Therapy for teens

This is a crazy world you’re coming up in—climate change, divisive politics, global pandemics, soaring college tuition costs, relentless population growth, and more—enormous issues mediated through information sources we don’t necessarily trust. How are you supposed to face such an uncertain future?

How therapy for teens can help

Sometimes it’s just nice to have someone to talk to—someone who isn’t going to push their agenda on you, or take away your car or your phone. A therapist that you connect with can be this person for you.

Confronting uncertainty 

The ways we learn to manage uncertainty during adolescence often shape the ways we manage uncertainty throughout our lives. It’s critical that we learn to understand the role our emotions play in helping us (or derailing us) as we navigate the vagaries of life. How do we react to our emotions? What are they trying to communicate to us? And how do we do the things we don’t want to do, like choosing schoolwork when we could meet up with friends instead, especially when working toward an uncertain future doesn’t make any sense anyway?

My approach to therapy with teens

As with older clients, my approach is centered around developing a strong relationship. As a non-judgmental outsider, it’s often easier for teenaged clients to open up to me than it is to friends, parents, or even siblings. Being heard by another caring human goes a long way. Additionally, I offer honest feedback and reflections on my clients’ thoughts and actions, provide mentorship, and support goal-setting where appropriate.

  • I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify the wounds that unconsciously drive your thoughts, actions, and mood.

  • I use Reality Therapy to understand how unmet needs create barriers to the life you want, and to center your ability to choose your life.

  • I use Interpersonal Process Theory to offer feedback based on the ways we interact in session so you know how you impact the people in your life.

  • I couch all of this in a client-centered approach that honors you as the expert of your life, and leverages the wisdom you already hold.

Do I need therapy?

Therapy could help if:

  • You are curious and open to seeing things differently

  • You feel unsatisfied with aspects of your life but don’t know what to do about it

  • You feel uncomfortable talking about things with your parents

  • Your friends would describe you as moody or worry about you

  • You’re struggling with school, friendships, family, or dating relationships

For parents: does my teen need therapy?

Therapy could be helpful if:

  • They are struggling with school—you’ve seen a shift in grades, engagement, or conduct

  • They are asking you for therapy, or telling you they struggle to talk with you about things

  • They seem joyless, persistently irritable, overwhelmed, or are withdrawing from friends or family

  • They lack a sense of direction or purpose as they approach the end of high school

  • Substance use or potentially addicting activities like video gaming are getting in the way of academics, work, relationships or other important areas of life