Teen Therapy: A Space for Autonomy and Discovery
The teenage years are a massive construction project. Your teen is busy building an identity, navigating social hierarchies, and trying to figure out where they fit in a world that is constantly making demands of them. Often, what looks like "rebellion" or "laziness" is actually a teen who is overwhelmed and lacks a safe, neutral space to process it all.
Why Teen Therapy?
In my practice, Teen Therapy isn't about "getting a kid to listen" or making them more compliant. It’s about providing a confidential, non-judgmental territory where they can put down the mask. Whether they are dealing with the pressure of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical school, navigating complex friendships, or managing the weight of anxiety and depression, I am here to be a teammate—not another authority figure.
My Philosophy: Respecting the Individual
I treat teens like the emerging adults they are. My approach is built on a foundation of mutual respect and total flexibility:
Ownership of the Space: This is your teen's time. They get to decide what we talk about, how we spend the hour, and what goals matter to them. When a teen feels in control of the process, they are much more likely to engage in the healing.
Affirming All Identities: I provide a radically affirming space for LGBTQ+ youth, neurodivergent teens (AuDHD), and those who feel like they don't fit into traditional "boxes." I celebrate their subcultures, their interests, and their unique way of seeing the world.
Tools for the Real World: We focus on practical, self-chosen tools for executive functioning, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy. We aren't trying to change who they are; we’re figuring out how they can be themselves and still navigate school and life successfully.
How I Work with Teens
I know that sitting on a couch and staring at a therapist can feel like an interrogation. That’s why my "no boxes" approach applies to the session itself:
Low-Pressure Connection: If your teen finds eye contact or direct questioning intense, we can use art, music, or even digital tools to communicate. We can move, sit on the floor, or focus on a shared activity while we talk.
Building a "Brave Space": We work on identifying their internal strengths. I help them see that the things that make them "different" are often their greatest assets.
Navigating Transitions: From high school stress to "adulting" anxiety, we create a roadmap for the future that feels authentic to them—not just what society expects of them.
The Parent-Teen Partnership
While I prioritize the teen’s privacy to build a foundation of trust, I also act as a bridge. I help parents understand the "why" behind the "what," offering strategies to support your teen's need for independence while maintaining a safe connection at home.
"A teenager doesn't need to be 'handled'; they need to be heard, respected, and given the tools to advocate for their own life."