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When young hearts begin to feel strong desires, they encounter a world that is both captivating and perilous, a landscape I see as both alluring and dangerous. The body's strength surges, and the world, with all its beauty and danger, calls out. In a single day, one can experience a whirlwind of emotions: love interwoven with loneliness, freedom entangled with constraint, excitement shadowed by fear, confidence marred by self-doubt.
As a psychotherapist dedicated to working with older adolescents, I often ponder the complexities these young folk face. They come to me burdened with anxiety, depression, suicidality, self-harm, agent abuse, eating disorders, and overwhelming emotional turbulence. The gravity of this work resonates deeply within me, and I trust it does with you as well. There is no need to emphasize how each adolescent is a unique, irreplaceable soul- someone's cherished child, the center of a parent's universe. My mission is to discover the most effective ways to support and heal them, a mission that is not just professional but profoundly personal.
Does My Child Need Therapy?
Does My Child Need Therapy?
Being a teenager is a difficult and transformative time, filled with unique challenges and pressures. If your teenager is struggling with persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, it may be a sign of depression. Anxiety is another common issue, often manifesting as excessive worry, panic attacks, or avoidance of certain situations. School stress and academic pressure can also take a significant toll on a teenager’s mental health, leading to burnout and decreased performance. The pressures of fitting in and succeeding can drive some teenagers to agent abuse and destructive behavior to cope. Social media and internet abuse is an increasingly prevalent problem, contributing to issues with self-esteem, body image, and cyberbullying. Therapy can help teens navigate their issues, providing them with the tools and support they need to manage their emotions and develop healthier ways of being.
Signs to Get Help
Signs to Get Help
Changes in mood
Agent abuse
Secretive behavior
Isolating from friends and family
Excessive fighting with parents and siblings
Hopelessness
Not leaving room or sleeping all day
Lack of interest in hobbies
Changes in grades
Anxiety or panic attacks
Low self-esteem
Self-harm
Frequent physical complaints
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in eating habits
Loss of motivation
Risky or reckless behavior
Persistent feelings of guilt or worthlessness
The Approach
The Approach
There is fear and apprehension that many teenagers feel when considering therapy. My primary focus is always on building a strong, trusting relationship where they can feel safe and open up about their thoughts and feelings. This trust is the foundation for effective therapy.
We suffer by trying to separate the positive from the negative- seeking success without risking failure, intimacy without fearing rejection, or happiness without acknowledging pain. This dynamic is especially pronounced in our teens. We appreciate their passion but fear their emotions, admire their curiosity but worry about risks, and want them to form positive relationships without succumbing to peer pressure. The control we attempt to impose often leads to the very rebellion, discord, and unhappiness we seek to avoid.
I take a different approach from traditional methods that emphasize strict adherence to adult rules and the importance of making "right decisions" to avoid ruining their lives. The key is to recognize that the passion, novelty-seeking, exploration, and peer engagement of young people can be sources of strength if we create the right context for them. Through a genuine and supportive relationship, I respect the need for exploration while guiding them towards healthy and constructive choices. Therapy can be a powerful tool for teens to manage their emotions, build resilience, and embrace both the positive and negative aspects of their experiences.
About Me
About Me
I've found a necessary balance to use with my teens- that is, blending gentleness and a non-directive approach with clear direction and assertiveness. We need both. It's never just my word or theirs; we collaborate to find solutions that feel good for both of us. It's important to mention here and now my commitment to the relationships I build with my teens. This means that upholding confidentiality is paramount, as a trusting relationship is the foundation of all effective therapy. As a parent, you should not expect conversations about your child and their progress without them being present. If asked, I will always encourage you to talk with your child directly about how things are going. That discussion belongs between you and your child when they are ready to talk, not with me. This may feel foreign to you as a parent, but it is necessary for effective therapy and fostering a trusting relationship with your child. Please reach out if you have any questions about this or anything else; I'm happy to provide information and support.
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