Here are some of the key issues I commonly tackle in teen therapy: 

Behavioral or Emotional Problems

Maybe your teenager or pre-teen is oppositional, has trouble taking directions, or is difficult, disrespectful, or defiant. Sometimes sibling rivalry or jealousy causes significant sibling conflict or parental stress. School refusal, mouthing off, or oppositionality may be the kind of behavioral issues you are facing. You might be seeking help with more respectful behavior and more effective discipline.

Self Esteem Problems 

Some parents report that their teen does not feel like they deserve good things, has trouble with self esteem or does not feel “good enough”. They may be seeking help with the development of coping skills and improved self-esteem.

Assertive Communication

Sometimes parents are simply seeking a place where the goal is the expression of their teen’s feelings in a “safe place” or through having a “safe person” to talk to. They might be seeking a therapist’s help for their child to develop tools to deal with thoughts and feelings in healthy ways.

Anxiety

Parents sometimes seek therapy for a teen in order for them to learn coping tools to deal with feelings of fear and anxiety. Anxiety and the inability to express it can lead to lashing out, or problems with inattentiveness or social issues. It is quite common for an anxious teen to insist on being in control, so parents often seek therapy to increase their flexibility.

Sometimes anxiety manifests as separation anxiety wherein the child struggles with adapting to new settings and clings to the parents or has difficulty self-soothing and falling asleep independently. Sometimes the child’s anxiety takes the form of Selective Mutism, Trichotilomania (hair pulling, picking at self, pulling out eyebrows and eyelashes), or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which involves rigidity and avoidance.

Depression and Self Esteem Issues: 

You may be seeking therapy for depression or to help your teen “enjoy happy moments in life”. Maybe you just want them to know that you care and want what is best for them, that their family loves and supports them. Some parents worry when their child talks about wanting to die or even threatens to (or acts on a desire to) hurt themselves. Maybe you just want to get your child out of their funk”.

Other Emotional issues that therapists mention when seeking therapy are children having “Big emotions” or uncontrollable emotional outbursts with lots of screaming and yelling, or difficulty with emotional regulation and anger problems

Social  Issues or Academic Challenges

Issues related to school, such as bullying, academic pressure, or learning disabilities, are common concerns. Therapists assist children in coping with these stressors, which can affect their mental health and overall performance in school. 

Having worked in community childrens/adolescent mental health for more than 20 years, I am thoroughly familiar with IEPs, having spent nearly half of my time there in the schools and supporting children around the challenges they faced there.

Developmental Disorders

Therapists sometimes address specific developmental issues, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders. They use tailored strategies to help children manage their symptoms and improve their functioning in daily life.

ADHD

is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. It is characterized by difficulties in paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, and in some cases, excessive activity. The symptoms of ADHD can vary across individuals and may include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can impact various aspects of a person's life, including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning.

ADHD is a medical condition that affects brain development and activity, leading to challenges in attention, sitting still, and self-control. It can affect children at school, at home, and in their friendships. For teens with ADHD, managing their behavior can be challenging, and it's important to remember that they cannot control their behavior. Treatment options for ADHD may include teen therapy, family therapy, parenting therapy, medications, and support at school.

AUTISM

Many teens struggle with social interactions, which can lead to difficulties in forming friendships and maintaining relationships. Reasons for this can include friendship issues, low self-esteem or a lack of social confidence, shyness, or social skills deficits that are a symptom of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. I can help your child work on developing communication skills, build self-confidence, and enhance resilience, which are essential for healthy social interactions. 

Not all children naturally learn to pick up social cues. Sometimes

Social Skills Training

is needed. I provide this training in a unique and fun way. Having been trained as a drama therapist, I know that action and interaction is the way to really put these new skills into practice and I am relaxed and not afraid to look silly. I use education about social skills, combined with fun and playful interactive role-playing. Let’s put social skills into action 

What about the rest of the family? My belief in positivity, as taught in the "nurtured heart approach" helps build self-esteem, in addition to the skills building aspect of treatment, I am happy to work with parents around how to further these skills both at home and in the community, as well. Also, siblings of children with special needs sometimes need some extra support and attention in order to function optimally.

Trauma, Abuse, and Grief

Teens may have experienced trauma such as from abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one. Therapists provide a safe space for children to express their feelings and work through their grief or trauma, helping them to heal and move forward. As a trauma informed therapist, I know the importance of finding the optimal level of challenge and attuned listening post trauma and am comfortable navigating the healing process.

Some children are brought to therapy with gender identity-related issues and need a safe place to either explore their identity or their feelings, thoughts, needs, and relationships, or to build confidence, self-acceptance, or self esteem.

Family Dynamics and Changes,
including Divorce

Significant life changes, such as divorce, the birth of a sibling, or family relocation, can be challenging for teens. Therapists help them process these changes and improve family communication, ensuring that each member feels heard and supported. Through my experience of teaching at Kids Turn (for divorcing and separating families), I became especially skilled at supporting children and adolescents when their parents divorce. Some of the ways therapy can help around these issues are through reducing the child’s anxiety, improving problem solving skills, and helping children develop coping skills related to parental conflict.