specialties
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Adolescents go through their own set of unique challenges as they gradually transition away from childhood and into young adulthood. Therapy for teens can help them find their voice in a supported environment.
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Does your teen procrastinate, have trouble starting projects, or avoid the possibility of failure? Anxiety about the need to be “perfect” can hinder growth in teens. I support teens in identifying the root of their perfectionism and learn to step outside of their comfort zone toward growth and development.
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Self-harm, or thoughts of self-harm, is not uncommon in teens with studies suggesting up to 17% of adolescents engage in self-injury. This behavior can be quite alarming to parents and caregivers. I work with teens and families toward developing safer ways of coping with difficult emotions.
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Divorce is painful for every member of the family, and when parents separate or divorce, teens may feel either caught in the middle or forgotten about. Therapy can be a neutral space for teens to process such a big life change. It’s important to note that individual counseling for your teen may be one of several supports your family might utilize during a divorce, in addition to services like coparenting classes and support groups.
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The transition to adulthood doesn’t magically happen when you turn 18. It’s a gradual process that takes years - you might have heard before that the frontal lobe of the brain doesn’t fully develop until age 25. Becoming an adult comes with many firsts, and I can work with you to explore your personal identity and learn how you want to show up in your own life.
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Anxiety can put us in a perpetual “fight or flight” mode that causes irritability, avoidance, overwhelm, and even physical symptoms like increased blood pressure and upset stomach. Therapy can help you learn new ways to break out of this cycle so that your day-to-day tasks feel easier and more meaningful.
what you’ll get
Expect to be supported without judgment while you face the difficult thoughts and feelings you’ve been trying to deal with alone. If you’re a parent, you can expect that I will give your teen a private space to let their emotions out while learning healthy ways to grow and communicate their needs.
Among a range of therapeutic approaches I use for each person’s unique needs, every client who sees me can expect that we’ll spend some time focusing on the following:
Learning how to experience painful emotions without getting stuck on them
Identifying what matters most to you in your life
Practicing new strategies on a path forward with your core values in mind