Adolescents

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Junior High, High School & College can be a really challenging time for kids.

You are searching for answers. Your child is starting to change. You’re worried. It’s so hard to watch them struggle. You’ve done all you can and you’re ready to add more people to your child’s support system.

You just want to make sure they have a safe person to talk to and help give them tools to make good choices for their life today, and for their future.

We get it. That’s why we’re here!

The benefits your adolescent will see from doing therapy at Inspire:

  • Your teen will learn about their feelings
  • Your teen will have strategies for dealing with unpleasant feelings
  • Your teen will understand what “triggers” some of their feelings and have different tools for those situations
  • Your teen will learn how to calm themselves in arguments
  • Your teen will learn how to advocate for themselves, with confidence and kindness
  • Your teen will learn healthy and positive relationships with friends, siblings, parents
  • Your teen will start to feel control of their impulses and behavior
  • Your teen will be able to be more present and focused
  • Your teen will learn healthy ways to communicate their feelings
  • Your child will start to feel more confident
  • Your child will feel happier
  • Your child’s relationships with you & your family will improve

Our therapists work closely with parents, families, Social Workers, psychiatrists, or whoever is in each child’s life to ensure therapy is most effective.

Inspire also offers support for everyone in the family (parenting, families, couples, etc.) to provide the best outcome for each child and their family system. We love seeing our clients gain confidence, manage the obstacles they’re facing and begin to live their best life — even during the challenges of adolescents.

Why Inspire Counseling Center is the right place for your adolescent’s therapy

At Inspire, we don’t just focus on clinical symptoms–we focus on results. If there is something holding your teen back (anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship troubles, etc.), we have clinical tools to help. BUT, we don’t stop there. We want to INSPIRE your child to live their best life. Our goal is that every client leaves a better person.

Why? We believe your child is a gift to this world. We believe that inspiring one person to live their greatest life, will inspire another person. We believe the world will change with love, connection, and inspiration. One person at a time. Your role in this process is vital. When you get support for yourself or your family, you are doing your part in this community and world to spark change.

Our adolescent therapists know the North Shore, know trends, Instagram, Snapchat, the school systems, but are also able to provide a safe and supportive environment with tools for them to work through life’s challenges–today and for their future adult life.

Your teen will learn tools to use for the rest of their lives. The lessons they learn today will carry into future relationships, workplaces, and in their adult life.

We will work closely with you, caregivers, family members, Social Workers, pediatricians, psychiatrists, etc. to ensure a unified and effective plan for your child.

Counseling is an investment in your child’s future. Give them tools they can carry through school and into their adult life.

Take the Next Step. Support Your Teen in Living Their Best Life.

To schedule an appointment call (847) 919-9096 ext. 1 or email hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com.

How do I choose my Therapist?2024-01-24T17:27:07-06:00

You are welcome to search therapists by speciality type, location, service or insurance accepted by clicking here. 

We’re here to hold your hand! Choosing a therapist is a very personal experience. Scrolling through bios is helpful, but there’s a lot you can’t tell just by reading on the internet. Our Therapist Matchmakers are here to find the right fit with the right professional for your unique situation and personality style.

To talk to a LIVE human (and part of our Inspire intake team!) just call us at (847) 919-9096 ext. 1 or email hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com

We can’t wait to help you find the right match and get you started!! It’s our favorite part.

What will the first session be like?2023-10-25T02:13:43-05:00

The first session lasts approximately 60 minutes. You’ll have paperwork to complete virtually before your session. The therapist will spend time introducing themselves and getting to know you, your story and your dreams. At the end, you’ll have the option to schedule your next session based upon your availability and goals. There is no pressure to book another session. We’re here for you to come and go as you need.
FOR MINORS UNDER 18: If the session is for a child 12 years or younger, the first session is just with the therapist and parent (s) or guardian. If the client is 12-18, we ask that a parent (or guardian) attend the first session for the first 10-15 minutes. The parent will be able to meet the therapist and help make the child feel comfortable.
PLEASE NOTE: Please share any concerns about your child with the therapist or Intake Team prior to the session— not in front of your child in the session. This is to protect your child and foster a positive start to therapy!

