Adolescent Therapy

My Approach

I create an open, nonjudgemental, and safe space for adolescents and teenagers to talk about what really matters to them. I work to understand their experience as we build a trusting alliance. Once that alliance is developed, we partner together to question, develop, and articulate their values, hopes, and challenges. By getting young clients to be vulnerable about their feelings and concerns, I can help them to develop the inner resources and coping mechanisms that help maintain engagement in life, emotional stability, and the tools to develop and maintain lasting relationships.

My Process

My sessions are 50 minutes long. The process is most effective when we’re meeting every week, at least for the first several months. I like to involve parents to whatever degree the client is comfortable; therapy is more effective when parents are engaged in the process and are considering their own roles in their kids’ mental health. Still, the treatment is primarily between me and the adolescent or teenaged client; a high degree of confidentiality is required to maintain trust.

Types of Cases I See:

  • School Refusal. Adolescent and teenaged clients often come in because they don’t want to go to school. This can be for any number of reasons: social or academic anxiety; a general depression; fears about bullying. My work is to get clients talking and thinking about why they’re avoiding school and what would help them feel more comfortable.

  • Social anxiety. Kids have so much to deal with nowadays. There’s a lot of scrutiny and exposure, both in school and on social media. Talking to a therapist can help adolescents and teenagers to cope by establishing a stronger sense of self.

  • Substance Use. When teenagers start using substances, it can be challenging for everyone involved. It’s helpful for kids to open up and discuss what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. As a therapist, I take an inquisitive and caring approach; my goal is to help teenaged clients to understand the risks and the reasons for their use of substances.

  • Neurodiversity. I often work with clients who are recently diagnosed with ADHD and ASD to help them make sense of their symptoms, embrace who they are, and understand their strengths.