Online Counselling for Teens: A Guide for Parents
The teenage years can be full of emotional highs and lows. As a parent, you might recognise when something’s not quite right — but feel unsure how best to help. Your child might be withdrawing, acting out, overwhelmed with school or friendships, or simply struggling to talk about how they feel.
More and more families are turning to online counselling as a flexible and effective way to support their teenager’s mental health. But understandably, many parents have questions: Does it really work? Will my teen open up? And what’s my role in the process?
This blog is here to guide you through what online therapy looks like for teens, what to expect, and how to support your child if they choose to engage.
Why Online Counselling Works Well for Teens
Many teenagers feel more at ease communicating online. For some, being behind a screen takes the pressure off and makes it easier to open up. Talking from the comfort of their own space can feel safer and less intimidating than sitting face-to-face with someone new in an unfamiliar room.
Online counselling is also more flexible. It fits around school, exams, and family life, and removes the need to travel — making it a practical option for busy households.
In my experience, young people often respond really well to online sessions. The format gives them a sense of privacy and control, which can help them engage more openly and comfortably in the therapeutic process.
How I Support Teens in Online Counselling
I offer a calm, compassionate space where young people are invited to talk freely and without judgement. My approach is always person-centred — the young person leads the way, and I support them in finding their voice.
I use a blend of therapeutic tools, including:
Scaffolding questions to gently support exploration, while respecting the teen’s autonomy.
Conversation cards covering topics like interests, family, values, identity, and challenges — often a great way to start meaningful conversations without pressure.
Emotional literacy work to help them recognise, understand, and express their feelings more confidently.
Sessions unfold at the pace that feels right for the young person. There’s no rush, no pressure, and no expectation that they’ll open up straight away. The focus is on building trust and helping them feel safe, heard, and respected.
Finding the Right Therapist for Your Teen
Finding the right counsellor can make all the difference. You’re looking for someone with relevant training, experience working with teenagers, and a clear approach that resonates with your family.
As an accredited counsellor and former teacher with over 15 years’ experience working with young people (including those with additional needs such as ADHD and ASD), I understand the complexities of teenage development and how best to support young clients in a way that feels empowering and respectful.
Whether you work with me or someone else, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good therapist will always welcome your curiosity — and a brief introductory call is often a great place to start.
What to Expect: The Introductory Call
The first step usually involves a short call, either with the parent or the teen (or both). This is an informal conversation where we explore what’s going on, what support might be helpful, and whether counselling feels like the right next step.
This isn’t a clinical assessment or a commitment to begin therapy — it’s simply an opportunity to connect and ask any questions. If your teen is open to it, I’ll also invite them to meet me for a short one-to-one session to see how it feels. They may feel more comfortable sitting with their parent during an introductory call – this is fine and its important they feel at ease throughout the process.
If we agree to begin working together, we’ll arrange regular sessions and discuss what kind of support might be most useful.
Supporting Your Teen’s Engagement
The most important thing to know is this: therapy only works if the young person wants to engage.
You can’t force someone to open up — but you can create the conditions where they feel safe to try. That starts with being supportive, non-intrusive, and trusting the process.
Some ways you can help include:
Encouraging your teen to try a session and see how it feels.
Respecting their privacy and not asking for details unless they choose to share.
Reassuring them that therapy is a space for them, not a tool to fix or control them.
Often, teens need to know that adults around them trust their ability to think and feel for themselves — even when things are hard.
Understanding Confidentiality and Boundaries
One of the most common questions parents ask is: “Will I be told what’s said in sessions?”
The short answer is no — not unless the young person chooses to share it or there’s a safeguarding concern.
Confidentiality is essential in therapy. It helps young people feel safe enough to open up. That said, I’m always happy to offer general feedback — for example, by letting you know whether your child is attending and engaging meaningfully. This is done sensitively and within professional boundaries.
Sometimes, teens want me to share something with a parent on their behalf — for instance, if they’re finding it hard to talk to you directly. With their consent, I’m happy to advocate and support those conversations.
It’s also important to remember that therapy is not a tool for parents to push an agenda. The process belongs to your child. Your role is to support them, not to direct the therapy.
Common Questions Parents Ask
Can I sit in on the session?
Therapy works best one-to-one, so sessions are usually just between the counsellor and the young person. However, I sometimes offer joint check-ins with consent, especially early on or where it supports engagement.
What if my teen doesn’t want therapy?
That’s OK. It has to be their choice. I’m happy to meet them for an informal introductory session if they’re unsure. Sometimes, just knowing they have a say in the matter helps.
How do I know it’s helping?
Every young person is different, but you might notice changes in mood, behaviour, or communication over time. I’m also happy to offer general updates within confidentiality limits.
When to Seek Further Help
While therapy can be hugely beneficial, some situations may require more urgent or specialist support.
If your child is in crisis, or you’re worried about their immediate safety, the following services can help:
SHOUT – free, confidential 24/7 text support. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
NHS 111 – if you need help urgently but it’s not a 999 emergency
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) – speak to your GP or school for a referral
YoungMinds – support and resources for both parents and young people: www.youngminds.org.uk
Final Thoughts
If you’ve read this far, you clearly care deeply about your child’s wellbeing — and that in itself is powerful. Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a commitment to growth, safety, and emotional wellbeing.
Whether your child is facing anxiety, school stress, low mood, or just needs a space to talk, online counselling can be a safe and effective way to help them navigate life’s challenges with more confidence and resilience.
If you’d like to book an introductory call or learn more about how I work with teens, I’d be happy to hear from you.
The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy. If you or someone you know are struggling with your or their mental health, support is available. Please reach out to a qualified professional or a trusted service. [Click here for a full disclaimer and a list of mental health resources.]
© 2025 Estelle Harrison. All rights reserved.
