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Teen Therapy vs. Adult Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Teen Therapy vs. Adult Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Introduction: Developmental Expertise That Spans Generations

At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS), our foundation in child psychology is more than a specialty; it’s the cornerstone of our approach to understanding human behavior across every stage of life.

Since we specialize in children and adolescents, we deeply understand how emotional patterns form, how relationships shape identity, and how early coping styles evolve into adult behavior. This developmental insight gives our clinicians a unique advantage when supporting both teens and adults: we see not only where a person is now, but how they got there.

This perspective allows us to provide age-appropriate, evidence-based care, whether we’re helping a teenager navigate identity struggles or guiding an adult through long-standing patterns rooted in childhood experiences.

At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, our roots in child and adolescent psychology shape the way we support clients across the lifespan. Because our team is extensively trained in developmental science, trauma treatment, expressive arts, and play-based modalities, we bring a unique lens to both teen and adult therapy. This background also informs our use of advanced interventions such as neurofeedback; an evidence-backed tool for improving emotional regulation and healing trauma.

Teen Therapy: Building Resilience and Emotional Understanding

The adolescent years are often turbulent. It is a time of growth, self-discovery, and sometimes, confusion. At RMPS, our clinicians draw on their child psychology background to meet teens where they are developmentally struggling.

Teen therapy focuses on building emotional awareness, communication skills, and self-regulation. Many adolescents come to therapy struggling with anxiety, depression, social pressure, or family conflict. 

Our approach emphasizes:

  • Emotional literacy: helping teens name and understand their feelings
  • Coping strategies for academic and social stress
  • Healthy identity formation and boundary-setting
  • Strengthening family communication

Evidence supports these tailored interventions. A Cochrane review found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) significantly reduces anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents, showing that skill-based, structured therapies are particularly effective for younger populations (James et al., 2015). RMPS specializes in child and adolescent psychology, due to which our clinicians have advanced training in expressive arts therapy and play therapy. These modalities are especially effective for trauma because they help teens process emotions nonverbally, access difficult memories safely, and express themselves in developmentally appropriate ways (Malchiodi, 2015).

RMPS clinicians are trained in developmental psychology and family systems, due to which we don’t just treat the symptoms. We work with teens to build lifelong emotional tools that evolve with them into adulthood.

Teens who have experienced trauma or chronic stress may also benefit from neurofeedback, a non-invasive technique that helps the brain learn new patterns of self-regulation. Research shows that neurofeedback significantly reduces PTSD symptoms and improves emotional stability in trauma-affected individuals (van der Kolk et al., 2016; Peniston & Kulkosky, 1991).

Adult Therapy: Healing Through Insight and Integration

Our work with adults at RMPS is grounded in the same developmental understanding that guides our child and teen therapy but with a different focus. Since our clinicians are trained in how early experiences shape adult coping, we can help clients uncover the root of their challenges rather than just addressing surface-level symptoms. Our developmental expertise also makes RMPS uniquely suited to support adults with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, conditions rooted in early neurodevelopment but often diagnosed later in life. We also work closely with parents navigating stress, burnout, behavioral challenges at home, or the emotional demands of raising children with complex needs. By combining developmental knowledge with trauma-informed care, we help adults build healthier patterns and more confident family relationships.

Adult therapy often involves healing and integration rather than building foundational skills. Many adults come to us seeking:

  • Support with parenting
  • Gain understanding and strategies for ADHD or Autism
  • Resolve early-life trauma
  • Break long-standing emotional patterns
  • Navigate relationship challenges
  • Manage anxiety, depression, or burnout

A large meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry found that psychotherapy outcomes for depression vary across age groups, with effect sizes generally larger for adults than adolescents (Cuijpers et al., 2020). This supports what we see clinically: adult clients often bring more life experience and self-awareness to therapy, which can enhance reflection and change.

While expressive approaches are often associated with youth therapy, many adults also benefit from art-based or experiential methods to process trauma or emotional blocks. Our background in these child-centered modalities enables us to adapt them thoughtfully for adults who may struggle to put complex emotional experiences into words.

At RMPS, we use modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-focused approaches such as Internal Family Systems therapy and neurofeedback therapy. 

For adults working through trauma, neurofeedback offers a structured and research-supported way to calm the nervous system and retrain brainwave patterns linked to anxiety, dissociation, or hyperarousal. Studies demonstrate that neurofeedback can produce measurable improvements in trauma symptoms and overall regulation (van der Kolk et al., 2016).

Family Involvement: The Developmental Bridge Between Teens and Adults

Because RMPS’s foundation lies in child and adolescent psychology, we understand that therapy doesn’t happen in isolation especially for younger clients.

