Pre-Teen & Teen Therapy

“Honoring the important and necessary changes in the adolescent mind and brain rather than disrespecting them is crucial for both teens and their parents. When we embrace these needed changes, when we offer teens the support and guidance they need instead of just throwing up our hands and thinking we’re dealing with an “immature brain that simply needs to grow up,” or “raging hormones in need of taming,” we enable adolescents to develop vital new capacities that they can use to lead happier and healthier lives.” 

― Daniel J. Siegel, Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain

Adolescence can often be a challenging period of time both for teens and caregivers. At this stage of development, teens are hungry for independence. It is not uncommon at this stage of life to become less dependent on parents and turn to peers to seek connection and a sense of belonging. Learning how to navigate difficult dynamics between peers can be hard and at times lead to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and emotional pain. The pressures of school, extracurriculars, dating, and social media can be overwhelming.

My job is to provide a teen a non-judgmental space where they can feel understood and gain clarity on life’s confusions. In the therapy room, a teen has the opportunity to work through negative thoughts and feelings about themselves and build confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth.

Issues that can be addressed in pre-teen/teen therapy:

• Generalized anxiety

• Social anxiety

• OCD

• Trichotillomania/Excoriation

• School related anxiety 

• Depression

• Self-harm

• Suicidal ideation

• ADHD

• Learning disabilities

• Trauma

• Grief

• Identity

• Peer relationship challenges

• Divorce

• Bullying