Working with teens
(and parents)...

Being a teenager is hard and messy and awesome. You are on the brink of adulthood, but still under someone else's roof. You understand sarcasm (and usually have a GREAT sense of humor), but can also feel like no one understands YOU. You dream about future years but worry about today's world. You are so sick of everyone blaming everything on technology, but also feel tied to social media.

Therapy can offer a space to process the feelings, obstacles, impulses, ups and downs that visit every teenager's life. In other words, you get to come into my office just as you are... witty, amazing, annoyed, frustrated, no manners required, just showing up is enough. 

Some  teenagers come to therapy easily, others need a  push. Both are okay. Whether you are eager to explore emotions or feel forced into sessions, I offer acceptance, honesty, and my heart-centered presence. In other words, I won't be fake or tell you to turn off your phone. Instead, we will engage in honest conversations and consider all you encounter, from your teenage perspective, not mine. I invite any teenager to come have a conversation with me and see if I can maybe offer a decent place to work some stuff out. 

Parents, trusting someone with your teenager is hard. Teenagers need to trust in the confidentiality of their therapist, yet parents need to trust in the safety of their child. Holding both IS possible. Through clear communication and transparent policies, teens, therapists, and parents can work together towards common goals. Through an eclectic personalized treatment plan (using modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, motivational interviewing, somatic awareness, mindfulness, play therapy, and expressive arts) I am confident your child will find their way to their best self. Nothing is ever WRONG with kids. As a matter of fact, what others consider problematic can be a superpower. Sometimes kids (and parents) just need help feeling seen and accepted exactly as they are.