Family divorce and separation
teen COUNSELLING SUPPORT IN EDMONTON & SHERWOOD PARK
While divorce is hard for the whole family, it can be especially hard for teens. Dealing with the upheaval of their lives and getting used to a new day-to-day routine can be incredibly stressful. Since teens are more independent, parents might rely on their teens for help taking care of younger children in the house or maybe inappropriately vent to their kids or ask them to play messenger between parents and two homes.
Although teens might be more emotionally intelligent than their younger siblings, they too need help and support through this life transition.
After divorce or separation, your teen may be experiencing:
feelings of abandonment
feelings of grief and loss
a drop in school and academic performance
anger or behavior issues
depression
difficulty sleeping
anger and sadness towards one or both parents
engaging in risky behaviors
refusing to talk with some family members
struggling with new partners of their parents
disliking a new blended family
Our team has experience working with teens struggling with family divorce, separation or blended families.
Counselling offers teens a space where their feelings can be expressed without fear of judgment, pressure, or taking sides. It allows them to talk openly about the confusion, resentment, guilt, or sadness they may be carrying but don’t feel comfortable sharing at home. Therapy can help them make sense of the changes happening around them, understand what is and isn’t their responsibility, and develop healthy ways to cope with the stress of shifting family dynamics.
Another often overlooked impact of divorce on teens is the way it can shape their sense of stability, trust, and future relationships. Teens may quietly worry about what the separation means for their own beliefs about commitment, marriage, or long-term relationships. Even if they don’t express it, they may fear that other important relationships in their lives could also change or end suddenly. This uncertainty can increase anxiety and make teens more guarded emotionally, especially in friendships or romantic relationships.
Divorce can also place teens in a difficult position of feeling torn between parents, even when no one explicitly asks them to choose sides. They may feel pressure to protect one parent’s feelings, hide parts of their lives depending on which home they are in, or adjust their behaviour to keep the peace. Over time, this emotional balancing act can be exhausting and leave teens feeling unseen or misunderstood. Recognizing these hidden stressors and reassuring teens that they are not responsible for managing adult emotions or conflicts can make a meaningful difference in their healing process.
Through support, teens can also learn how to communicate their needs more clearly and set boundaries that protect their emotional well-being. Counselling helps them rebuild a sense of stability and confidence, even when life feels unpredictable. With guidance and validation, they can start to adjust to new routines, reconnect with their strengths, and develop tools that allow them to navigate relationships with both parents—old and new—with greater clarity and resilience.
THRIVE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING SECOND CONSENT
At Thrive, we require consent from BOTH parents for a child minor (under the age of 18) to attend therapy at Thrive. This is if parents share custody of the teen. If your teen is 18 or older, they do not need to receive consent from either parent to attend Therapy.
To receive second consent from the other parent, the parent filling out the digital intake form provides the second parent’s contact information. We then send a form to this parent for them to sign and approve of their child attending therapy at Thrive. Second consent is required to be signed prior to attending your first session at Thrive.
There are a couple of exceptions to this policy. If you are a parent with proof of sole custody (whether that be a birth certificate or court document), second consent does not need to be signed, however, this proof is required to be provided at the first session.
If your teen is termed a mature minor, then they may not require second consent from the additional parent.
Note* It is not Thrive’s responsibility to be the communication messenger for separated/ divorced parents. Any topics regarding splitting payments, and insurance are responsible for the parents to determine prior to their teen attending therapy.
Please inquire about any questions regarding second consent by contacting Thrive at hello@thriveteens.ca.
Thrive Family Support THERaPIsts
