Adolescent Therapy

Adolescence can be a very painful time when life becomes much more complex and harsh. Adolescents often don’t have the knowledge, tools, or support to deal with the changes in their bodies, perceptions, emotions, and peer relationships.  They are in a struggle to discover who they really are, often distancing from or defying parents in an attempt to better define themselves. This can be a very difficult time for both the teenager and the parents. 

In working with adolescents, I support the development of a sense of self that is a more authentic, internally generated knowing, as opposed to a definition in opposing the family & rules or completely in alignment with peers. I educate adolescents about healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress, pain, loss, anger, and hurt.  I work to build better communication skills, self-care, and self-esteem.  Parents are included in the therapy and given feedback on their child on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs of the client.