Teens / Adolescents

It is not easy to be a teenager!  Teenagers face enormous social, societal, and academic pressure as they progress toward impending adulthood.  It can be extremely difficult for teens to handle the constant changes and unique stressors they face, and they can often struggle to develop healthy ways to cope with their experiences.  Teenagers in particular need a supportive space to sort out their feelings and be heard without interference from family, school, or peer dynamics.  I have worked in therapy supporting teenagers both in school-based settings and in private practice on a variety of issues and I've witnessed the positive impact that therapy can make on your teen's self esteem and overall well-being.  I believe that teenagers need to be heard, and that they need to feel safe enough to express themselves and say whatever is on their mind without fear that their thoughts will be judged or shared with anyone else.

The Importance of the Right Match

Often times, you the parent are making the decision for your teen to work with a therapist and your teen becomes resistant to the idea of therapy.  If you are a parent experiencing such resistance, then I encourage you to explain to your teenage son or daughter that while the decision to go to therapy is yours, the decision to choose which therapist they will work with is ultimately theirs.  If you are a teen reading this and you are not really sure if you want to come in, then I think you are wise to feel unsure if you can trust me or not...we haven't met yet!   It's important for anyone seeking therapy to understand that you are in control of who you work with.  If you don't like your therapist it's OK to try a different one, but you won't know until you try.

How I Work With Teens

In my work with teens I believe in supporting them, not directing or dragging them, on every step of their journey, wherever it leads.  Sometimes there can be hesitance for a female teen to see a male therapist.  I have found success working meaningfully with both male and female teenagers, and I've found the work we do particularly beneficial for female teens.  I am sensitive to the male/female dynamic that exists in the therapeutic relationship, and I take this dynamic into careful consideration when creating a safe space for teenage female clients.  Regardless of your teen's gender identity, I strive to create an environment that is supportive and accepting where they feel comfortable enough to work together.

Getting Started

Typically, I will meet with parents first so that they can meet me and gain a comfort level for me working with their teen.  The next meeting will be one-on-one with your teen and our visit will allow them to decide if I will be a good fit for them.  Once your teen decides that they would like to continue therapy, we will schedule an ongoing session time to meet one-on-one on a weekly basis.  At times it may be appropriate to have sessions with parents involved, but sessions involving parents are less common and typically are held at your teen's discretion.