Suzanne Waters, LCSW

Navigating the teenage years, whether you're a teen or a parent, is no easy feat. As children grow into adolescence, they start seeking independence, which often means they pull away — keeping their struggles and emotions to themselves. As parents, we might sense something’s off, but every attempt to reach out can feel like running into a wall, leading to frustration, arguments, or worse, silence. The uncertainty and confusion can make it hard to know how to help or even how to connect. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when we remember what it was like to be a teenager, but today's challenges are more complex. The stress of not knowing how to support your child can seep into other areas of your life, leaving you questioning if you're doing enough or doing it right. For teens, common thoughts and feelings might include, "I feel like something is wrong with me," or "I don’t want to feel this way, but I don’t know how to make it stop." These thoughts can be scary and isolating, and it often feels safer to keep everything inside rather than risk burdening others or causing conflict. Unfortunately, this internal struggle can lead to even more pain and disconnection. If your teen has expressed interest in seeing a therapist, or if you're considering recommending it, I understand how challenging it can be to trust a stranger with the most personal parts of your family life. But as both a therapist and a parent, I prioritize creating a safe, judgment-free space where both you and your teen can feel heard and supported. **What to expect from therapy:** When working with teens, I empower them to have a say in how much involvement they want from their parents during sessions. If they choose to focus on their individual journey, I suggest periodic check-ins with parents—typically every 6 sessions—to provide updates and discuss any concerns. If communication or family dynamics are the main focus, I encourage family sessions at least once a month to work towards stronger, healthier connections. The goal is to guide your teen through this crucial period of growth while helping you build a bridge of understanding and support — together. If you're ready to take that first step, I’m here to walk with you every step of the way. Since 2019, I have been privileged and honored to assist teens and parents finding their way back to each other and themselves and I am hopeful to be able to do that with you too. Contact me at 405-252-0515 or through the link below, to get started.