Symptoms of anxiety in teens can range. Our work together will reflect these changes, depending on what your teen needs at that moment. Some sessions will be talking about their life, friendships or academic stressors. Other sessions will be processing non-verbally though art, music or taking a walk. Some may be about problem-solving.
Typical concerns addressed in teen counseling are:
Typical concerns addressed in teen counseling are:
- stress, excessive worries or fears
- a sense of inner restlessness
- physical symptoms such as head or stomach aches
- avoiding social interactions or sudden shyness
- withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed
- experimenting with substances or sex
- sleep issues or fatigue
- intense self-consciousness
- hyper-fixation on homework, grades or academic performance
- gender, identity, body-image issues
let's collaborate for their success
My first career was in the field of education. I've worked with hundreds of kids and families in diverse settings to help them be happier, more connected and set up for success. This includes schools, foster agencies, hospice and private organizations centered on family wellness.
I take a systems approach to my work with teens- which means I consider family, friends, school and selfhood when figuring out how best to help.
Parents play a vital role in the success and outcome of teen therapy. It is likely I'll want to meet somewhat regularly with you during your teen’s treatment to give us an opportunity to talk about what might be going on and how you can effectively support your teen. All of this is done, of course, with the utmost respect and consideration for the privacy of your teen.
In our first session I will invite you and your teen to come in together. I'd like you all to meet me so that any questions can be addressed and answered with transparency. It's important for both you and your teen to feel comfortable with me as a therapist and advisor.
Some teens may be hesitant about talking to a therapist or coming in to therapy all together. Don’t worry; this can be expected. However, if you can provide a general explanation that gets them in the door, often a first session is all it takes for them to feel comfortable coming back.
tailored therapy sessions
Middle and high school is a breeding ground for feelings of inadequacy, isolation and constant comparisons.
Exceptionally high expectations for academic success contribute significantly to teens' sense of self, and they often see setbacks as personal failings or catastrophic defeats. The competitive nature of school dynamics, paired with decisions around identity, well-being and safety can overwhelm teens to the point of burn out.
The rapid evolution of technology has brought about an always-on culture where teens are constantly connected, exposed, and anaylzed by and against each other. This continuous stream can exacerbate a teen's anxiety by creating a sense of urgency, a fear of missing out, or being left behind.
Juggling AP exams, sports, part-time jobs, hours of homework, SATs, and extracurriculars while maintaining sky-high GPAs for college admissions can take its toll. Add on that adolescence itself is a period of significant physical, emotional, and social change, making teens particularly vulnerable to stress and anxiety, and you've got the perfect recipe for anxiety and burnout.
It's no wonder that teens walk around with layers of anxiety and stress baked right into who they are, or who they are becoming.
Counseling for anxious teens helps them to learn how to identify ways they’re thinking or behaving that contribute to their anxiety. They’ll find new ways to act and think that will help them manage stressful situations. They’ll learn coping skills that can alleviate stress. They'll build internal resources that they can take with them to become happy, successful adults.
Exceptionally high expectations for academic success contribute significantly to teens' sense of self, and they often see setbacks as personal failings or catastrophic defeats. The competitive nature of school dynamics, paired with decisions around identity, well-being and safety can overwhelm teens to the point of burn out.
The rapid evolution of technology has brought about an always-on culture where teens are constantly connected, exposed, and anaylzed by and against each other. This continuous stream can exacerbate a teen's anxiety by creating a sense of urgency, a fear of missing out, or being left behind.
Juggling AP exams, sports, part-time jobs, hours of homework, SATs, and extracurriculars while maintaining sky-high GPAs for college admissions can take its toll. Add on that adolescence itself is a period of significant physical, emotional, and social change, making teens particularly vulnerable to stress and anxiety, and you've got the perfect recipe for anxiety and burnout.
It's no wonder that teens walk around with layers of anxiety and stress baked right into who they are, or who they are becoming.
Counseling for anxious teens helps them to learn how to identify ways they’re thinking or behaving that contribute to their anxiety. They’ll find new ways to act and think that will help them manage stressful situations. They’ll learn coping skills that can alleviate stress. They'll build internal resources that they can take with them to become happy, successful adults.
