Individual Therapy for Adolescents

Adolescence can be mystifying and challenging.

Parenting a child in adolescence can be one of the most challenging parts of life. Everything is changing. Life is in constant transition where nothing stays the same for very long.

For your child, relationships shift and change, and sometimes it feels like they’re happening daily. One day, they are part of a close group of friends, and the next, they feel like they are on the outside looking in with no way to connect or communicate.

As a parent, you feel like you cannot connect with them how you want to, and you don’t know how to break through the barriers they’ve put in place. They seem more connected to their screens than they do to you.

Everyone knows that hormones are changing.

But it’s whispered about, and understanding is hard to find.

Flashes of anger, red hot, and blood boiling occur without warning.
They experience deep sadness when they feel alone and out of touch.
Fear is overwhelming, with racing thoughts they can’t stop.

Then, there are moments of incredible highs when they feel like they are on top of the world, and nothing can stop them.

Life is a roller coaster, but it’s not the type you want to wait in line for.

Expectations are growing.

It is common for adolescents to experience an extreme amount of pressure. Many teens and preteens I have worked with have voiced feelings of high expectations for themselves that seem unreachable.

They feel caught between two worlds – the one they knew in childhood and a new adult world just around the corner. They desire the independence of adulthood but the comfort of childhood.

This transition can cause an increase in anxious and depressive reactions.

Getting the right help is essential.

Your adolescent is worth the world to you, so ensuring they have the help they need to do more than survive their teenage years while allowing them the opportunity to thrive is a top goal. Having someone you can trust who has the experience and the ability to connect with them is essential for your adolescent.

Working with high school and middle school populations for over 15 years has further developed my passion for this age group.

At this age, outstanding achievements can occur when the right conditions exist. I love helping teens find their place, discovering their inner strength, and empowering them to take courageous steps toward their goals.

Teens experience trauma, too.

Trauma is not something only experienced by adults. Teens and preteens also are impacted by trauma.

For those who have experienced trauma, I use specialized care to help them process their trauma naturally and healthily.

Using EMDR and ART, combined with body and other brain-based work, we will work as a team to help your teen overcome the past and confidently step into their future.

Teen athletes face problems as well.

For many teens and adolescents, athletics is an integral part of life. If your teen loves sports and competition but struggles with performance anxiety or wants to get better at their specific events, I can help with that as well.

Athletic performance enhancement for athletes is a passion of mine, and I have worked with teen and adult clients who compete in anything ranging from recreational sports to national and international levels.

Success is not somewhere out there waiting for your teen to find; it’s already within them, ready to be cultivated.

Here’s my therapeutic approach.

When working with adolescents, therapy will begin by building trust between myself and your teen.

I will help them understand their experiences and emotions and learn how the brain and body work together for healing and resiliency.

Your teen and I will work together to create a plan for our work together based on their desires and goals for themselves.

Parents have a role in therapy.

Depending on the age and needs of your adolescent child, parental involvement may range from very involved to more limited contact between the parents and me.

A 10-year-old and a 17-year-old have different needs for autonomy, and I will respect that.

I welcome open communication for all parents and will gladly work with you to help foster a healthy relationship with your adolescent.

Ready to connect?

If you are looking for a therapist who works well with adolescents where they are and goes above and beyond to help your teen create a brighter future and a better now, please reach out.