The Marriage & Family Institute

Teen Counseling

Therapy to help teens understand their emotions, build healthy coping skills, and navigate the ups and downs of adolescence with confidence. In-person sessions in Columbus and online teen therapy available across Ohio.

Growing up is more complicated than ever

Growing up has always been a challenge, but today’s teens face a unique set of obstacles. Beyond the usual struggles of adolescence—like academic pressures, changing friendships, and self-discovery—they’re navigating a digital world that demands a carefully curated online presence. They’re dealing with the constant fear of missing out, grappling with complex questions of identity and mental health, and feeling the weight of social media’s influence on their self-esteem. In this fast-paced, ever-changing landscape, it’s completely understandable that many teens feel overwhelmed and unsure.

At The Marriage & Family Institute, we provide teens with the support, tools, and guidance they need to not just cope, but thrive in today's complex world.

Teen Counseling in Columbus

What Is Teen Counseling And How Can It Help?

Teen counseling is more than just a place to talk—it’s a space for growth, self-discovery, and developing practical life skills. Our licensed therapists work with teens to build resilience, gain self-awareness, and learn effective tools for navigating real-life situations. Whether your teen is grappling with anxiety, self-esteem issues, or relationship difficulties, we use evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices. These approaches help teens understand their emotions, recognize unhelpful patterns, and develop healthier ways to manage stress.

At The Marriage & Family Institute, we believe that when teens are supported and equipped with the right tools, it can positively impact every aspect of their lives. From improved academic performance to healthier family dynamics, counseling provides teens with the skills they need to not just survive, but truly thrive—both now and in the future. Our goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where teens can be themselves, explore their challenges, and build the confidence to face life’s complexities with a stronger sense of self.

When your teen is facing:

We can help them develop the skills to navigate these challenges with resilience and strength.

The Marriage & Family Institute

How Teen Counseling Can Help

Our experienced teen therapists use a range of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and mindfulness techniques to create a space where teens feel safe to open up, explore their emotions, and develop skills to handle life’s challenges with more confidence and resilience.

Manage Anxiety & Stress

Teen counseling provides a safe space for teens to understand their anxiety triggers and learn practical strategies for managing overwhelming thoughts and feelings. Techniques like mindfulness and CBT help teens reframe negative thinking, reduce panic attacks, and feel more in control of their emotions.

Boost Self-Esteem & Body Image

Feeling constantly on edge and restless is a common response to trauma, making it hard to relax or feel safe. Through trauma therapy, you can learn techniques to calm your nervous system, reducing feelings of hypervigilance and restlessness, and helping you to feel more relaxed and safe.

Navigate Peer Relationships

Whether it’s bullying, social anxiety, or feeling like they don’t fit in, teens often struggle with peer dynamics. Counseling equips them with tools to communicate more effectively, set boundaries, and develop stronger, more positive relationships.

Deal with Social Media Pressure

The constant need to be “on” can lead to self-comparison, FOMO, and anxiety. Counseling helps teens set healthy boundaries with social media, understand how online interactions impact their self-esteem, and learn to use digital spaces in ways that are positive and balanced.

Improve Family Dynamics

Family conflicts can feel overwhelming for teens, leading to emotional outbursts or withdrawal. Counseling helps teens and parents improve communication, reduce tension, and find healthier ways to connect and resolve conflicts.

Develop Emotional Regulation Skills

Teens often struggle to manage strong emotions like anger or frustration. Counseling provides them with tools to recognize their triggers, process emotions in a healthy way, and respond rather than react—leading to better decision-making and overall emotional health.

Group Therapy Program For Teens

Join Our Upcoming DBT Group!

Is your teen feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Are they struggling with school or having trouble managing daily stressors? Our DBT Teen Group might be exactly what they need. The group meets weekly on Monday evenings for 90 minutes, providing a space to reflect and learn skills to better regulate emotions and deal with challenges.

Get started today!

Book an appointment or free consultation online or contact us directly.

Why Us

The Marriage & Family Institute

We understand that while we can't change the difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and overcome the challenges you face today.

With decades of combined experience, we take an integrative, compassionate, and genuine approach to therapy, rooted in the philosophy that all parts of the human person need to be addressed to bring long-lasting and substantial change. We believe in a holistic therapy approach that considers all aspects of your experience — psychological, spiritual, and physical to help you heal from trauma, improve relationships, and live a fulfilling life.

