TEENS

Adolescence is a time of major change.  Hormones bring new, overwhelming emotions… Academics becomes increasingly competitive and stressful…  Social media, which can offer community to those feeling isolated, can also distort self-worth, body image, and healthy values and goals… There is the gauntlet of peer pressure, popularity…  On top of this, teenagers are in a developmental stage when they are struggling to identify who they are:  They are juggling individuation — defining what they care about and what they want in life — and trying to fit in.

Anger, both at oneself and others; anxiety; depression; and hopelessness are common feelings.  These emotions can lead teens to unhealthy coping behaviors such as perfectionism, self-harm or suicidal ideation, risky activities, substance abuse, or just going numb and “checking out.”  

While these experiences are scary to the teen, they can also be scary to parents, who watch their child struggle in pain. It can be difficult to know how to help, especially when every attempt can seem like it just makes the teen pull further away.

I offer teens a safe place to navigate their feelings, and explore who they are and who they want to be.  I can help your teen be happy, healthy, successful and safe.  I also involve parents and other family members, when appropriate, in the service of the teen’s growth and development, to help repair damaged family relationships and communication.

Some of the issues I can help your teen address are:

Anger:  Underneath anger is usually pain. We will gently explore the source of their hurt. I will give them a safe space to process it, then we will develop coping skills and a sense of self which will allow them to move forward in healthier ways.

Depression:  We will explore their feelings, such as hopelessness or worthlessness.  We will uncover their origins; explore alternative, healthier perspectives; and develop effective ways of coping.

Anxiety:  Worry, self-consciousness, or intense, irrational fears can reach a point where they negatively affect your teen’s daily life.  We will develop tools to more effectively stop these unwanted, negative thought patterns and help your teen regain a sense of peace and well-being.

Stress:  Through mindfulness practices, meditation, and stress reduction techniques, we will work towards a more balanced, calm mind for your teen.

Substance Abuse and Other Addictions:  Drug and alcohol abuse can become serious problems in the teenage years, which can follow your teen into adulthood if not addressed properly.  Whether your teen is ready to make a change or not there yet, I can help them sort out the underlying causes of their substance use and determine an achievable plan for a healthier, safer life in both the short-term and long-term.

Behavioral Problems:  If your teen’s feelings and emotions are causing them to act out or get suspended from school, I can help them uncover the core problems and create a plan for behavior change.

Low Self-Esteem:  This can arise from specific experiences or come seemingly out of the blue.  We will address the intricacies of these issues and help your teen gain a stronger sense of self.

Trauma:  Whether it is sexual or physical assault, a near-death experience, or witnessing violence toward another, we will process the emotional and psychological impact of your teen’s trauma and work toward enhancing their resilience and overall wellbeing.

Grief:  The loss of a loved one, whether through death, moving away, or the ending of a relationship, can be particularly difficult during adolescence.  I will help your teen sort out their feelings and make sense of their loss.