Adolescence refers to the period of time between 10 and 21 years of age. This phase of development is marked by tremendous physical and emotional growth.

​

Teenagers are healthier and happier when a grown-up has their back, and when they feel validated and supported. I have a great affinity for adolescents, and genuinely connect with them. Using empathy, support and encouragement I’ll work with them to build their self esteem. 

 

This is a great phase to put an end to growing anxiety, depression or to provide some extra emotional support. My goal is to set your teenager up for success, so as they enter young adulthood, they have the tools to thrive.

 

All adolescents really want is to succeed. They need to feel connected to a healthy community and that they belong and fit in. Feeling that they are enough; that they are smart enough, pretty enough, artistic enough, supported enough, capable enough and lovable enough is paramount.

​

I have found the root cause of most adolescents' difficulties are the false beliefs they have about themselves. At some point in their life; a negative belief or trauma took root and lowered their self esteem. 

​

Adolescents experience powerful emotions for the first time in their lives due to their developing hormonal system. While trying to get some relief from strong emotions, they may pick up some unhealthy coping skills. For example, substance use, inappropriate or risky sexual behavior, poor grades, bad attitude or self harm may occur.

​

My job is to help them remove any negative belief(s) they’ve latched on to, and to replace them with positive and healthy ones. Explaining how to choose and use healthy coping tools is key. 

​

Each adolescent is unique, and together we will figure out what works best to accomplish their goals. Some of the things they will learn about: emotional intelligence, digital citizenship, healthy coping skills, the importance of sleep and exercise, the benefits of eating well and being honest. They will discover that taking appropriate chances on worthwhile opportunities, and effectively communicating about how they feel are really important skills.

 

Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) and/or other methods, adolescents will gain the tools necessary to create a wonderful life.