I provide psyhotherapy for adolescents (ages 14 to 19) and their families. During the initial phone intake the assessment process is worked out. A typical assessment might begin with an initial session with the parents followed by two to four sessions with the adolescent. These sessions are then followed by a family meeting depending on the circumstances, and one final meeting with the parents as the culmination of the assessment process. The course of therapy and the engagement of family members is dependent on what the assessment indicates as needed. Parents should expect to be involved throughout the process of therapy.
My approach is to join with the adolescent to understand what is going on in their life that brought them to me. As with adults, my work is always respectful, open, caring, and supportive. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches to fit the needs of the adolescent and their family, and always take great care to move at a pace that is comfortable. I rely on evidenced-based therapies such as attachment, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), to name a few.
Below are some of the areas of potential focus in adolescent therapy:
- Anxiety
- Coping skills
- Depression
- Grief & Loss
- Peer relationships
- Relationship issues
- School problems
- Self-esteem
- Setting boundaries
- Stress
- Trauma