, resilient family. Today, parents are raising kids with less support and more isolation than ever before. This lack of community can increase parental anxiety, making it difficult to know when and how to ask for help. Inviting a therapist into the process allows another adult to play a role in your child’s development. Family therapy offers the support that parents and teens both may need.
“My teen is really independent and doesn’t want me involved in their life. They would only be annoyed if I suggested therapy.”
When teens push their parents away, it can feel like they don’t want them involved. While it’s normal and healthy for teens to seek more independence and autonomy, they still need their parents’ presence and support. Often, teens need—and even want—more help than they let on, and suggesting therapy lets them know you’re there, paying attention, and invested in their well-being.
Even if they don’t express it, your encouragement to try therapy can send a powerful message that you see them and care.
Will a therapist contradict our family’s Christian Values?
No. We want to support you in your values .
Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Therapy can help families learn how to live in unity with one another. In some of the hardest years of a person’s life, the teenage years, therapy can be an effective tool to reinforce God’s design for unity within a family. In addition,
James 1:19 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Therapy can be a crucial tool in helping families learn effective communication skills such as active listening and healthy validation. A helpful reminder for parents of teens,
I Timothy 4 says, “Don’t let anyone despise you for your youth…”
Teens, for all the challenges they present parents, have a lot to teach us! Don’t let frustrations with your teen tempt you to “despise” their youth and wish the adolescent years away.
A Word on Social Media and Teens
Social media plays a significant and challenging role in a teenager’s life. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence found a strong correlation between social media use and feelings of isolation and depression among teens. The unrealistic expectations promoted by social media leave teens feeling inadequate and lonely. Research from the Pew Research Center shows that about 69% of teens feel pressured to post on social media to foster likes and comments, leading to teens feeling more anxious and experiencing lower self-esteem. It is crucial for parents to play an active role in helping their teen navigate social media use. Through therapy, teens and parents can learn how to have open communication about these topics, learn healthy coping tools and how to set helpful boundaries together.
Resources for Parents of Teens
Raising Boys and Girls Podcast by Sissy Goff and David Thomas:
While this podcast offers vast knowledge about younger kids, Sissy and David also present invaluable insights for helping parents navigate the complexities of teens in the world today. With their extensive training in children, adolescents and families, their podcast offers engaging discussions, practical advice, and relatable stories that help parents foster healthy relationships with their teens.
Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Dr. Dan Siegel:
This book challenges some of our unhelpful cultural myths about adolescence and reframes the teenage years as an exciting (albeit challenging) opportunity for parents. First and foremost, it helps parents to better understand what is going on in their teen’s brain, and the vital role they can (and should) still play in their teen’s development.
Meet the Therapists
Madison Pickens
MA, LMSW
Madison received her Master’s degree in Social work with specialized training in children and families. Madison is passionate about enhancing the well-being of children and has taken numerous courses to deepen her knowledge of effective therapeutic responses. She has had hands-on experience working with children and families in various settings- including non-profits, a play therapy office and an integrated health center. From her diverse experiences, Madison has learned that children are resilient and can benefit from experiencing a safe, therapeutic environment.
Orrin Swayze
MA, APC
Orrin Swayze worked in college ministry and English education before making the decision to pursue a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, desiring to have a deeper impact on the inner lives of adolescents, while strengthening family connections. His love of stories translated well from the classroom to the therapy office, as he enjoys helping teens make sense of their own stories, and empowering them to make healthy and meaningful decisions about “where the story goes from here.” Orrin’s clinical experience includes private practice therapy with adults and adolescents, as well as group therapy and assessments in psychiatric hospital and non-profit settings.