What will all the other sessions be like?2023-10-25T02:14:39-05:00

The second session is our unique formula for goal setting. In this session, your therapist will help you connect and understand what your heart really wants in this life. The remainder of the sessions will then be working on skills to tackle any obstacles in the way of you living your best life. In order to see lasting results, a commitment to at least 8 weekly sessions is recommended. However, we are flexible and can work with you to accommodate your schedule and goals.

FOR MINORS UNDER 18: Parents will not be required to attend the sessions but must be available for the last 10 minutes of the session in case the therapist would like to touch base with you or for any scheduling changes.

How much does therapy cost?2023-10-25T02:16:18-05:00

Counseling is a fee-for-service program. Inspire accepts insurance and offers in-network and out-of-network benefits. We are in-network with BCBS PPO, Humana, Aetna, and UnitedBehaviorHealthcare. All billing policies and information can be found by clicking this link to our Rates & Insurances page.

 

 

 

 

Take the Next Step

Request an Appointment

Homecoming isn't fun for everyone. 💛

While some teens are excited about dresses, dates, pictures and the dance, others may be quietly worrying:

• What if nobody asks me?
• What if I don't have a group?
• What if my friends make plans without me?
• What if I hate how I look?
• What if I don't know what to do at the dance?
• What if everyone else is having more fun than I am?

And thanks to social media, teens don't just hear about what they missed anymore—they can watch the pictures, parties and group plans unfold in real time.

For parents, it can be tempting to say, “It's just Homecoming!” or “Just go and have fun!”

But to a teenager, Homecoming can feel like something much bigger: a very public measure of whether they belong.

So if your teen is struggling, try this instead:

💛 “I can understand why that hurts.”

💛 “What part are you most nervous about?”

💛 “Do you want me to listen, or do you want help figuring out what to do?”

And remember: A great high school experience doesn't require a picture-perfect Homecoming.

Our latest Inspire blog shares more about Homecoming anxiety, FOMO, friendship groups, dating pressure, body image—and how parents can help without trying to fix everything.

Read: “My Teen Is Anxious About Homecoming. How Can I Help?”

#Homecoming #HomecomingAnxiety #TeenAnxiety #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingTeens #SocialAnxiety #FOMO #TeenFriendships #BodyImage #InspireCounselingCenter
Could your son be feeling lonely? It's easy to miss. 

Your teenage son can have friends, teammates, a busy social life—and still feel lonely. 💙

Research shows that boys want close, meaningful friendships just as much as girls do. But as they move through adolescence, many begin receiving messages—spoken and unspoken—that being “strong” means being independent, keeping things to themselves, or not showing too much emotion.

And sometimes, loneliness doesn’t look like loneliness.

It can look like irritability. Withdrawing to his room. Spending more time on his phone. Losing touch with close friends. Throwing himself into sports or school. Or simply answering, “I’m fine,” when you know something feels off.

As parents, we don’t have to force our sons to open up. But we can create an environment where they know it’s safe to.

💙 Ask questions without immediately trying to fix things.
💙 Help him put words to what he’s feeling.
💙 Remind him of the strengths you see in him.
💙 Normalize vulnerability and asking for help.
💙 Encourage friendships where he can truly be himself.

Boys shouldn’t have to choose between belonging and being emotionally healthy.

Our therapist Langston Myers, ALMFT, is passionate about helping teens and young adults navigate loneliness, friendships, relationships, anxiety, self-esteem, family conflict, and life transitions. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, Langston also helps parents and families better understand and support one another.

✨ Langston is currently accepting new clients at Inspire's Evanston office or virtually. 

Read our newest blog to learn more about teenage boys, friendship, and the male loneliness epidemic.

#TeenMentalHealth #TeenageBoys #MaleMentalHealth #MaleLoneliness #ParentingTeens #TeenAnxiety #TeenTherapy #BoysMentalHealth #ParentingTeenBoys #TeenFriendships #ChicagoTherapist #InspireCounselingCenter #MentalHealthAwareness
After School Melt Downs .... what are they all about? 

