Tweens & Teens

Tweens and teens is a population that I am extremely passionate about working with. Adolescent years can be an absolute rollercoaster and far from easy. With the many expectations and pressures this population faces on a daily basis can put them at greater risk for anxiety, depression, self harm, suicide ideation, and substance use. I have many years of experience in treating teens and aim to provide teens with a trusting space to process and identify healthy coping strategies that they can utilize for many years to come. In addition, I also have specialty training in treating teenage substance use and in a past professional role helped develop a curriculum for a Dual Diagnosis Teen and Family Recovery Program.

 

I aim to establish a trusting relationship with the teen and bring warmth and humor to the therapy room. In my treatment with teens I utilize a variety of evidence based interventions. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help them generate insight into their negative self talk and find healthy alternatives, in efforts to increase self esteem and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition, I utilize Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help the teen develop and strengthen skills of emotional regulation and self awareness. Furthermore, I often utilize mindfulness and creative art activities to encourage teens to increase self compassion and acceptance.

 

In addition to woking with the teens, I offer my support to caregivers. For caregivers reading this, I know teen years can be a challenge for you as well. You love your teen and want to be there to help them, but may not be sure how to do so. I can provide support to the parent child relationship to help bridge the gap of communication and build trust. I am here to help and encourage you to reach out.