Navigate the world can be tough.

From middle school, up until the time after high school there are so many changes and decisions to make.

People feel pressure to perform or fit in.

Social groups change, friendships change and sometimes people feel lost.

Social anxiety can run out of control, causing deep sadness and isolation.

Many feel like they cannot talk about their problems with anyone.

As childhood ends and adolescence begins, the need for privacy and bonding with friends become increasingly important.

Many parents feel worried about their child as they pull away from parents and lean away to the future.

The choices they may make, the experiences they may have, or how they may be treated by others begin to be less and less in a parents control.

My Teenage Years

I was a hot mess in middle school. I was a foot taller than every other kid, had exactly 2 friends, and I was so shy I struggled to speak in most situations. My grades sucked. I was bullied. And sometimes I lied to my parents to avoid getting in trouble.

Things did improve with time, I found my people and some enjoyable activities to join. While I was less alone and sad, I continued to feel different from others, I continued to have social anxiety.

I was terrified I was going to make the wrong decisions about my life. I felt misunderstood by my parents. I was a “good kid” but always felt I was letting them down. I struggled after high school to find my way.

I always wished I had someone to listen and connect with me… to provide support and safety.

Keeping It 100

I see working with adolescents (tweens, teens) as a unique opportunity to be the helper that I could have used all those years ago.

I am completely genuine and tell it like it is in the therapy space. I know it is my job to join in the teens world, to seek understanding before I can even consider sharing knowledge or skills.

How can I help you,.. support you… if I don’t really get what you are about? That means I want to hear about your passions, beliefs, favorite things, what makes your heart beat faster? Do you love Minecraft? Dungeons and Dragons? or more into Royal High or Adopt Me? Who is your favorite content creator? Do you have a special playlist on repeat that gets you through the day? What Youtube clip plays rent free in your head?

I see my role as knowledgable human who is joining another human in their journey to adulthood. Teens do not need another coach, teacher, parent or auntie/tia. I believe the therapist must strive to create true connections: a safe space to share, learn and grow.

Some of the common goals for therapy:

To decrease worry and stress

To better understand and manage my neuro-divergence

To help manage gender dysphoria

To understand why I do what I do

To improve knowledge of self and others

To decrease social anxiety

To decrease/manage suicidal thoughts

To improve connection with family and friends

To learn to be more present in the moment

I LOVE WORKING WITH TEENS.

I believe it is an honor and privilege to be witness to such amazing people as they learn, grow and change.