You can’t stop the waves,
but you can learn to surf
Adolescent Therapy
Adolescence can be an exciting time of growth, but it can also bring a lot of pressure. Teens are navigating school, friendships, family relationships, identity, independence, and a rapidly changing sense of themselves. Even teens who seem capable and successful on the outside can feel anxious, overwhelmed, self-critical, or unsure of where they fit.
You may be noticing:
anxiety, overthinking, or frequent worry
perfectionism or putting a lot of pressure on themselves
becoming more withdrawn, quiet, or disconnected from family or friends
low self-esteem or self-confidence
friendship or relationship difficulties
family conflict or difficulty communicating
feeling overwhelmed or irritable
difficulty expressing or managing emotions
sadness, feeling stuck, or changes in mood
difficulty adjusting to changes at school, home, or in relationships
How I Work With Teens
Teenagers need a space that feels like their own. I work to build a warm, genuine relationship where teens can feel comfortable being themselves, while helping them become actively engaged in the therapy process. Depending on the teen, sessions may include conversation, creative approaches such as utilizing art or music, and practical strategies for managing anxiety, emotions, relationships, and everyday stress. I may also incorporate books and storytelling into therapy when they offer teens another way to understand and express what they are experiencing. I am the co-author and illustrator of My Grief Is Like the Ocean: A Story for Children Who Lost a Parent to Suicide, a children’s book about grief and loss, and a contributing author to The Bibliotherapy Toolbox, a professional resource on using books and stories in therapeutic work.
One of my favorite parts of working with teens is getting to know their world and what matters to them, whether that’s music, sports, video games, creative interests, friendships, or something else entirely. Together, we work to understand what may be contributing to how they are feeling, recognize patterns that may be getting in the way, build coping skills, and develop greater confidence in navigating challenges.
Parent Involvement
I work to balance parent involvement with the privacy teens need to feel comfortable and build independence. I thoughtfully involve parents in a way that supports the teen’s progress while also protecting the privacy needed for an honest therapeutic relationship. I’m clear from the beginning that certain safety concerns may need to be shared with a parent or caregiver. As a parent myself, I understand how hard it can be to know when to step in, when to give space, and how to stay connected through difficult moments. When it’s helpful, I work with parents to better understand what their teen may be experiencing and to strengthen communication, trust, and connection at home.
Collaboration and School Support
When helpful, I collaborate with pediatricians, psychiatrists, schools, and other providers involved in a teen’s care. My background providing therapy in a school-based health center within New York City high schools has given me extensive experience understanding the academic, social, emotional, and developmental pressures adolescents face. It also allows me to help parents make sense of school concerns, interpret reports or evaluations, and navigate the IEP or 504 Plan process when needed.
Learn more about My Approach .