Therapy for Parents of Neurodivergent Teens in Lafayette, CA
Parenting a neurodivergent teen offers its own unique set of challenges that can often feel isolating, confusing, and emotionally overwhelming. As a licensed marriage and family therapist in Lafayette, California, Erica Thomas, LMFT, provides therapy for parents of neurodivergent teens to help navigate this complex stage with support, insight, and practical strategies.
How Neurodivergence Impacts Teens & Parents
Neurodivergence refers to differences in brain function and behavior. Erica works with parents of teens navigating conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing challenges, learning disabilities, and emotional regulation issues. As teens develop more independence, these differences can become more pronounced, impacting academic performance, social interactions, and family relationships.
How Parenting Therapy Helps With Raising a Neurodivergent Teen
Unlike parenting younger neurodivergent children, where structure and direct oversight play a bigger role, raising a neurodivergent teen often involves fostering autonomy while providing continued emotional and behavioral guidance. As a result, therapy for parents of neurodivergent teens focuses on:
- Improving communication
- Supporting executive functioning skills
- Addressing emotional strain, including parental stress and burnout
- Navigating school and academic challenges
- Strengthening the parent-teen relationship through empathy and connection
Why Parenting Support Matters for Families of Neurodivergent Teens
Studies show that parent-focused therapy improves outcomes not just for caregivers but also for their children. For instance, a 2020 study in Child Psychiatry & Human Development found that parent training significantly reduced stress and increased confidence in parents of adolescents with ASD. In addition, a study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry showed that parental mental health directly impacts adolescent emotional resilience, especially in neurodivergent populations.
What to Expect During Therapy Sessions
During sessions, we’ll explore your teen’s unique traits and needs while also focusing on your experience as a parent. Together, we’ll develop tools to:
- Reduce conflict and improve communication
- Understand your teen’s behavior through a neurodivergent lens
- Set boundaries and foster healthy independence
- Cope with emotional fatigue and caregiving stress
Get Help Parenting Your Neurodivergent Teen
Therapy for parents of neurodivergent teens in Lafayette, CA, offers a supportive outlet, emotional relief, and renewed confidence. Schedule an appointment with Erica Thomas, LMFT, today to get started. Services are available in English and Spanish to support families from all backgrounds, whether you live in Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, or the surrounding East Bay community.