In teen therapy, family involvement is often an integral component. Parents may join occasional sessions or receive guidance on how to support their teen at home. This collaboration builds a bridge between what’s learned in therapy and the teen’s everyday environment.

Empirical evidence reinforces this approach: a systematic review and meta-analysis found that family-involved therapy led to better outcomes for children and adolescents with depression than individual therapy alone (Lenz et al., 2022).

For adult therapy, the focus naturally shifts. The therapeutic relationship becomes more collaborative and autonomous. Adults often work on internalizing support and processing their early family dynamics to achieve personal freedom and emotional clarity.

RMPS therapists are uniquely positioned to guide this process because understanding those early family systems is at the heart of what we do.

Communication and Methodology: Developmentally Tuned Care

Communication in therapy must meet clients where they are in their developmental stage – something our clinicians specialize in.

For teens, therapy tends to be experiential and active. RMPS therapists may integrate techniques such as:

  • Art or journaling exercises for expression
  • Role-play to enhance social skills
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) strategies to manage emotion regulation

This style aligns with the finding that younger clients benefit most from structured, skills-oriented interventions (James et al., 2015).

For adults, therapy often involves reflective dialogue and meaning-making. Adults are better equipped to examine long-term narratives, explore values, and integrate insights into daily life.

Research by Cuijpers et al. (2023) confirms that CBT is effective across age groups but operates through different mechanisms. Younger clients change behaviors first, while adults shift cognition and belief systems more profoundly. 

RMPS clinicians intentionally tailor their techniques based on these differences, ensuring developmental appropriateness and therapeutic depth.

Confidentiality and Trust: Building Safe Therapeutic Spaces

At every age, therapy depends on trust. But how that trust is built differs between teens and adults.

For teens, RMPS therapists carefully balance confidentiality with parental involvement. We maintain privacy to foster openness but communicate clearly with caregivers about general progress and safety. This transparency builds mutual trust among all parties.

For adults, confidentiality is absolute. Sessions are a private, judgment-free space to explore personal challenges. Our clinicians emphasize safety and respect. The same principles that guide our work with children and adolescents, applied within the adult’s autonomous framework.

The Continuum of Care: From Adolescence to Adulthood

What truly sets Rocky Mountain Psychological Services apart is our understanding of development as a continuum. The insight gained from years of specializing in child and adolescent psychology allows our clinicians to trace the threads that connect childhood experiences to adult patterns of thought and emotion.

Evidence-Informed Approach at RMPS

Our therapeutic choices are grounded in current research and developmental science. Neurofeedback has been shown to help trauma survivors significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and improve self-regulation (van der Kolk et al., 2016). Expressive arts therapy and play-based approaches have also demonstrated effectiveness in supporting emotional processing and trauma recovery (Malchiodi, 2015). By integrating these empirically supported methods with relational, culturally sensitive care, RMPS tailors therapy to the unique needs of each client, child, teen, or adult.

A 2023 meta-analysis found that while CBT is effective across the lifespan, the mechanisms of change vary, indicating that therapy must evolve alongside the person (Cuijpers et al., 2023). At RMPS, this principle is foundational: the therapy we offer a 15-year-old discovering their identity may lay the groundwork for the healing work we do with that same person as an adult years later.

Our clinicians don’t just address where you are but we understand how you got there and where you’re going.

Closing Note

At  Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, our specialization in child psychology does more than define our niche. It deepens our understanding of the entire human journey. From the emotional turbulence of adolescence to the reflective depth of adulthood, our clinicians draw on developmental science to provide therapy that is empathetic, evidence-based, and uniquely attuned to each stage of life.

Whether we’re helping a teen find confidence or guiding an adult toward healing, we approach every client with the same goal: to foster growth, resilience, and emotional well-being that lasts a lifetime. While RMPS is known for its strong foundation in child and adolescent psychology, this expertise enriches the way we support adults as well. Understanding development allows us to see patterns, trauma responses, and emotional needs across the lifespan, which ultimately helps every client, at every stage of life, feel seen and supported.

