Teenagers often need a relationship with an adult who can help them put words to their experience.
I have worked with teens for my entire adult life, in after school programs, group homes, high schools, clinics, and in my private practice. I pursued my masters degree because I wanted more skills to help teenagers who had experienced trauma, and I remain passionate about helping young people and families through this challenging stage.
Parents often are often frustrated that they can’t have a reasonable discussion with their child, alarmed by their volatile moods, or scared by some of their more extreme behaviors. On the other hand, some teens suffer horribly in silence, and are brought to therapy when their secret pain is finally made known.
I work with teens and families to make some sense of what is going on. Sometimes it’s enough to provide the teen with their own individual therapy, a place where they can be honest with an adult who can listen in a deep way and help them reflect on their experience.
If necessary, I also meet with the teen and family together to explore the family dynamic, or with just the parents/caregivers in order to consult with them on how they might adjust their parenting approach given their child’s developmental stage and particular needs. I am happy to collaborate with school counselors, teachers, or other mentors or key members of the young person’s support system.