Teen Therapy: What to Expect and How It Can Help (Ages 12+)

My psychotherapeutic work with adolescents offers a collaborative space to address a range of adolescent challenges such as exploring identity, managing peer and family dynamics, and navigating emotional transitions, while building self-awareness, confidence, and healthy relationships.

Our work is generally influenced by a blend of what the teen wishes to explore and what parents see as helpful. Finding a right balance of these two can generally help create a productive path forward.Below,

I'll outline what it involves, what you (or your teen) can gain, and what working with me might be like.

What Is Psychotherapy for Teens?

At its core, psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as “talk therapy” is about speaking openly to gain clarity on thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My approach with adolescents, is similar to my work with adults but approached in a developmentally appropriate way. guided by homework assignments, directives, or advice-giving, and it is not formulaic or like school. While a more hands-on approach may work well for some, it is not considered teen therapy.Teen therapy is a unique exploration designed to make sense of why you feel, think, or act in certain ways amid these pivotal years. We might discuss school stress, friend conflicts, family expectations, or uncertainties about the future that shape your present. The goal is to reduce emotional overwhelm, achieve greater self-understanding, and identify choices that align with how you’d like to live (drawing from both the teen's priorities and parental insights to ensure everyone feels heard).Unlike casual chats with friends, the therapeutic approach is a dedicated, confidential partnership. Your teen does most of the sharing and works with me to make sense of challenges as they carve their path forward (fostering independence along the way). When helpful, parents and teens may join sessions together; in those moments, I facilitate open communication, help navigate conflicts, and guide agreements on a working relationship that meets each person's needs while feeling mutually fulfilling.What Can You Expect to Gain?Many teens come seeking relief from anxiety, low mood, social struggles, or that vague sense of being “stuck” amid rapid changes. Through our work together, you can expect to discover:Deeper self-insight: Recognizing influences that were not previously known (like how past letdowns echo in current doubts) can free you from repeating unhelpful cycles.Emotional resilience: Learning to navigate life’s transitions with less overwhelm and more compassion for yourself can help you live with greater ease and confidence.Fulfilled connections: Better understanding your needs and boundaries can lead to healthier relationships with friends, family, and yourself.Resilience & agency: Greater ability to make authentic, sometimes difficult decisions that enhance your overall well-being and sense of autonomy.When teens (and families) engage fully, therapy yields real, enduring benefits, even for complex issues. However, similar to tending a young sapling through a storm, teen effort and participation is what yields sustainable growth. You will get out of it what you put into it.Teen therapy is not a one-size-fits-all program, and our work will be shaped by the topics your teen (and family) brings in for discussion.