Why Therapy Intensives Are Great for Teens
- Kristin Kurian
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
Being a teen isn’t easy. Between school, friendships, family, and figuring out who you are, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. And when it comes to therapy, opening up to a new person can feel intimidating. Many teens need extra time to feel comfortable, to build trust, and to find the words for what they’re really going through. That’s where therapy intensives for teens can make all the difference. These longer sessions create the space young people need to ease into the process, share more deeply, and walk away feeling truly supported.
Why Traditional Weekly Therapy Isn’t Always Enough for Teens
Traditional weekly sessions are usually about 50 minutes long. For adults, that can work well. But for teens, it’s not always enough time. Many young people spend the first part of the session warming up, deciding how much they want to share. And just as they start opening up or touching on something important, the session is over.
This can feel frustrating, like hitting pause right when things start to flow. It also means there’s often not enough space to both process big emotions and practice new coping skills in the same session. Over time, that can leave teens feeling stuck or like therapy isn’t helping as much as they hoped.
What Therapy Intensives Offer InsteadIntensive therapy for youth looks different.
Instead of stopping after 50 minutes, intensives run between 90 minutes and 3 hours. That extended time gives teens a chance to settle in, let their guard down, and share more fully without the pressure of the clock.
In this safe, supportive space, teens can:
Explore their feelings in depth
Build trust and rapport at a natural pace
Learn and practice coping skills right in session
Experience relief instead of leaving mid-thought
By the end of an intensive, teens not only feel heard and understood—they also leave with tools they can apply in real life, whether it’s handling stress at school, navigating friendships, or managing anxious thoughts.
Why Teens Benefit Most Teens are at a unique stage of life.
They’re managing so many changes—shifts in identity, relationships, and responsibilities—all while their brains are still developing.
Longer therapy sessions give them space to slow down and truly process what’s happening inside.
Here are some ways therapy intensives can help:
Rapport building: Teens often need more time to feel safe with a therapist. Intensives allow trust to develop naturally.
Processing emotions: Whether it’s anxiety, sadness, or anger, longer sessions give enough room to go deeper without feeling rushed.
Skill practice: Teens can try out coping strategies in session, not just hear about them.
Navigating transitions: From starting high school or college to dealing with breakups or family stress, intensives provide the support teens need during life’s biggest changes.
Trauma support: When past experiences weigh heavily, extended sessions allow for gentle, paced exploration without feeling cut off.
In short, therapy intensives for teens create a space where young people can feel truly heard, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Call to Action
If you’re a parent noticing your teen needs more time to open up, or if you’re a teen yourself feeling like 50 minutes just isn’t enough, consider whether intensive therapy for teens might be the right fit. Longer sessions can help you build trust, process emotions, and walk away with real tools you can use every day.
You don’t have to do this alone. Schedule a consultation today to see how therapy intensives can support your teen’s mental health and growth.
Kristin Kurian, RP, MHSc, MA, CCTP is a Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto who specializes in supporting teens, young adults, and parents through trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. With over 30 years of healthcare experience, Kristin helps young people build trust, develop coping skills, and feel more confident in their mental health. At A New Perspective Psychotherapy, she offers compassionate, evidence-based care, including therapy intensives designed to give youth the extra time and space they need to heal and grow. Sessions are available in-person in Toronto and online across Ontario.
