You can’t stop the waves,
but you can learn to surf.
-Jon Kabat-Zinn
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, 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becoming more withdrawn, quiet, or disconnected from family or friends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feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or withdrawn
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 every day 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’m also 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. 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. To learn more about the modalities I use, please visit the My Approach page.
Parent Involvement
I work to balance parent involvement with the privacy teens need to feel comfortable and build independence. I work to thoughtfully involve parents in a way that supports the teen’s progress while also protecting the privacy needed to an honest therapeutic relationship. I’m also 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 adolescence face. It also allows me to help parents make sense of school concerns, interpret reports or evaluations, and navigate the IEP process when needed. To learn more about my background, training, and past experiences working with children and families, please visit my About page.
