At Teen Forward, the mission is clear: to create a space where teens and their families can access the tools and support they need to grow together, manage life’s challenges, and navigate the ups and downs of adolescence. Founded by Myka Hanson, Teen Forward combines mental wellness coaching and self-care workshops to offer families a holistic approach to mental health and family dynamics. The organization's work is focused on creating a sense of community, fostering emotional well-being, and offering practical strategies for both teens and their parents.

A Holistic Approach to Therapy

Myka's journey with Teen Forward began with a desire to fill a gap she saw in traditional mental health care. “When I first started, I thought, ‘I’ll just have all my teens in a group and all the parents in a group,’ but I quickly realized that didn’t work,” she explains. This insight led her to focus on more individualized, tailored services that consider the needs of both teens and their parents. "It's never about a 'bad' parent, but often about an 'unresearched' parent," she adds. Teen Forward works to connect families with resources, equipping parents with strategies to better support their teens.

Support for Parents and Teens

A central aspect of Teen Forward’s work is understanding that while teens and parents face different struggles, both need support. Teens may be dealing with emotional regulation, school stress, peer pressure, or self-esteem issues. Meanwhile, parents are often trying to understand their teens' changing needs while managing their own stressors. As Myka notes, “It’s not about fixing a problem, it’s about finding resources to make life easier.”

Myka emphasizes the importance of self-care for both parents and teens, especially during stressful times like the holidays. “If your nervous system is dysregulated, you can’t help your child get back into theirs,” she says. This insight has shaped much of Teen Forward’s approach to supporting families. One of Myka’s goals is to empower parents to develop self-care strategies that allow them to remain calm, grounded, and emotionally available for their teens, even during challenging times.

The Power of Workshops

In addition to mental wellness coaching, Teen Forward offers a variety of workshops aimed at addressing specific challenges teens and families face. These workshops provide a platform for self-discovery, emotional regulation, and peer connection. “When I did a self-care workshop one night, there were two girls who went to the same school but didn’t know each other at first. After the workshop, one saw the other at school and they waved—it was a simple gesture, but it showed that they had connected,” says Myka.

Teen Forward's workshops are not just about group coaching—they focus on creating spaces for teens to practice self-care, try new things, and feel comfortable in their own skin. The workshops may include activities such as art or dream work, providing opportunities for self-exploration. “I work with multiple families at once, usually seeing the kids separately and then letting them decide if they want to share with their siblings,” Myka explains. She also shares that parents often send their kids to workshops like these to help them “get a feel for the person” before committing to one-on-one mental wellness coaching.

Addressing Stigma and Building Trust

For many teens, the idea of being part of a group session can feel intimidating or embarrassing. Myka understands that hesitation, especially in today’s social media-driven world where privacy can feel compromised. "Teens don’t want anyone to know they’re doing mental wellness coaching. It’s a lot of pressure for them, and that’s why we try to make it feel less clinical and more like a space for growth,” she says. By reframing mental wellness coaching as a less formal, more accessible experience, Teen Forward encourages teens to seek support without fear of judgment.

Additionally, Myka recognizes the importance of building trust with both teens and parents. She shares, “I’ve had parents who send their teens to workshops to see how they respond before starting more intensive work together. It’s a way to help reduce that initial resistance to mental wellness coaching.” Creating opportunities for teens to meet others who are going through similar struggles fosters a sense of camaraderie and reassurance that they are not alone.

Integrating Coaching with Therapy

What sets Teen Forward apart is its integration of life coaching techniques with therapeutic practices.Myka’s background in psychology, paired with her coaching experience, has led

her to develop a model that bridges the gap between traditional therapy and the need for more proactive, everyday support. As she shares, “There’s not really a word for what we do yet. It’s more than coaching, but less than therapy.”

Teen Forward’s approach acknowledges the need for ongoing support, not just to solve problems but to help families thrive. The organization’s coaching model is rooted in the idea that mental health is a lifelong process and that families should feel empowered with the tools to navigate challenges as they arise. This is why Myka has had conversations with organizations like Blue Cross Blue Shield, discussing the potential for integrating Teen Forward’s work into broader health care coverage. "I don’t see it happening yet, but as mental health care continues to evolve, I think it’s possible," she notes.

Looking Ahead: Expanding and Growing

As Teen Forward continues to grow, its impact on families across Minnesota is expanding. Myka is passionate about bringing these services to more communities, particularly as the stigma around mental health continues to decrease. She sees a future where Teen Forward’s model could be incorporated into larger health care systems, making it more accessible to families who need it.

“Right now, we rely on private pay, but we also have scholarship funds to help families in need,” she says. While Teen Forward’s services aren’t covered by insurance at this point, the organization remains committed to finding ways to make its services accessible to everyone, no matter their financial situation.

As Myka envisions the future of Teen Forward, she’s optimistic that the cultural shift toward viewing mental health as equally important as physical health will continue to grow. She adds, “If mental health care becomes more normalized and integrated, I wouldn’t be surprised if an insurance company eventually picks us up.”

Final Thoughts

Teen Forward’s model offers a refreshing and comprehensive approach to teen and family support. By blending mental wellness coaching, and self-care workshops, Myka Hanson and her team are helping families navigate the ups and downs of adolescence with confidence, empathy, and practical tools. As families face the inevitable challenges of growing up, Teen Forward stands ready to guide them, providing a much-needed space where healing and growth can flourish.

With its focus on connection, communication, and self-care, Teen Forward isn’t just about surviving adolescence—it’s about thriving together as a family.

If you're interested in having an interview for a member blog, please email Grace Leapaldt at grace.leapaldt@epchamber.org for more details!