Kelly Thompson Therapy

“Parents are often surprised when I tell them this…”

I won’t share everything your teen tells me in therapy.

At first, that can feel uncomfortable. When our kids are struggling, of course we want answers.

But here’s what I’ve learned: therapy is most effective when teens know they have a space where they can be honest without worrying that everything they say will be reported back to their parents.

Parents aren’t excluded from the process. In fact, they’re a vital part of it.

The goal isn’t secrecy. The goal is trust.

And when trust grows, teens are often more willing to open up—not just in therapy, but with their parents too.

Sometimes the path to better communication starts with giving teens a space that’s truly their own.

This is often one of the hardest parts for parents to hear—what questions does this bring up for you?

When our kids struggle, fear often takes over—especially with teens and young adults.

Fear urges us to fix, stop, or control. Instead, try asking:

Is what I’m about to say moving me toward the relationship I want—or away from it?

A core idea in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is using values as a compass.

I want my kids to feel:
✨ Safe
✨ Seen
✨ Supported

I don’t get it right every time, but those values help me respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally.

The moment will pass, but the relationship you’re building will last far beyond this conversation.

What are 3 words you want your child to experience in their relationship with you?

👇 Share one in the comments.

health

A parent recently told me:

“Sometimes I want to run away from my life.”

There was no judgment from me when they said it.

Because I’ve felt that too.

When you’re supporting a teen or young adult child who is struggling, the weight can feel enormous. You worry constantly. You question yourself. You carry responsibilities that most people never see.

Wanting a break doesn’t mean you love your child any less.

It means you’re human.

If you’re in the thick of it right now, I hope you know this:

You deserve support, too.

❤️ If this resonates with you, save it for later or share it with someone who may need it.

If grounding exercises haven’t worked for you, you’re not alone.

Many people think grounding should make anxiety disappear. But that’s not actually the goal.

Grounding is about reconnecting with the present moment when anxiety is pulling your attention into the future.

The next time anxiety shows up, try picking up an everyday object and noticing:

• the texture
• the temperature
• the colors
• the shape

Think of it as an anchor that helps bring you back to the here and now.

💬 What’s a grounding tool that has actually worked for you?

Lessons with Lucy 🐾

When anxiety gets loud, it’s easy to get pulled into worries about what might happen next. What can we do when we notice this happening?

Shift back to the present moment using a grounding tool.

One thing I love about dogs is how naturally they bring us back to the present moment. When I feel overwhelmed, spending a few minutes playing with Lucy brings me right back to the here and now.

If anxiety has been feeling loud lately, see if you can find one small moment of connection today—a deep breath, a walk outside, a conversation with someone you trust, or maybe a few minutes with a furry friend.

🐾 Lucy and I are curious:

When you need to feel more grounded, what’s your go-to?

🌿 Taking a walk?
☕ Matcha with a friend?
🎵 Music?
🐶 Time with a pet?

Drop yours in the comments ⬇️

If you’re lying awake at night worried about your teen, wondering how to help while feeling shut out or unsure what to do next, you’re not alone.

I am asked this question a lot:

“Should I make my teen go to therapy?”

My answer might surprise you: usually no.

When therapy feels forced, teens often become more resistant and less willing to engage in the process. This can affect not only their relationship with a particular therapist, but also their perception of therapy as a whole.

Here’s what I do when parents are concerned about their teen, but their teen doesn’t want to attend therapy:

I invite the parent(s) to meet with me first. Together, we can talk through concerns, explore options, and identify ways to support the teen.

Sometimes helping a teen starts with supporting the adults who care about them.

Parents: What has helped you keep communication open with your teen during a difficult period? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.

If you’re a parent wondering how to support your teen’s mental health, I’d love to connect. You can schedule a 20–30 minute intro call using the link in my bio.

I wish more parents of teens knew this.

When a teen says “I don’t know,” it’s often not avoidance or defiance—it’s language for something they don’t yet have words for.

Sometimes it means:
“I feel something, but I can’t name it.”
“I don’t know how to explain it without getting it wrong.”
“I’m still figuring it out myself.”

These moments can feel quiet on the outside, but internally there’s usually a lot happening.

Connection doesn’t always start with answers.
Sometimes it starts with making space for not knowing.