Adolescent and family therapy.
I draw from extensive experiencing working with teens and families through the Maple Counseling Center.
Adolescent and Family Therapy
A Narrowing of Identity
Adolescence is a time of change and growth, and a focus on identity. Teens navigate family dynamics, increasing responsibilities, and major life transitions all at once. They’re developing a clearer sense of who they are, while also imagining what their futures could look like.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing influence of digital media, many teens are exposed to more information than ever before, at a faster pace, and with increasing social pressures. They are connecting in new ways, while also facing rising levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The world feels more complicated than ever, and the need for meaningful support has never been greater.
If you’re a teen seeking an open dialogue with a compassionate listener, or a concerned parent wanting support for your teen’s well-being, I am here to help.
Current Challenges
During my clinical traineeship at The Maple Counseling Center, I worked closely with adolescents and their families in clinical settings, as well as through partnerships with Beverly Hills High School and TREE Academy. In my experiences, I learned that:
Teens want to be heard.
Teens are vulnerable, even if they don’t show it.
They are spending more time online, often raising the concerns of their parents.
They absorb stress at home and at school.
They absorb messages of despair, hopelessness, and division from the world around them.
They want freedom to explore their identity, while also receiving messaging that this is wrong.
Therapy offers a space to make sense of it all.
The Mind-Body Connection
Supporting teen mental health isn’t just about emotional well-being—it’s also vital for cognitive development. The brain continues to mature well into a person’s 20s, especially in executive functioning development like decision-making, emotion regulation, and self-reflection. Having a safe space to talk, process, and be heard can support both internal growth and external functioning.
My approach with teens is collaborative, relational, and strengths-based. I have supported teens in showing up fully and authentically, while also helping them better understand their emotional, social, and cognitive development. Therapy is a space where it’s okay not to have all the answers, where we can work together to make things feel a little more manageable. It’s also a space to be 100% supported.
Gender-Affirming, Culturally-Attuned
I am LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC allied and affirming, and I work with teens navigating complex cultural messages both at home and in the wider world. It can be difficult to filter through the expectations of friends, family, teachers, and social media while still trying to forge your own path. Therapy can help bring that focus back to your experience, so that your voice, your values, and your vision remain front and center.
How I Work With Teens
My priority with teens is the same as with adult clients: fostering safety, trust, and genuine connection. I show up authentically, honor their privacy and confidentiality, and bring a sense of humor to help sessions feel more relaxed and approachable.
I know therapy spaces can sometimes feel stuffy, medicalized, or overly goal-focused. Here, teens are free to show up exactly as they are — without pressure to perform or fit into someone else’s expectations.
Teens want to be heard, understood, and advocated for. This is a space where they can share openly, explore what matters to them, and feel validated in their experiences. Whether we’re working through anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or identity questions, our sessions are grounded in curiosity, openness, and unconditional acceptance.
If you or your teen are curious about therapy or ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation. Together, we can explore how therapy might support their growth and well-being.
Specializations
ADHD
Supporting teens in understanding how their ADHD impacts their focus, energy, and emotions. Together, we utilize therapeutic skills to improve organization, motivation, and self-compassion, and advocate for their personal sense of agency.
Emotions
Helping teens identify, express, and manage feelings like anxiety, anger, and sadness. Therapy provides a safe space for teens to explore emotions, without judgment, and the skills necessary to integrate them into their world.
Relationships
Navigating the complexities of family, friendships, and romantic relationships. We work on communication, boundaries, and building connections that feel authentic and supportive.
School
Addressing academic stress, motivation challenges, and social pressures. I help teens find balance and develop skills to manage their school demands while also honoring their well-being.
Future
Exploring hopes, fears, and goals about life after high school. This is a space to clarify your values, build confidence, and explore what a meaningful path forward would look like for you.