Therapy for Your Teen
Is your teen struggling with focus and anxiety?
It can be frustrating when your teen has a hard time getting started on tasks like chores or homework. You find yourself repeating instructions over and over, but they still seem to forget what they are supposed to do. They say they’ll handle it, but then don’t remember the details, leaving you to pick up the slack.
After school, they’re often exhausted and struggling to keep up with what’s expected of them. They forget their school supplies or their gear for extracurriculars, and you’re left scrambling to help out at the last minute.
On top of all this, you see them getting overwhelmed by the pressure of schoolwork and social expectations. They smile on the outside but underneath you see them become paralyzed with worry about their future and it devastates you.
When you try to talk to your kiddo, it seems like they are not really listening, or they zone out completely. Sometimes emotions run high and even small things can trigger big emotional reactions, leaving you feeling both overwhelmed and unsure what to do.
Therapy can help!
Your teen can feel better and thrive in their own way.
As a therapist specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and OCD, I can work with your teen to develop the tools they need to get organized, manage their emotions, and develop healthy relationships. I’ll help them gain a deeper understanding of how their brain works and how to use their strengths to their advantage, while also addressing the challenges of growing up and the emotional ups and downs. Together we’ll work on strategies to fit their unique needs. You’ll watch as they build the confidence to develop healthy relationships and succeed at home and at school!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Some signs that therapy might help your teen include persistent difficulty with focus or organization, frequent emotional outbursts or meltdowns, withdrawal from friends or activities they used to enjoy, ongoing worry or perfectionism that interferes with daily life, or struggles at school that don't seem to improve with typical support. If you're noticing these patterns and feeling unsure what to do, reaching out for a consultation is a great first step.
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Many teens are hesitant at first and that's completely normal. I don't push teens to be somewhere they're not ready to be yet. I let trust build naturally over time. The goal is always to create a space where your teen feels safe enough to be honest, even if that takes a while. Some teens open up quickly, others take more time, and both are completely okay. There's no pressure to share before they're ready.
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Sessions are primarily with your teen so they have a space that feels private and their own, which is important for building trust. That said, I'm happy to check in with parents periodically to share general progress and coordinate support strategies at home. Your teen's privacy is always respected.
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Yes, these are my primary specialties. I hold an ADHD-CCSP certification and have completed extensive training in OCD and ERP therapy. Whether your teen is struggling with focus and executive functioning, intrusive thoughts and compulsions, or anxiety and worry, I have specific training to help.
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I typically work with teens ages 13 and up. If you're unsure whether your child is a good fit, feel free to reach out and we can talk through it on a free consultation call.