Teens

The teenage years can be difficult for parents and teens alike. There are changes taking place in adolescents’ bodies and brains that can affect how they learn, think, feel and behave.Many teens experience feelings of self-consciousness, depression, irritability, and/or anxiety during this stage of life. Additionally, communication between parents and teens can often be a struggle. Middle school and high school can wear on self-esteem and confidence, and the reality is most teens don’t want to talk to their parents about their personal lives.

Therapy can be especially beneficial during this stage of life because a therapist is uniquely positioned to offer support and guidance while remaining objective and nonjudgmental. 

At a time in which teens often struggle to confide in parents, teachers, or friends for a host of reasons, it can feel relieving to have a trusted adult to turn to who will be on their side but not in the drama.

I help teens increase their self-awareness and self-acceptance by providing a safe environment and the tools to uncover and express underlying feelings and thoughts. I assist them in their quest to learn who they are and who they’d like to become, while teaching them essential skills such as setting boundaries, self-assertion, articulation of feelings and needs, and communication.

My areas of specialty with teens include:

• Social anxiety
• School/academic anxiety
• Perfectionism
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Specific Phobias
• Depression
• Low self-esteem or self-confidence
• Conflict with family
• Learning differences