Therapy for Adolescents

Adolescence is a time of change and growth, and a focus on identity. Teens have to navigate family dynamics, increasing responsibilities, and major life transitions, often all at once. They’re developing a clearer sense of who they are, while also imagining what their futures could be 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 pressure. 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.

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.

• They are deeply vulnerable, even if they don’t show it.

• Many are not getting the emotional support they need.

• They are spending more time online, often raising parental concerns.

• They absorb the stress of both their homes and schools.

• They are absorbing messages of despair and hopelessness from the world around them.

• They want freedom to explore their identity, while also receiving messaging that this exploration is wrong.

• And they have so much to say.

Therapy offers teens 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.

Identity

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.