Adolescent Trauma
Counseling for Teens
Helping Teens Heal and Rebuild After Trauma
Adolescence is a time of growth, identity-building, and navigating new responsibilities, but when trauma occurs, it can disrupt that natural process in profound ways. Events such as bullying, abuse, family conflict, accidents, sudden loss, or witnessing violence can leave teens feeling unsafe, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves and others. Because the teenage years are a critical period for emotional and social development, unresolved trauma can influence how teens view themselves, relate to peers, and engage with school or activities. Some may withdraw or seem distant, while others experience heightened anxiety, depression, or sudden shifts in mood and behavior.
At Minisink Psychology, we understand the unique challenges teens face when coping with trauma, and we offer compassionate, evidence-based counseling designed to help them feel supported, build resilience, and begin reclaiming a sense of safety and stability in their lives.
How Trauma Affects Teens
Trauma in adolescence can show up in many different ways—sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle. Teens may:
- Struggle with sleep, concentration, or frequent headaches and stomachaches.
- Withdraw from friends and activities they once enjoyed.
- Show anger, irritability, or sudden mood changes.
- Struggle with self-confidence or feelings of guilt and shame.
- Experience anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self-harm.
Because teens are still developing emotionally and socially, trauma can disrupt not only how they feel but also how they connect with school, friendships, and family.
How Counseling Supports Healing
Therapy provides a safe, supportive space for teens to share their experiences without fear of judgment. Our counselors use approaches tailored to the unique needs of adolescents, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Through counseling, teens can:
Learn healthy ways to manage stress, anger, and anxiety.
Build emotional regulation and coping skills.
Develop healthier self-esteem and confidence.
Process painful memories at their own pace.
Strengthen relationships and communication with family and peers.
The goal isn’t to erase the past but to help teens build the tools they need to feel safe, resilient, and capable of moving forward.
Serving Clients Across Bergen County, NJ and Beyond
We work with adults, teens, and families — in person and online. Whether you live in Ridgewood, Hackensack, Teaneck, Paramus, or nearby, our practice is here to help you take that first step.
Support for Families
Trauma doesn’t just affect the teen—it often impacts the entire family. That’s why we involve parents and caregivers when appropriate, offering guidance on how to support a teen’s healing at home. Therapy can help families improve communication, strengthen trust, and create an environment where recovery feels possible.
Lasting Improvements in Anxiety, Depression, Moods, and Functioning
Work with your brain’s natural ability to heal and adapt
Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to form new connections, break old patterns, and adapt over time. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, constant worries, anger, or emotion dysregulation, neuroplasticity is the engine behind lasting change.
Regulate thoughts and emotions
Modify our thoughts to be more in line with reality
Rewire emotional responses to memories
At Minisink Psychology & Psychotherapy, we provide professional and empathic evidence-based psychotherapy to help you navigate life’s challenges and strengthen your inner resilience.
Meet Our Therapists
Suzannah Espinosa, PhD
