We’re glad you’ve taken this important step in supporting your teen’s wellbeing. Starting psychological therapy can be a big transition not only for your teen but for the whole family. As therapy progresses, it’s normal for parents to have questions, notice changes in their teen’s behaviour, or wonder about how to best support the process.
This FAQ has been created to address common concerns and give you practical strategies to help your teen continue moving toward their goals—while helping you feel confident in your role along the way.
The Therapy Process
Is it normal for therapy to feel more challenging over time?
Yes. As your teen begins to build trust with their therapist, they may start to explore deeper emotions, past experiences, or unhelpful patterns. This can sometimes feel confronting and may even lead to temporary increases in distress or challenging behaviours. While this can be worrying as a parent, it’s often a sign that meaningful work is taking place. Your encouragement and patience are invaluable at this stage.
I feel like my teen should be “better” by now—are they progressing too slowly?
Therapy is not a quick fix, and progress is different for every teen. Some young people notice improvements within 10–12 sessions, while others—especially those with more complex or long-standing difficulties—may need 20–40 sessions or more. Therapy may span six months to a year, sometimes longer depending on need, though sessions may become more spaced out, e.g. from weekly to fortnightly or monthly, as progress is made. What matters most is consistency and keeping momentum going.
How can I tell if my teen is making progress?
Progress doesn’t always show up as big, dramatic changes—it’s often gradual. Signs may include:
- Greater self-awareness and reflection
- Improved emotional regulation
- More positive behaviour at home or school
- Fewer outbursts, meltdowns, or withdrawal
- Increased school attendance or engagement
- Improved communication with you or others
- A stronger parent–teen connection
How long should my teen continue therapy?
There’s no single answer—it depends on your teen’s goals, needs, and how much they practice strategies outside sessions. Therapy is not forever, but staying the course gives your teen the best chance of creating lasting change. Your therapist will guide when it may be time to reduce or end sessions.
How Parents Support the Journey
How can I support my teen’s therapy at home?
Whilst therapy is your teen’s space, you can support by:
- Keeping communication open – show you’re available to listen without judgement.
- Encouraging engagement – Support them to attend and encourage them to use strategies learned in sessions.
- Creating a supportive environment – provide consistency, predictability, and reassurance.
Should I be involved in sessions?
This can depend on your teen’s stage of development, goals, and the therapeutic approach. Sometimes parents may be involved in sessions, other times the focus is on giving your teen space to develop independence. The therapist will guide what is appropriate for your teen.
Making the Most of Therapy
Is it okay to continue therapy even if my teen seems better?
Yes. Ending therapy too early can mean progress isn’t fully consolidated. Attending while your teen is feeling good allows them to strengthen skills, prevent relapse, and prepare for future challenges. The therapist will always monitor whether further therapy is needed.
What if my teen doesn’t “click” with the therapist?
The relationship between your teen and their therapist is one of the most important factors for success. If something doesn’t feel right, encourage your teen to raise it openly. Therapists welcome feedback and, if needed, can support a transition to someone who may be a better fit.
What if my teen struggles between sessions?
This can be common and can be an important part of the process. You can:
- Encourage your teen to share difficulties or triggers with their therapist
- Encourage your teen to use strategies from therapy
- Encourage your teen to talk openly in their next session about their concerns or what’s not working. Therapy is a collaborative process and the therapist may adjust the approach or offer strategies to support your teen outside the room.
How can we maintain progress when therapy is coming to an end?
Teens do best when therapy ends gradually and with a clear plan. A final session (or sessions) often involves reflecting on progress, preparing for setbacks, and developing strategies to manage future challenges independently.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Encourage and respect – Support your child to engage, whilst respecting the privacy of their therapy space.
- Be patient – change takes time and may involve ups and downs.
- Celebrate progress – acknowledge even small improvements.
- Seek support for yourself – parenting a teen in therapy can be demanding; your wellbeing matters too.
Supporting your teen through therapy is a journey you don’t walk alone. By being open to involvement, encouraging consistency, and fostering a supportive home environment, you play an essential role in their progress. If you ever feel unsure or have concerns, don’t hesitate to bring it up with us—at Prosper Health Collective, we’re here to support you and your teen every step of the way.