Individual therapy for adolescents is a space where a teenager can talk with a therapist who understands this stage of life about feelings, worries and challenges. These years are full of change: body, friendships, identity and school expectations all shift at once.
For teens growing up in migrant families, these changes can be more complicated, because they live between two languages and two cultures. Working with a therapist who understands both worlds can help teens and parents understand each other better.
Something else may fit better if…
Work usually starts with an intake session, part of which may include parents. The therapist hears concerns from both the parents' and the teen's perspective and explains confidentiality rules to everyone.
Most sessions are between the therapist and the teen. The therapist uses simple, relatable language and may draw on methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy, emotion regulation exercises or communication skills.
From time to time a short session with parents may be held to suggest ways of supporting the teen at home without breaking their trust.
Online sessions often last around 45 to 50 minutes and frequently take place once a week. A private room helps the teen speak freely. Many teenagers find a video call more comfortable than an office.
Parents play an important role: supporting regular attendance, respecting the privacy of sessions and being open to small changes at home. Parents are kept informed about the general direction, while details usually stay between teen and therapist, except where there is risk.
Examples are fictional and illustrative.
Arian was fourteen when his family moved to Canada. At school he spoke less and less and found excuses not to go. In sessions he talked about feeling like an outsider and missing his friends, and practised small steps toward connecting with classmates. This example is fictional.
Before every exam Niloufar had stomach aches and could not sleep. With her therapist she learned to recognise worrying thoughts and to calm herself with breathing exercises. Her parents also eased the pressure around grades. This story is invented.
Kian and his father argued almost every day. Individual sessions gave Kian room to express his anger without judgement, and a few joint sessions helped set clearer rules at home. This example is only illustrative.
These therapists list this on their profile. All sessions are online and in Persian.
Parents are usually informed about the general progress, but the details of conversations stay confidential. If there is serious risk, the therapist will inform parents, and this is explained at the start.
Reluctance at the start is normal. A low-pressure first meeting, or a session with parents only, can help a teen decide more calmly.
Sessions are in Persian, but many teens in migrant families switch between languages. The therapist can be comfortable with that mix so the teen can speak freely.
If a teen talks about harming themselves or is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or go to a hospital. An online session is not a substitute for urgent help.
This page is general information and does not replace a professional assessment. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency services. Urgent help
