Therapy with Teens
Empowering Teens to Navigate Life with Clarity and Strength
Adolescence can be a challenging time for both teens and their families.
With all the changes and pressures teens face—whether from school, friends, or their own developing sense of identity—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. My approach to teen therapy focuses on helping teens gain insight into their own experiences, reducing stress and emotional turbulence. Rather than simply managing emotions, I work with teens to help them understand their thoughts and feelings, so they can develop more confidence, clarity, and resilience.
We also work with parents to improve communication and collaboration. By fostering better understanding between teens and their families, we can create an environment where problem-solving feels easier and less stressful. My goal is to help teens and parents navigate these years with more connection and less conflict, providing tools for both sides to approach challenges in a more effective, understanding way.
Examples of teen topics and issues:
Stress and overwhelming emotions
Overthinking or overanalyzing
Social anxiety
Lack of confidence and self-doubt
Academic pressure and school-related stress
Disruptive or impulsive behaviors
Issues of identity and self-worth
Loneliness or isolation
Life transitions, like changing schools or entering adulthood
Feelings of sadness or depression
Conflicts with parents or authority figures
Addictive behaviors
We are well versed in working with a broad spectrum of mental health conditions such as PTSD, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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FAQs
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It's not uncommon for teens to feel resistant to therapy, especially if they don’t fully understand the process or feel forced into it. My approach focuses on creating a safe and non-judgmental space where teens can express themselves at their own pace. Building trust is key, and I work to connect with them by respecting their concerns and encouraging open dialogue. Involving them in decisions about therapy can also help reduce resistance and foster a sense of ownership in the process.
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Answer: Absolutely. Teens are often capable of much more depth than adults realize or appreciate. An insight-based approach resonates well with them, helping them to develop self-awareness and clarity. Over the years, I’ve developed methods to engage teens effectively, customizing sessions to match their developmental level and ensuring the approach feels relevant and accessible to them. This tailored approach helps build rapport and fosters deeper understanding in the therapeutic process.
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Answer: Privacy and confidentiality in therapy are essential, especially with teens. While sessions are generally confidential, there are exceptions when it comes to safety. If a teen expresses intent to harm themselves or others, or if there are concerns about abuse, I am legally required to inform parents or authorities. I strive to balance confidentiality with parental involvement, often encouraging open communication while respecting the teen's privacy. In most cases, we discuss what’s important to share with parents to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the teen's well-being.
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Answer: Yes, I do offer virtual therapy options for teens. However, it has been my experience that while virtual sessions provide convenience, they can sometimes sacrifice the depth of impact that in-person sessions offer. Ideally, I recommend having the first session in person, if possible, so we can better assess the teen’s needs and establish a stronger connection. Afterward, we can determine whether virtual sessions are a good fit for ongoing therapy.
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Answer: Yes, I work with younger kids, starting as young as 5. However, based on my experience, the younger the child, the more the focus tends to shift toward coaching the parents rather than working directly with the child. For children 10 and under, I assess their suitability for therapy on a case-by-case basis. I will always conduct at least one session with the child for assessment purposes to better understand their needs before determining the best course of action.