Teen Issues

Adolescence is a beautiful and wild time. The brain is undergoing this massive transformation. There are so many "firsts" occurring and you're really exploring and defining exactly who you are. Our society doesn't always do the best job at celebrating or preparing us for this transformation. (think media portrayals of the moody teen always being the butt of the joke). In reality, this time can be stressful for parents and teens alike. What if we could make it smoother with support?

Brain development, peer and relationship issues, sexuality, independence seeking and family conflict, impacts of social media, school, depression, lack of motivation, anxiety, achievement and perfectionism

While I work with adults, I also work with children from ages 9 and on.

Being a teenager is hard, especially when you feel misunderstood. You may clash with your parents, who don’t see that your experience is different from theirs. Home and school values might conflict, leaving you feeling like you’re living a double life, constantly adapting but never truly seen. Feeling trapped, angry, or alone can take a toll on your mental health. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery—figuring out who you are and where you belong. Therapy can help you!

Adolescents is a unique time in a girls life that can bring forth an array of emotions, experiences, doubts, relationships issues and even traumas. I love working with adolescent girls to develop a relationship with their inner knowing, confidence, and self-love to navigate their experiences and emotions in more helpful way.

For the last 10 years I have successfully worked with teens and preteens with a variety of concerns including: behavioral, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and family conflict.

Peer relationships, family dynamics, socialization, neurodivergence, executive functioning, body image, depression, anxiety, ADHD, gender identity, social and medical transition.

Working with teens requires an eclectic set of skills. In my experience with teens, the recipe for successful therapy is a safe trusting relationship. To build that I combine a play therapy approach with Internal Family Systems and Somatic Therapy work. I provide many options to work through the discomfort some teens experience in the therapy process. Art, play, movement, and nature are some modalities which allow teenagers to more easily explore their experience.

Adolescents face many challenges, as their bodies and minds transition into young adulthood. The pressures and challenges that today's teens face are complex, ever-present, and more intense than ever before. With social media now being an integral part of daily life, I work to support teens to identify and uphold healthy boundaries and realistic expectations as they navigate social pressures.

Adolescents face many challenges, as their bodies and minds transition into young adulthood. The pressures and challenges that today's teens face are complex, ever-present, and more intense than ever before. With social media now being an integral part of daily life, I work to support teens to identify and uphold healthy boundaries and realistic expectations as they navigate social pressures.

Teenagers and young adults face many challenges in today’s world due to academic, social, parental, and societal pressures. Although everyone encounters times when they feel badly, if your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are negatively impacting your quality of life, this could be a sign of a mental health issue. Psychotherapy with a qualified professional provides teens with a safe place to explore personal challenges, identity/sexuality questions, social issues and family relationships.

I have worked at multiple government agencies with at-risk teens and their families. I can help address behavioral issues as well as increase connection between teens and their parents. Some examples of issues include academic challenges, disrespect, lying, promiscuity, getting in trouble with the law, and lack of social navigation skills.

I have worked extensively with adolescents and teenagers on everything from anxiety/panic attacks to Identity, depression, self harm, and the early stages of eating or substance disorders. We also work on issues related to the covid-19 pandemic, online vs. in-person school, academic pressures, perfectionism, how to make decisions about choosing a high school or college. And I focus with them on increasing their strengths such as creativity, insight, and the desire to do the therapeutic work.

I have worked with adolescents for the past 3 years, working on issues such as school and peer struggles, anxiety, depression, trauma, self esteem, and family conflicts.

The teen years...am I right? No longer children, but not yet adults. A lot of teens struggle with feelings of anxiety, anger, depression and overwhelm. As an adult in their life you want to help but may not know how or have done what you can. I work with teens to develop coping skills, build confidence and to get to know themselves in a way that sets them up for the future. I give them a safe and accepting place to explore life and learn healthy ways to move forward.

I have extensive experience working with teens for over 12 years now and enjoy it the most. Many of my clients have told me that I am one of the only therapists they have felt comfortable with. I pride myself on being able to have my clients feel heard while giving them feedback and skills that can seriously help them with what they are dealing with.

The teen years come with a variety of changes. It can be challenging to balance socialization [friendships, relationship with parent(s), relationship with sibling(s), social media] as teens learn their individual likes, dislikes, values, interests and needs. I provide a nonjudgmental space where teens can learn tools to process and cope with their unique emotional experiences, and most importantly, walk away with radically accepting they are not defined by their feelings.

Many of my clients are adolescents and I strive to give them a voice and help build confidence. Adolescence is a pivotal time in life that is full of transition, relationship (family, friends, etc.) navigation, and finding oneself. Therapy is a great resource for adolescents to have during this time in life and when given the proper tools, they thrive like no other.