References

  • Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Eckshtain, D., Ng, M. Y., Corteselli, K. A., Noma, H., & Quero, S. (2020). Psychotherapy for depression across different age groups: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(7), 694–703. 
  • Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., van Straten, A., … Ebert, D. D. (2023). Cognitive behavior therapy vs. control conditions, other psychotherapies, pharmacotherapies, and combined treatment for depression: A comprehensive meta-analysis including 409 trials with 52,702 patients. Psychological Medicine. 
  • James, A. C., James, G., Cowdrey, F. A., Soler, A., & Choke, A. (2015). Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(2), CD004690.
  • Lenz, A. S., Thyer, B. A., & Spengler, P. M. (2022). Family involvement in psychotherapy for depression in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 95(3), 817–833. 
  • Malchiodi, C. A. (2015). Calm, connection, and confidence: Using art therapy to enhance resilience in traumatized children. In D. A. Crenshaw, R. Brooks, & S. Goldstein (Eds.), Play therapy interventions to enhance resilience (pp. 126–145). The Guilford Press.
  • Peniston, E. G., & Kulkosky, P. J. (1991). Alpha-theta brainwave neuro-feedback therapy for Vietnam veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical Psychotherapy, 4, 47–60.
  • van den Berg, D. P. G., de Bont, P. A. J. M., van der Vleugel, B. M., van Minnen, A., & van der Gaag, M. (2015). Prolonged exposure vs eye movement desensitization and reprocessing vs waiting list for PTSD in patients with a psychotic disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 72(3), 259–267. 
  • van der Kolk BA, Hodgdon H, Gapen M, Musicaro R, Suvak MK, Hamlin E, et al. (2016) A Randomized Controlled Study of Neurofeedback for Chronic PTSD. PLoS ONE 11(12): e0166752. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0166752

 

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Rocky Mountain psychological services Calgary

MacKenzie Ebel

MacKenzie is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Princeton University, where she also played 4 years for the women’s ice hockey team. She recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle.MacKenzie has worked with children, youth, and their families in a number of settings, through coaching, as a behavioural aid, and counselling through her internship placement. She is excited to continue learning about assessment administration, neurofeedback, and play therapy practices at RMPS! Currently, she is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team, as she completes her final capstone assignment and intends to join our counselling team as a Registered Provisional Psychologist.

Tammy Thomson

Tammy is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University and is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in child development settings, children’s hospitals, and schools as an early childhood educator and elementary teacher.She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specializing in Child Development Studies at the University of Guelph, Ontario and holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tammy is a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association and College of Alberta Psychologists while pursuing her next goal of registration as a provisional psychologist. Tammy values a client-centered approach using play therapy and the expressive arts to support those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings with words. Children and families do not need any skill or prior art experience and the art studio is a safe place where children can gain a sense of independence, greater emotional regulation, and confidence through self-exploration. Expressive interventions in art therapy can treat behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, physical and developmental disabilities, and attachment difficulties. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion to help parents feel more confident in their role of raising a successful family.

Raquel Freitas

Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running. 

As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.

Emma Donnelly

Emma is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in her hometown at Brandon University, after which she moved to Calgary to earn her Master’s of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary.Emma has a passion for working with children and families and has experience doing so in a number of settings, including schools, homes, early intervention programs, and within the community. She specializes in assessment, including psychoeduational, social-emotional-behavioural, and autism assessment. Emma uses a client centred approach to counselling, supported by cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as play-based and attachment-based techniques. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and prides herself in working together with her clients to achieve their goals, improve their functioning, and enjoy their daily life.

Amanda Stoner

Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS. 

Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.

Denise Riewe

Denise has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences through the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Counselling with Athabasca University. She is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta.Denise has over 9 years of experience supporting children, youth and their families in both residential and community-based practices. Denise is experienced in working with high and at-risk youth, supporting children and their families with strength-based approaches. She practices from a client-center approach supported by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay, and other play and art-based modalities.

John Pynn

John is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. He completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. He brings a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to sessions.John uses an integrated counselling approach including client-centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focussed therapy (SFT) to find the best-fit for clients. He has experience with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, anger, self-
esteem, relationships, parenting, ADHD, grief/loss, addictions, and trauma. This broad experience comes from working in schools, social service agencies, group-care, and clinical settings. He also draws from the practical experience of being a parent to two teenagers as well as a husband. Supporting and empowering clients with mental health concerns is something John genuinely enjoys. John also provides counselling for adults and holds a Gottman level 1 certification for couples therapy.

Zara Crasto

Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton. 

Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.

Kellie Lanktree

Kellie is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with the University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology through the University of Lethbridge.Kellie has over 10 years experience supporting children and youth with developmental disorders/delays and their families. Kellie has experience working in schools, clinical settings, and within homes to provide support and therapeutic interventions. Through her time at RMPS, Kellie has also gained experience in helping individuals affected by trauma, grief/loss, separations, emotional dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. Kellie practices through developmental, attachment-based and trauma-informed lenses, and draws from a variety of play-based approaches such as Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy, DIR/Floortime, art-based mediums, and mindfulness-based practices. Kellie also provides Neurofeedback therapy, and is working on receiving her certification through BCIA. Kellie believes in meeting children and their families where they are at and that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy.