Adolescents
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sexuality
- ADHD
- LGBTQ
- Gender Queer
- Non-binary
- Gender fluid
- Transgender
- Parenting
- Social problems
- School problems
- Lying
- Cutting
- Suicidality
- Discipline
- Tantrums
- Emotions
- Divorce
- Bullying
- Trauma
- Sexual/physical/emotional abuse
As a parent myself, I know how heartbreaking it can be when your young one is struggling. You are the one who cares the most and oftentimes, simply because you are the parent, you are the one with whom your teen least wants to talk. Building a relationship with a therapist can be the key to unlocking the door a child’s pain and determining the best path to healing. The list above is by no means exhaustive, and I look forward to meeting you and discussing what I can help your teenager with. I bring with me skills and expertise in a variety of scientifically supported treatments and years of experience in working with pre-teens and teens. Most of all, I bring empathy, compassion, a genuine interest in helping, and a true love for what I do.
I will provide an assessment of the problem and a diagnosis if necessary. Together we will collaborate on goals for therapy. I will have you join us in session for our first visit and beyond that point will meet with your child one-on-one. Therapy for adolescents works best, however, when parents and other family members are involved. I encourage ongoing communication between us to maintain an understanding of how your child is doing at home, in school, and in therapy. Family sessions can be done as needed, as well as “parent only” visits with me.
Techniques I draw upon:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy)
- DBT (Dialectic Behavioral Therapy)
- Feminist Multicultural
- Mindfulness
- Interpersonal Therapy
Medication:
As a psychologist, medication is not my first line of defense. However, for many kids, medication is like being given a lifejacket when they are drowning. It saves them from sinking and lets them breath so they can begin to learn how to swim on their own. If your child would benefit from medication, it will be hard for them to learn the skills to “swim” in therapy. I do not prescribe medication, but I work with you to find a prescriber, whether it is your pediatrician or a psychiatrist, and I will collaborate with that person.
For more on medication, see Medication Myths.
