Effective Family Therapy Strategies for Helping Teens Thrive

Parenting a teen can be a rewarding but challenging journey. At times, it feels like a balancing act. One moment, your teen is open, affectionate, and communicative. Next, they may withdraw into silence or frustration.

As teens navigate academic pressure, social media influences, and the development of a sense of self, their emotions can fluctuate wildly. This can be helpful with family therapy strategies.

These pressures can create emotional distance, making it hard to understand what your teen is going through. This emotional disconnection often leaves parents feeling helpless and unsure about how to reconnect. Many parents find themselves asking if family therapy or teen therapy might help bridge the gap.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we specialize in providing the support families need to understand each other better. We work with families to improve communication, rebuild trust, and promote emotional growth for teens.

This post outlines effective family therapy strategies that can help your teen thrive. These strategies focus on improving empathy, enhancing communication, and establishing a safe environment for emotional growth.

Shifting from Blame to Understanding Your Teen (The ‘System’ Focus)

Families are complex systems. When one member struggles, the entire family feels the ripple effects. Teens face many challenges during adolescence, including academic pressures, body image issues, peer pressure, and the need for independence.

In many families, there’s a tendency to blame the teen for their behavior. Teens may be labeled as difficult, rebellious, or uncooperative. However, family therapy emphasizes understanding the family dynamic, not just the individual. Family Systems Therapy looks at how each family member contributes to the overall dynamic.

family based therapy

This approach encourages parents to see the bigger picture. Instead of focusing solely on the teen, families are taught to examine their behavior and its impact on everyone involved. By shifting the focus from blame to understanding, families can work together to improve their communication and behavior.

At AWA, we teach families to adopt this mindset, guiding them toward empathy and understanding. It allows family members to communicate in a way that encourages support instead of conflict.

The Communication Toolkit in Teen Therapy: Active Listening & Validation

Effective communication is the foundation of family therapy. Active listening and validation are two essential tools that improve communication between parents and teens.

Active listening goes beyond hearing words. It involves fully understanding your teen’s feelings and responding thoughtfully. It’s about focusing on what your teen is saying, without interruption, judgment, or distractions. This shows respect and creates a space where your teen feels heard.

Validation means acknowledging your teen’s feelings without necessarily agreeing with their behavior. Validation helps your teen feel understood, which opens the door for better communication. For example:

“I can see how that situation made you frustrated. That must have been hard for you.”

This type of response helps your teen feel safe enough to share their thoughts and emotions without feeling judged.

teen therapy south florida

Actionable Tip:
Reflect your teen’s feelings back to them. For instance, if your teen says, “I can’t do anything right,” you could respond with, “It sounds like you’re feeling discouraged.” This shows that you are actively listening and trying to understand their emotional state.

At AWA, we integrate active listening and validation in both individual and group sessions. These skills can be practiced at home to reinforce the progress made in therapy.

 “My main advice is to focus on connecting with the child rather than fixing the problem.” she says. “Of course, we want to help, and we should if we can. But we need to connect first.” Dr. Emily Bilek University of Michigan. 

Structure and Safety: The Core of Family-Based Treatment

While empathy and communication are vital, structure and safety are just as important. Teens thrive in environments where expectations are clear, boundaries are consistent, and emotional safety is provided.

At AWA, we use Family-Based Treatment (FBT). This model provides structure for both teens and parents. FBT focuses on creating clear roles and boundaries, fostering a sense of security within the family unit. When families feel safe and understand what is expected of them, communication improves.

In Family-Based Treatment, teens are encouraged to develop self-regulation skills and personal responsibility. Parents are actively involved in therapy, helping to establish healthy routines at home. This collaborative effort builds trust, strengthens family bonds, and promotes emotional stability.

teen therapy

Actionable Tip:
Set clear family rules and expectations. Discuss them openly with everyone in the family. Make sure each family member understands the importance of following through with consequences and rewards. This helps create a predictable environment where your teen feels safe and supported.

Professional Guidance for Your Family in Florida

Parenting a teen through emotional struggles can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. By applying family therapy strategies like understanding, active listening, validation, and structure, you are already taking the first step toward healing.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we provide a safe and supportive space for families to reconnect. Our experienced team works closely with families to rebuild trust, improve communication, and support your teen’s emotional development.

If your family is ready to take the next step, our teen counseling and therapy program offers comprehensive, family-centered therapy. We provide personalized treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each family. Our goal is to help you foster lasting emotional growth and positive change for everyone involved.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Learn how our family therapy strategies can help your teen, and your whole family, thrive.

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Tatiana Shiber - Therapist (Davie)

Tatiana Lourenco Shiber, MS, RMHCI is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She has extensive experience working with adolescents navigating intellectual disabilities, trauma, self-harm, family conflict, depression, and anxiety. Tatiana has also worked with diverse populations providing culturally responsive and affirming care.
 
Tatiana’s therapeutic approach is strength-based and incorporates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and Narrative therapy. Tatiana is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and foster meaningful change. She is dedicated to walking alongside her clients in their healing journey with compassion, authenticity, and respect.

Tiffany Rivera - Therapist (Davie)

Tiffany Rivera holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University.

With a passion for empowering young people, Tiffany specializes in client-centered approaches that foster trust, growth, and resilience. She brings a strong background in mentoring youth and supporting individuals struggling with substance use, always meeting clients with empathy, patience, and genuine care.

Tiffany is known for her compassionate nature, strong communication skills, and unwavering commitment to helping adolescents navigate life’s challenges.

Ornella Barille - Therapist (Davie)

Ornella is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including children, families, and young adults. Ornella has worked in both K-12 schools and at the college level, where she has developed a strong commitment to helping adolescents thrive by supporting their personal and academic growth and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Her therapeutic approach centers on creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can feel comfortable exploring their needs and expressing themselves authentically. Ornella utilizes a blend of mindfulness, existential therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to empower clients in navigating life’s challenges.

Ornella’s compassionate approach fosters self-awareness and encourages clients to build effective coping strategies to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Jamie Namer - Therapist (Davie)

Jamie specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) guiding individuals and families toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. With a focus on positivity, self-growth, and holistic healing, Jamie integrates spiritual perspectives and deep empathy into the therapeutic process. Using solution-based methods and emotionally focused therapy, Jamie helps clients navigate past trauma, enhance self-discovery, and strengthen relationships.

Jamie’s approach combines therapeutic techniques with mind-body healing practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and visualization. Experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups, Jamie specializes in addressing issues like anxiety, grief, self-confidence, burnout, family dynamics, depression, PTSD, and life transitions. The goal is to promote overall well-being and support clients in living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.