One foot in childhood, the other stretching for independence and identity – it’s not easy for the teen, nor for the family who loves them. Bringing a teen to therapy can be very helpful, but it can also be complicated, especially if your teen disagrees on what the problem is. A successful adolescence is one where a teen can grow into themselves while still having the support of their families, and I enjoy helping families try to strike that balance.

I have expertise in working with teen girls, particularly those struggling to find their identities. It is often the case that the relationship between a teen girl and her parents, but in particular her mother, is wrought with tension as the child who still needs support is trying hard to pull away. Often, depression, anxiety, and school refusal are common themes.

In working with teens, I first meet alone, preferably with both parents, to talk at length about your concerns. I am also interested in your family’s history and value hearing from and working with anyone in your teen’s life who could be helpful. That first session is also a good opportunity for you to get to know me and get a feel for whether I am a good fit for your family.

Once we decide to work together, I will spend a few sessions alone with your teen to allow us to form a relationship and for me to assess carefully what direction I think would be most helpful. We’ll then schedule another parent meeting where we each share our thoughts and decide what is needed next. This may involve a combination of individual and family sessions, and perhaps collaboration with your child’s school or other professionals. I always welcome communication outside of any scheduled meeting, particularly if something significant changes.