Are you concerned about the wellbeing of your teenage son or daughter?

Does your teenager seem depressed, isolated or anxious?
Are you worried that he or she might be abusing or addicted to marijuana, alcohol or other drugs?
Are you struggling to connect? Do you find yourselves arguing more and more and enjoying each other less and less?
Is your teenager having difficulty in school, with peers, or getting into trouble with the law?

Adolescence is a universally complicated time

Adolescence, the transition between the safety of childhood and the uncertainty of adulthood, is full of intense emotions, complex relationships, and dramatic changes. This time poses countless challenges as well as unique possibilities. Teenagers experience a major overhaul of the brain’s neural pathways and the body’s hormonal systems, as well as a fundamental shift in identity. This combination can be truly overwhelming for teenagers and their parents alike.

It is common for teenagers to struggle and to turn to potentially harmful behaviors, including substance use or addiction, in an attempt to self-medicate, dull, or otherwise control their internal experience. Teenagers are far more likely than adults to experience depression, anxiety, and/or difficulty in relationships. Studies show that close to 50% of teenagers in the US meet the criteria for a mental health disorder. They are also at a much higher risk of developing addictions if they are using marijuana, alcohol or other drugs. It is a critical time; the neural pathways and behavior patterns established during adolescence may stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Therapy for teens can be incredibly effective

The adaptability and growth experienced in the teenage brain is also an opportunity; it means that therapeutic interventions may be more impactful during this time. Working with a skilled therapist during adolescence can help lay the foundation for psychological flexibility, healthy coping skills, and a secure sense of self that can last a lifetime. Therapy can help guide teenagers back into the true potential and opportunity of this developmental stage; a time when creativity, self-expression, and relationships can bolster a sense of vitality and confidence.

I work with adolescents and young adults who are experiencing:

Abuse or addiction to marijuana, alcohol or other drugs
Loss of interest in positive activities which they used to feel passionate about
Overwhelming thoughts or emotions
Impulsivity
Self harm, or high-risk behaviors
Low self esteem
Anger or aggressive behaviors
Insomnia and irregular sleep habits
Difficulty with finding a sense of personal identity
Social anxiety, or engagement in concerning social activities
Challenging relationships with family members or peers
Legal issues- probation, pretrial, DUIs, MIPs
Transition out of inpatient or intensive outpatient care
Challenges related to gender and sexual identity

I provide:

A place to process big emotions and challenging experiences
Ways to process difficult experiences and emotions through EMDR
New coping skills: techniques to be with difficult thoughts and feelings- through mindfulness, self-compassion, and other evidence-based techniques
Increased flexibility: ability to respond to life stressors as they arise, without reverting to unhelpful patterns of behavior
Support in finding client’s own motivation through connecting to one’s values and learning to take committed actions to reach important goals
New communication skills: ways to express frustration, ask for help and get needs met without creating conflict
Support in finding and committing to new, healthy, engaging activities

My approach to Teen Therapy:

I employ evidence-based interventions (meaning they have been extensively researched and found to be effective in treating teenagers) in direct collaboration with my teenage therapy clients and their parents. I describe my approach as integrative and systemic.

Integrative means that I use a variety of approaches based on what would best serve the client’s needs while utilizing their unique strengths. For example if a client is struggling with difficult negative thoughts, I work with the client to find an approach for responding to or coping with these thoughts that is both effective and rooted in the client’s own beliefs and/ or interests. Teenagers want to have options and to be empowered and engaged in the therapy process.

Systemic means that we look at the bigger picture, beyond what is happening in the teenagers mind. This includes identity, social life, family life, school and/or work life, and internal thoughts and feelings. As much as possible and appropriate, parents and other family members are included in the therapy. Together we find ways to promote positive change within each client’s larger system of influence.

Questions or Concerns You Might Still Have:

What if my teenager doesn’t want to go to therapy and/or doesn’t want to change?

With the right approach even the most resistant teenager can experience and appreciate benefits of therapy. I specialize in counseling teenagers who are uncertain about participating in therapy and resistant about changing addictive behavior. My approach is engaging and respectful. I never fight resistance or push an agenda; I seek to understand my client’s perspective and find and build upon their unique sources of motivation.

I have worked with hundreds of adolescents and their families, many of whom were court ordered to participate in therapy. I have helped many teenagers work through their resistance or uncertainty about changing and move themselves into place of clarity and strength where they are able to act inline with their deepest held values.

How do I know if you are a good fit for my teenager?

Finding the right therapist is important. I provide free 30 minute consultations that can take place in person or over the phone.

Teen Therapy