While my private practice involves individuals of all ages, I am particularly experienced in the issues teens and young adults face in their lives.
Adolescents and young adults often need a safe place outside of the family to discuss real world problems. These issues may be related to school, a divorce, death of a loved one, a recent move, being part of a new blended family, anger, attitude, legal problems, grades, depression, anxiety, drugs, medical conditions, conflict with siblings, bullying or peer pressure, low self-esteem…and the list goes on… I work with teens and young adults to help them build the skills they need to survive and hopefully even thrive in their lives.
Emotion management
One way I help an overwhelmed, acting out, or discouraged teen or young adult is to teach him or her skills for identifying, understanding, and coping with feelings.
This work in therapy can protect a teen or young adult from the temptation of unhealthy ways to alter mood such as drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, or sexual activity.
Young people with a higher level of emotional intelligence can learn to design and implement conditions necessary for the generation of desired emotional states in addition to honoring and coping with feelings that are triggered naturally.
Decision-making
Many adolescents and younger adults also desperately need guidance in the area of decision-making. At such a young age, children are exposed to situations in which they need to make huge, sometimes life-altering decisions. Encouraging conscious reflection concerning the price of a choice aids teens in staying safe, utilizing their power, and creating a foundation for their emerging adult personality.
