Photo of Claudia Giron, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 80301, CO
Claudia Giron
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301
Claudia is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working across diverse age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Holding both a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare (MSW) from UCLA, Claudia is licensed in California and Colorado and is fluent in both English and Portuguese. Her expertise encompasses various evidence-based practices, including Family Structural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), and Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP).
Claudia is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working across diverse age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Holding both a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare (MSW) from UCLA, Claudia is licensed in California and Colorado and is fluent in both English and Portuguese. Her expertise encompasses various evidence-based practices, including Family Structural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), and Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP).
(720) 734-5472 View (720) 734-5472
Teen Therapists

What does therapy for teenagers look like?

When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.

How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?

There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.

How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?

It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.

How do you prepare teens for therapy?

You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.