Summer is a season of freedom, adventure, and play. With the school year behind them, kids and teens often have more time to relax, explore new activities, and recharge for the year ahead. That makes it an ideal time for them to begin therapy.  Summer can be the perfect season for young people to have the space to address issues and concerns that perhaps did not have the space and time to be addressed during the school year.

1. More Free Time for Self-Care

During the school year, kids and teens often have packed schedules filled with classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and social commitments. Summer provides a much-needed break from these demands, offering more free time to focus on their own inner world. With fewer obligations, young people can more easily fit therapy sessions into their routines, ensuring they have the time and energy to fully engage in the process.

2. A Stress-Free Environment

The end of the school year can alleviate many stressors that kids and teens face, such as academic pressures, social challenges, and extracurricular responsibilities. Without these daily stressors, young people may find it easier to open up in therapy and address any underlying issues. The relaxed environment of summer can create a more conducive atmosphere for making meaningful progress in therapy.

3. Building Resilience for the Upcoming School Year

Therapy can equip kids and teens with valuable coping skills and strategies that will benefit them when they return to school in the fall. By starting therapy in the summer, they have the opportunity to work through any challenges and develop resilience before the new academic year begins. This preparation can help them manage stress, improve their emotional regulation, and enhance their overall mental well-being, setting them up for a successful and fulfilling school year.

4. Addressing Transitions and Changes

Summer often brings transitions, such as moving to a new grade, school, or even a new city. These changes can be challenging for kids and teens to navigate. Therapy provides a safe space for them to express their feelings, process these transitions, and develop strategies to cope with any anxiety or uncertainty they may be experiencing. By addressing these changes during the summer, young people can feel more confident and prepared for what lies ahead.

5. Strengthening Family Relationships

Summer is a time when families often spend more time together, whether it’s through vacations, day trips, or simply enjoying each other’s company at home. This increased family time can highlight areas of conflict or stress within the family dynamic. Family therapy or individual therapy for kids and teens can help address these issues, improve communication, and strengthen family relationships. By working through these challenges in therapy, families can build a stronger, more supportive foundation.

6. Enhancing Social Skills and Friendships

Summer activities, such as camps, sports, and social gatherings, provide ample opportunities for kids and teens to interact with peers. Therapy can help them develop and refine their social skills, boosting their confidence in social situations. Whether it’s learning how to make new friends, handle conflicts, or improve communication, therapy can support young people in building and maintaining healthy, fulfilling friendships.

Therapy can empower kids and teens to better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and develop a positive self-image. This season of self-discovery can be transformative, helping young people build a strong sense of identity and self-worth. Starting therapy now can provide them with the tools and support they need to thrive, not just during the summer, but throughout the entire year.

Here’s to a summer of growth, self-discovery, and mental well-being.

Rachel Lund started Self Space out of the deep belief in the power of therapy to change people’s lives from the inside out. Her hope is to help people find more safety, care and love in their lives. Rachel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Supervisor in Washington state, and focuses on treating clients through a neuropsychotherapy approach to therapy that connects mind+body.