Therapy for Teens
When working with teenagers, I believe it is essential to take a collaborative approach that includes the whole family. I understand adolescent behavior as shaped not only by individual personality and temperament, but also by the broader dynamics within the family and social environment. Because of this, I involve parents in the therapeutic process whenever appropriate, creating a space where we can work together to better understand your teen’s challenges and build healthier patterns of communication and support. My goal is to help your family navigate difficult times with greater connection, clarity, and resilience.
Often, I work with teenagers individually. In terms of development, adolescence is a time when kids start to define their sense of independence and autonomy. Because of this, they might not be willing to speak candidly in front of you about issues they are facing. My work begins with gaining an understanding of your teen's worldview, then teaching them effective coping skills and ways to express their thoughts and feelings in healthy and helpful ways. If or when important safety concerns come up in individual therapy, I involve the family and together, we navigate difficult topics and conversations in a safe and supportive environment. Ultimately, my aim is to support teens in developing the confidence and skills to express themselves more openly, while also helping you feel more connected and equipped to support your child through these formative years.
I offer your child and family support in these areas: Stress, anxiety, depression, behavior concerns, attention issues, low self-esteem, trauma, social pressures, and transitions such as moving, starting a new school, and divorce. Often, teenagers also face additional struggles: from problems at school, lack of motivation, anger and defiant behaviors, to disordered eating, cutting and other forms of self-harm, and experimentation with drugs and alcohol.