Here are some of the common concerns that bring teens and their families into therapy:

• Frequent mood swings, irritability, or emotional shutdown
• Persistent anxiety, panic, or racing thoughts
• Social withdrawal or difficulty connecting with peers
• Low self-esteem or chronic self-criticism
• Identity confusion or discomfort with self-expression
• School avoidance, academic pressure, or perfectionism
• Family conflict, communication breakdowns, or feeling misunderstood

Some teens may struggle silently and internalize their emotions. Others may express their pain through behaviors that seem oppositional or confusing. My role is to look beyond those surface-level behaviors and help teens—and their caregivers—understand what the underlying needs might be.

I also take into account the impact of cultural context, systemic oppression, intergenerational dynamics, and family attachment patterns. Many of the teens I work with come from families navigating multiple identities, values, and expectations. Therapy becomes a space where they can make sense of their story and begin to define who they are—beyond the roles they’ve been placed in.

Here’s how this work can begin to unfold:

• Helping teens reflect on past experiences and how they influence current emotions
• Exploring relational patterns within the family and peer groups
• Unpacking cultural expectations and identity-related stress
• Making room for complex feelings, including grief, anger, fear, and shame
• Fostering emotional regulation, resilience, and inner strength

The work is collaborative and unfolds over time. While every teen is different, what remains constant is my commitment to creating a safe and attuned relationship where healing can take root.

Some of the benefits teens may experience through therapy include:

• Improved self-understanding and emotional vocabulary
• Healthier communication and boundary-setting skills
• Greater resilience in the face of stress or rejection
• Increased confidence in navigating friendships and identity questions
• A sense of agency in making decisions and expressing needs
• Relief from feelings of shame, guilt, or unworthiness

This kind of healing work can also ripple out into their relationships at home and school. Parents often report that their teen becomes more open, communicative, and grounded as the work unfolds.

I partner with parents and caregivers to:

• Foster more attuned and respectful communication within the home
• Understand what their teen may be trying to express through behaviors
• Shift out of cycles of reactivity and power struggles
• Hold space for their own emotions, including fear, guilt, or confusion

This work helps families move from a place of disconnect and frustration toward greater trust, empathy, and connection. Parents begin to see their child not as a “problem to fix” but as a person with valid needs, insights, and emotional depth.