Especially in today’s world, being a teen can be really difficult. Having a safe, nonjudgmental place to land can make all the difference in the world. Often, parents forget that it is normal for you to have different goals and dreams for yourself than they do. In these cases, it can help to have an adult solely focused on you. While I may not be able to help solve every issue, I promise to walk alongside you and support you as you navigate the challenges in your life.
WHAT IS THERAPY LIKE?
In the beginning, our focus is going to be on building the relationship. I don't want to spill my guts to a complete stranger, and my guess is, you don't either! I know sometimes it can feel like caregivers make a lot of decisions FOR you, especially if you're not here by your own request.
IN THERAPY, YOU'RE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THERE IS NO PERFORMING, PASS/FAIL, OR EXPECTATIONS. THE THERAPY HOUR IS YOURS TO USE HOWEVER YOU WANT.
While we might check in about a topic from last week, or a goal you’ve been working on, if you want to talk about something else that will be our priority. I take your thoughts and opinions seriously, and I will not dismiss you for the sake of my own agenda. A lot of times, by focusing on the present problem, we can learn a lot about how to tackle the bigger challenges in your life.
Whether you are new to therapy or have been before, it is important that you understand that I cannot “fix” you. You are already fixed. My job is simply to help you understand why that is true. Though we can always learn new strategies and skills to live happier, healthier lives, you are not broken, even on your worst days.
WHAT WILL YOU SHARE WITH MY CAREGIVERS?
Whether you are here on your own, or have been strongly encouraged by your caregivers, the most important thing you should know is, YOU are my client. I want you to feel safe and comfortable sharing your worries, struggles, complaints, insights, and experiences with me.
Creating a safe space together means that you and I decide what is shared outside of therapy. This means that you get to choose what is shared with your caregivers, and what stays between us (the only exception is if there is a significant threat of harm to you or someone else). Though it depends on the situation, I usually encourage teens to sign a release of information so we can work together with your parents to improve conflicts, emotional challenges, and struggles at school or at home. I want to be clear though:
EVEN IF YOU SIGN A RELEASE OF INFORMATION, I WILL ALWAYS CONSULT YOU
BEFORE DISCUSSING ANY DETAILS ABOUT OUR WORK TOGETHER.
Ultimately, the choice about what to share is yours. Though your caregivers may still communicate concerns or updates with me, I will only share details that we have already agreed on. With that said, I believe therapy works best when we can be (somewhat) open with your caregivers and share ideas together, especially if you are having a hard time at home. Often, caregivers will be asked to make some adjustments as well, which can go a long way toward improving everyone's quality of life.
ARE YOU READY TO GIVE THERAPY A TRY?
Teens
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
ANXIETY
MILD DEPRESSION
EMOTION REGULATION CHALLENGES
TIME MANAGEMENT
DISTRESS TOLERANCE
RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
SCHOOL TRANSITION
SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES
EXECUTIVE FUNCTION AND WORKING MEMORY
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND TRAUMA
Are you ready to begin?
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Your life is waiting.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Though each person's journey is different, there are some recurring benefits I've noticed in my work as a therapist. Some of these benefits include:
Learning to Set Healthy Boundaries
Increasing Your Confidence
Improving Focus at School
Creating Self-Care Strategies That Work For You
Learning to Communicate Your Needs
Developing Higher Resilience to Life’s Struggles
Improving Emotion Regulation
Healing and Integrating Traumatic Experiences