It’s not easy to be a human being, and it’s especially not easy to be a teen. Not only are there significant changes in both their hormones and their brain chemistry, there is also the process of individuation afoot. They’re developing who they are, and what it means to belong. Tweens and teens often think that they have to fit in to belong, but as Brene Brown writes, “Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be to be accepted. Belonging…doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are”. When teens come to know that they belong no matter what, it gives them the courage to be more authentic in every situation. That’s my hope for your teen.

Teens: My hope is to be a safe space for you to process your thoughts, your feelings, and your needs. I view therapy as a collaborative process and want you to feel heard, validated, and understood. My intention is to build trust with you by actively listening to you with curiosity and without judgment. I want to help you make sense of both the emotional and lived experiences of your life and provide a therapeutic container where you can explore who you are and what you need, and learn the skills needed to build healthy and meaningful relationships in your life. All of life is relationship and I hope to walk alongside you as you build a stronger, more connected relationship to yourself. 

Parents: It is my deepest honor to build a relationship with your teen based on trust and authenticity. It is my hope that from this foundation of relationship, built over time, that your teen will be able to explore who they are and what they need. I work collaboratively and respectfully with teenagers to formulate the tools to enhance their self-esteem, form healthy and meaningful relationships, and regulate their emotions and/or manage their stress effectively.

I will actively collaborate with families while also respecting and prioritizing your teens’ boundaries and confidentialities. While parents or caregivers are encouraged to participate in the initial assessment, most return sessions are only between the therapist and teen. During my individual work with teens, I will confirm with them about when it would be helpful to engage family members and parents may join therapy sessions as needed with teen consent. I will encourage your teen to share their thoughts, feelings, and the skills they learn in therapy with you at home. Parents are encouraged to share any concerns with me through email before sessions, so we may best address any recent issues.  I also explain to teens that if there is a threat of harm to self or others, that it is my duty as a professional to protect them via collaboration with family, and/or external support systems. Teen safety and well-being is my priority.

A therapist who the teen believes is a “good fit” and understands them is of utmost importance for therapy to be successful. I encourage you to schedule a free 15-minute consult call to see if your teen finds resonance with my approach.

I typically work with teens 13+ but do consider pre-teens on a case-by-case basis.