At The Marriage & Family Institute, our mission is to strengthen individuals and families by promoting healthy relationships, building resilience, and fostering secure attachments. We provide evidence-based, compassionate, and comprehensive services to help couples, individuals, and families navigate life’s challenges and achieve a fulfilling life together.

Dr. Sarah Cordonnier, LPCC-S

Founder & Executive Director

Together, we support you in creating a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

Meet Our Team

Match With A Teen Therapist

Cara Buenz

Independently Licensed Social Worker

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Weekdays, Weekends

Alex Sasu

Counselor Trainee

Currently Not Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Afternoon, Evenings

Dr. Sarah Cordonnier

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Supervisor Designation

Not Accepting New Clients

Kyla Beecham

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor,
Founder, & Clinical Director

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Daytime, Evenings

Kate Hamblin

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Afternoons, Evenings

Ariana Moini

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Daytime, Evenings

Stephanie Moscardino

Social Work Trainee

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Daytime, Evenings

Isaac Seymour

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Daytime, Evenings

Lindy Van Komen

Marriage Family Therapist Trainee

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Daytime, Evenings

Kairee Bedinghaus

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Daytime, Evenings

Yuxin Zhang

Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Daytime, Evenings

Ben Volk

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Supervisor Designation

Accepting New Clients, In-Person & Virtual Sessions, Daytime, Evenings

Our Approach

How Teen Counseling Works

We Get to Know Your Teen

In the initial sessions, the therapist focuses on building a trusting relationship with your teen, and learning about their unique experiences, concerns, and goals. This helps create a safe, non-judgmental space for them to open up and share.

We develop a treatment plan

Together with your teen and your family, we outline a personalized treatment plan based on their specific needs and challenges. This plan guides the therapeutic process and sets clear goals to track progress.

We Help Them Move Forward

We collaborate to form a treatment plan at least 10-12 sessions long. Each session is a step toward healing as we continually adapt your treatment plan and work on coping skills and strategies.

The Marriage & Family Institute

Questions About Teen Counseling

Does teen counseling really work?

Yes, it truly can make a difference. Research shows that teens who receive counseling experience a significant decrease in anxiety and depression as they grow into adulthood. Counseling gives teens the tools they need to cope with stress, manage their emotions, and build a stronger sense of self. Investing in your teen’s mental health now can help set them up for a happier, healthier future.

What kind of counseling is best for teen anxiety?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a range of evidence-based therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) have shown excellent results. Depending on what your teen is struggling with, we’ll create a tailored plan that might include individual sessions, group counseling, or even family counseling to support their progress.

Will I be involved in my teen’s sessions?

Yes, you can bring a supportive person with you to your sessions. It’s common to feel nervous about starting therapy, and having a loved one with you can provide encouragement and support. As you begin to process trauma, it’s not uncommon for anxiety to temporarily increase, so having a supportive person by your side can be helpful.

Do you offer ADHD testing?

Yes, we do! Our licensed clinicians can assess for ADHD and provide a thorough diagnosis. After testing, we’ll discuss treatment options and recommend strategies to support your teen at home and in school. If medication is needed, we’ll guide you in connecting with your child’s pediatrician for ongoing management.

What will my teen be doing in counseling?

Every teen is different, so we customize counseling to fit their needs. Some sessions might involve traditional talk therapy, while others might use creative approaches like art, role-playing, or even “walk and talk” counseling. The goal is to keep teens engaged and comfortable, so they look forward to coming back and getting the most out of each session. Many teens say it’s the one place they can truly be themselves—and that it’s often the highlight of their week.

Teen Counseling in Columbus

Positive Outcomes Of Teen Counseling

Teen therapy is the first step toward helping your child feel more balanced and empowered. It’s a process, but with the right support, you may start to see changes in your teen like:

Less anxiety as your teen feels calmer and more comfortable day-to-day
Better control over their emotions and fewer outbursts or shutdowns
Healthier relationships with family and friends
Increased confidence and a stronger sense of who they are
More self-awareness as they understand why they feel and act the way they do
They are coping better with stress, peer pressure, and life’s ups and downs

You are one of a kind and have something great to offer.

- Unknown

The Marriage & Family Institute

How To Get Started

To get started with the Marriage & Family Institute, reach out to us! You can book a free consultation or appointment online using the button below. Note: Not all of our therapists are available for online booking. You can also get in touch via the contact form.

*Free 15-minute consultations

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614-664-7270

Email Us

admin@marriageandfamilyinstitute.net

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