Their teacher says they’re PERFECT at school! 😩
Then your child gets home and completely falls apart.

The wrong snack = meltdown.
Homework = absolutely not.
Their sibling breathes too loudly = crisis.
You ask, “How was school?” = TOO MANY QUESTIONS. 😵‍💫

Sound familiar?

There’s actually a name commonly used for this experience:

 After-School Restraint Collapse.

Think about how much your child may be managing throughout the school day — sitting still, paying attention, following directions, navigating friendships, controlling impulses, handling disappointment, keeping up academically and regulating BIG emotions.

By the time they get home, their emotional tank may simply be empty.

And here's the part parents sometimes need to hear:

💛 Your child may fall apart with you because home feels safe enough to finally let go.

That doesn't mean we ignore disrespectful or unsafe behavior. But understanding what’s underneath the behavior can help us respond differently.

After school, try:

🍎 Snack + water first
🤫 Give them a break from questions
🏃 Offer movement OR quiet time
⏰ Build in decompression before homework
💛 Connect before you correct
📋 Keep the after-school routine predictable

And instead of only asking:

“How do I get my child to stop doing this?”

Try getting curious about:

“What is taking so much energy for my child to manage all day?”💛

👉 SAVE this for the next difficult after-school afternoon.
👉 SHARE with a fellow parent who has ever wondered, “Why does my kid only do this at home?!”

And check out our latest blog for more about after-school meltdowns, emotional regulation, and when your child may need some extra support.

#AfterSchoolMeltdown #AfterSchoolRestraintCollapse #ChildAnxiety #EmotionalRegulation #ParentingTips #ChildTherapy #TeenTherapy #ADHDKids #AnxiousKids #NorthShoreParents #ChicagoParents #InspireCounselingCenter
 #ChildBehavior #ADHDSupport #AnxietyInKids #ParentingSupport #ChildDevelopment #MentalHealthMatters #FamilyWellness
💛 **WELCOME TO INSPIRE, JENNA!** 💛

We’re so excited to welcome **Jenna Szczepanski, MSW** to our Northbrook office!

Jenna works with **adolescents, young adults, and adults**, bringing a warm, compassionate, and down-to-earth approach to therapy.

Having experienced the value of therapy herself at a young age, Jenna understands how meaningful it can be to have someone in your corner who listens without judgment, helps you make sense of what you’re feeling, and gives you practical tools to move forward.

Jenna especially enjoys helping **teens and young adults** navigate all the things that can make these years feel like A LOT:

✨ Anxiety & Depression
✨ ADHD
✨ School & Academic Stress
✨ Friendships & Relationships
✨ Self-Esteem & Confidence
✨ Family Conflict & Changes
✨ Parents’ Divorce
✨ Social Pressures
✨ Major Life Transitions
✨ Grief & Loss

Before joining Inspire, Jenna worked with a nonprofit grief organization, supporting children, teens, adults, and families through **grief, loss, and major life changes**.

She understands that grief isn’t only about losing someone we love. Kids and teens can also experience a very real sense of loss through **divorce, changing family dynamics, moving, friendships ending, relationship changes, or other unexpected transitions.**

Jenna’s goal is to create a space where clients can show up exactly as they are — while building coping skills, confidence, and a greater belief in their ability to handle whatever life brings next. 💛

A Chicagoland native, Jenna grew up in Long Grove and is excited to be back home serving her community.

And when she’s not in the therapy room? You’ll likely find her spending time with family and friends, staying active, or walking her Golden Retriever, **Phoebe!** 🐾

✨ **Now accepting new clients in Northbrook!**
Adolescents • Young Adults • Adults

Welcome to Inspire, Jenna! We’re so happy you’re here. 💛
 #MentalHealth #TherapyForTeens #AdolescentTherapy #YoungAdultSupport #GriefSupport #AnxietyHelp #DepressionAwareness #NorthbrookTherapist #FamilyTherapy #LifeTransitions
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