Help when your Teenager is Acting Out, Shutting Down, or Caught in the Middle.
Parental divorce is one of the most stressful life transitions a teenager can face. They are simultaneously trying to manage two separate households, redefine their relationship with both parents, and navigate the typical turbulence of adolescence—all while feeling an immense pressure to "be okay."
The emotional fallout often looks like:
Sudden drop in grades or school avoidance.
Explosive anger or defiance at home.
Deep sadness, isolation, or withdrawal from friends.
The feeling of being a "spy" or confidant for one parent.
I’m Allie Evans, LMFT, and I specialize in working with teenagers in Denver, CO. I provide a neutral, confidential space where your teen can process the chaos of divorce, stabilize their emotions, and gain the tools they need to protect their own well-being.
Teen Therapy for Divorce in Denver
More Than Just Talking: Healing the Root of the Stress
For teenagers, the stress of divorce is an attachment trauma. The secure foundation they once knew has shifted, making them feel unsafe, even if both parents are trying their best.
My trauma-informed approach is uniquely effective for adolescents:
Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Conflict: We use IFS to help your teen explore the conflicted Parts that feel angry at one parent, fiercely loyal to another, or desperate to keep the peace. By understanding these parts, they stop being controlled by them.
Somatic Tools for Emotional Overwhelm: We give teens simple, practical tools to regulate the intense physical symptoms of stress and anxiety (rapid heart rate, tense body). This moves them out of the "fight/flight/freeze" response and back into a grounded state.
Clear Boundaries and Voice: We work on building a healthy sense of self. Your teen will learn how to communicate their needs to both parents without taking on guilt, ending the exhausting cycle of being caught in the middle.
Get help from therapist who understands that you, as parents, are also navigating a massive transition.
Our work with your teen is confidential, but I can provide non-confidential feedback to parents focused on key areas:
Understanding Your Teen’s Needs: Insights into their specific emotional challenges and how to meet them effectively.
Co-Parenting Strategies: Tips to reduce conflict and stabilize the environment for the benefit of the teen.
The goal of therapy is not to change your family structure, but to re-establish a sense of emotional security for your teenager, empowering them to focus on their life, their school, and their future.