Teen Therapy

In my experience, working with teens requires a great deal of trust and safety. At first, I aim to build rapport and slowly start to get an understanding of what he/she/they is going through. 

I find that offering validation and non-judgmental dialogue helps teens open up and lets you into their world. 

Once there, I help teens practice skills that regulate intense emotions and form an identity that makes them feel safe.

A common intervention is helping teens externalize emotions. This is explained by "zooming out" and looking at a situation from multiple perspectives. When I help teens do this, they are able to tolerate strong emotions, practice flexible thinking, and experience more self-compassion.

Sometimes, therapy with adolescents also includes having sessions with parents. In these collateral sessions, teens learn how to communicate their needs while also learning how to recognize their parents as human. 

This balancing act allows for teens to experience both closeness and healthy autonomy.