5 Myths About Teen Therapy—And the Truth from a Berkeley Therapist
If you’re parenting a teen in Berkeley, you already know—this stage can feel like a rollercoaster. One minute they’re texting you funny memes, and the next, they’re locked in their room, barely speaking. As a teen therapist in Berkeley, I hear from parents all the time who are trying to figure out if what their teen is going through is just “normal teen stuff” or something more.
And yet, even when parents sense that therapy could help, there’s often hesitation. Myths about therapy can get in the way of getting support. So today, let’s talk about five common myths I hear in my work with families—and what’s really true about teen therapy in Berkeley.
Myth #1: “Therapy Means My Teen Is Really Broken”
This one comes up a lot. Parents worry that if their child sees a therapist, it somehow means they’ve failed—or their teen has. But the truth is, therapy isn’t about being broken. It’s about having a space to process, grow, and get support.
It takes courage and strength to explore vulnerable issues and tackle things that seem too big and overwhelming to manage. Many of the teens I work with tell me that therapy feels like a place they can finally be honest—without pressure or judgment. Sometimes they don’t even know why they feel overwhelmed. They just know that everything feels like too much lately. That’s exactly where therapy comes in.
Myth #2: “I Should Be Able to Fix This Myself”
It’s so natural to feel like you should be able to handle this on your own. After all, you’ve been your child’s anchor since day one. But the truth is, when teens are struggling, it’s not about a parent’s failure—it’s about giving them access to extra support.
Teen therapy isn’t about replacing your role—it’s about expanding the support circle. I collaborate closely with parents throughout the process while giving teens the space they often crave to work things through privately and safely. It’s not about pushing you out—it’s about pulling a team together.
Myth #3: “All Therapists Are the Same”
Not even close. Just like teachers or doctors, every therapist brings a unique approach, personality, and specialization. I focus specifically on working with teens and families in Berkeley, which means I tailor my work to developmental needs, family dynamics, and local stressors (yes, even academic pressure and the social dynamics of high-performing schools).
I also offer parent counseling, because the truth is—parenting support is often just as vital. We create a plan that fits your teen and your family.
Myth #4: “Therapy Takes Forever to See Results”
Therapy isn’t instant—but it’s also not endless. Many teens begin to feel relief after just a few sessions—sometimes from simply having a place where they aren’t expected to “have it all together.”
That said, sustainable change takes time. In my practice, I offer goal-oriented therapy that adapts over the course of treatment. Whether it’s managing anxiety, improving communication, or navigating big transitions, we create a clear roadmap forward.
Myth #5: “Therapy Is Only for Big Crises”
Sure, some teens come to therapy after a big event—a panic attack, a major friendship fallout, or a drop in grades. But many others start when things just feel off. They’re less motivated, more irritable, or just seem distant.
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to reach out. In fact, catching things early can prevent that crisis altogether. Therapy can be a space for self-reflection, skill-building, and emotional wellness—not just damage control.
My Approach to Teen Therapy in Berkeley
I offer a warm, down-to-earth style that helps teens open up—without feeling like they’re in a “lecture.” I integrate evidence-based practices like CBT with creativity, humor, and respect for your teen’s autonomy.
I also believe that working with teens means working with families. I include regular check-ins with parents, offer guidance on navigating challenges at home, and support you in feeling confident as the expert on your own child.
Explore more about my teen therapy services in Berkeley.
A Note to Parents
This journey isn’t easy. Watching your teen struggle is one of the hardest things to go through as a parent. But you don’t have to do this alone. And your teen doesn’t either.
Together, we can build a path toward more connection, clarity, and calm—one step at a time.
🌿 Ready to explore therapy in Berkeley for your teen?
If you're considering therapy for your teen, I invite you to reach out for a free 15-minute phone consultation. Let’s talk about what’s going on and whether I might be a good fit. You don’t have to figure this all out by yourself—support is available right here in Berkeley.
Teen Therapy in Berkeley - FAQs
-
If your teen is more withdrawn, overwhelmed, anxious, or angry than usual—and it's impacting school, friendships, or family life—therapy can help.
-
Yes. I meet with parents regularly for updates, guidance, and collaboration. I also offer parent counseling as a separate service when needed.
-
I use a blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and relational techniques tailored to teens.
-
Yes, with a few legal exceptions for safety. I explain confidentiality clearly to both parents and teens at the start.
-
I prefer in-person sessions with teens. However, I offer both in-person and virtual sessions depending on your teen’s needs and preferences.
-
It depends on your teen’s goals. Some benefit from short-term support; others appreciate longer-term guidance.
Therapist in Berkeley - Author Bio
Robyn Ganeles, LMFT, is a therapist in Berkeley specializing in anxiety, infertility, parenting, and adolescent mental health. With over 15 years of experience, she combines evidence-based practices with a warm, relational approach to help clients feel understood and empowered. Robyn is also a clinical supervisor at Seneca Family of Agencies and has presented at regional and national conferences on parenting, trauma, and school-based mental health. She holds an MA in Counseling Psychology (USF), an MFA from Yale, and a BA from UC Berkeley.