Teen Therapy in Lacey, Washington
Therapy That Meets Teens Where They Are
When Your Teen Feels Lost and You Don’t Know How to Help
Mood swings and tension can turn your home into a pressure cooker. You want to support your growing teen through anxiety, ADHD, or major life changes—but feel stuck not knowing how to help. Homework battles and friendship drama create constant conflict, and you've noticed your child withdrawing from activities they once loved. What used to be typical teenage independence now feels like something more concerning.
Recognizing the Signs: When Your Teen Might Need Counseling
Trouble concentrating, staying organized or completing schoolwork
Persistent worries, racing thoughts or intrusive anxiety impacting their day
Difficulty sleeping, lack of motivation or poor stress management
Withdrawing from family, friends or activities they used to enjoy
Mood swings, irritability or emotional outbursts beyond typical teen behavior
It’s Hard When Your Teen Feels Lost and Disconnected
Watching a child you love struggle with focus, impulsivity, and overwhelming worry is heartbreaking—and even harder when it feels like you can’t reach them.
You may notice your growing teen pulling away from family time, losing interest in activities they once loved, or getting frustrated with themselves and those around them. They might seem isolated, on the outside of their old friend group and shadowed by never feeling good enough.
The growing distance can leave you feeling disconnected and alone, while the teen you deeply care for silently faces intense challenges. You remember their bright smile and enthusiasm, but right now, it seems buried by constant worry or restless energy.
There is hope, and resilience can be rebuilt. Therapy designed specifically for teens can help them safely express their fears, manage anxiety and find balance again. I meet teens where they are at and walk along side them through this journey.
Most Teens Face Challenges and Have Days that Feel Overwhelming
The teen years are a time of growth, change and new challenges—this is a natural part of growing up and figuring out who they are. Just because your teen is facing challenges like anxiety, ADHD or big life transitions doesn’t mean they are a failure. The obstacles they face are what build resilience and self-confidence.
These difficulties can lead to struggles with school, peer relationships, self-doubt and disruptions in daily routines. Anxiety has become a common companion for many teens and problems with focus, impulsivity and the drive for perfection take a toll on their daily life.
When you start to notice concerns, early intervention with compassionate therapy can provide essential guidance. Teen counseling offers a safe space to explore feelings, learn new skills and regain balance.
Being here means you’ve taken the first step by showing up and reaching out for support. Remember, when you see concerning changes in your teen, know you don’t have to navigate this by yourself.
Personalized Teen Counseling Rooted in Experience and Understanding
Families and teens in Lacey and across Washington seek my care because I meet teens where they are and focus on their resilience. With years of experience as a school counselor, I have deep insight into how struggles with focus, anxiety, academics and friendships affect their daily life.
I understand the unique pressures today’s adolescents face and celebrate their strengths while working alongside them to reach their goals. My priority is to create a supportive space where your teen can grow, experience meaningful change and regain balance for the future they hope for.
Compassionate Therapy for Teens
Your teen and I will work together and focus on their primary needs, individual struggles and concerns. Working with me means they have someone who understands how to help them comfortably talk about what is holding them back.
What Teen Counseling Can Help Your Child With
Understand how ADHD, and anxiety impact their thoughts and actions
Develop coping strategies to reduce overwhelm and impulsivity
Build self-confidence and self-advocacy skills
Learn practical organization and time management techniques
Strengthen emotional regulation and resilience
My Approach to Teen Counseling
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Trust & Connection Come First
The most important part of teen therapy isn't a specific technique—it's the relationship we build. A strong therapeutic connection is one of the best predictors of lasting change. That's why I prioritize creating a space where your teen feels genuinely heard, understood, and accepted—not judged for how they're struggling.
I meet teens where they are. Whether navigating anxiety, ADHD, or big life changes, we'll start with what matters most to them. From that foundation of trust, real change becomes possible.
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Understanding What's Really Going On
We'll explore what fuels your teen's struggles—past experiences, current stressors, how their brain works, or learned responses that no longer serve them. I help teens make sense of what's happening so they can feel capable instead of confused.
I draw from approaches like CBT, mindfulness, and social-emotional learning, tailoring our sessions to what actually helps your teen. This isn't about fitting into one method—it's about finding what works for their specific brain and life.
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Skills for Real Life
Your teen will learn grounding strategies, calming techniques, and realistic skills they can use at school, home, or during everyday stress—not complicated steps that add pressure. We'll work on recognizing anxious patterns or impulsive reactions before they take over and building confidence in situations they've been avoiding.
These aren't cookie-cutter exercises—they're approaches we'll adapt together based on what your teen's nervous system actually needs. I honor their need for privacy while coordinating with you as their parent.
“Her ability to build trust, listen with empathy, and provide evidence-based support truly sets apart…”
—Chandra Mays, M.Ed., ESA School Counselor
Read the rest of what Chandra shares on my endorsement page.
Common Parent Concerns About Teen Therapy
What about privacy—what will you tell me as the parent?
Your teen needs space to be honest, which means confidentiality is essential. Their privacy is my priority, and it's important they know it. I work collaboratively with parents when appropriate—the key is that your teen has a voice in what's shared. We'll discuss this balance in our first meeting. Safety is the exception—if there's concern about harm, we address it together.
What if my teen doesn't want to go to therapy?
Many teens are reluctant to try therapy—that's completely normal. I'm genuinely curious about your teen's interests, and using their real-life passions helps make therapy relatable. The first session is about building trust, not forcing conversation. My goal is that your teen experiences being genuinely heard and understood. Many initially hesitant teens find that changes everything. If therapy doesn't feel right after we've tried, I won't force it—we'll discuss what other support might work better.
How do I know if my teen needs therapy?
If your teen is experiencing anxiety, focus difficulties, social withdrawal, or mood changes that interfere with school, relationships, or daily life, therapy can provide essential support. Early intervention helps teens build skills before challenges escalate. If you're asking this question, it's worth exploring.
Have more questions? Reach out today!
Supportive Counseling for Teens to Build Confidence and Resilience
If your teen is facing anxiety, focus struggles, or emotional overwhelm, counseling can be a powerful tool for growth. I work with teens in Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater and offer online counseling throughout Washington. Reach out today to discuss your concerns and schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me via my online booking system. Helping your teen find balance and build confidence is my priority.
Teen Therapy Lacey
Foels Counseling & Consulting PLLC
Address:
4405 7th Ave SE Ste 200
Lacey, WA 98503
Phone:
(360) 299-5586
Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9am–7pm
Friday: 11am–5pm
Appointments:
Scheduled by request
I offer both in-person sessions at my Lacey office and online therapy throughout Washington state.