Teen and Young Adult Therapy

Teenagers are often experiencing ups and downs.

Teen years are such a unique time in the lives of our children and can be so intense.

Emotions take over, more arguments, feeling disconnected as a family. Changes of relationships and friendships. Exploration of alcohol and/or substance use. Some teens engage in self-harming behaviors. Mood fluctuations. These are some of the challenges that may occur for some teens.

It will change again – it is only temporary. When both the teenager and the caregiver have another outlet – a place to explore some of what is happening and change what is not currently working – there is a sense of relief. And a newly found connection between parent and teen.

What is typical teen behavior?

I have noticed that it is helpful for parents to know what tends to be “typical” teen behavior and what is a bit more important to look at.

Maybe your teen has experienced self-harming or suicidal thoughts. That can be scary for parents and very confusing.

I will create a safety plan to include warning signs, provide interventions, and “red flags” around the thoughts and behaviors. I will create a safe space to talk abut the fears and concerns..

Safety is my priority. I can connect with adolescents and teens in a positive way and introduce coping skills to their lives. Self-image, confusion, trust issues and other challenges can be experienced during this time.

Teens and Young Adults keep it interesting.

The realness and extremes that are brought into the room are what I am passionate about and connect with. Teens feel heard by me. They know they have a safe environment to express some of the ‘icky’ stuff. And the joys.

I have found that providing a safe environment to explore emotions, thoughts and behaviors is helpful during this time of change.

At times, the next phase can feel tumultuous for some families. Early adulthood can also be overwhelming, exciting, confusing, or anxiety provoking. This is a unique transitional time in a young adults’ life. I am here to help. 

Parents can be unsure of how much support to provide their young adult child and might even question their parenting styles. This tends to be normal. I join the young person in their journey and explore their wants, desires, and barriers to the goals they want for themselves. 

They may need support in building life skills or a safe environment to explore their current behaviors or relationship patterns. This could be within a college setting, home environment, traveling, in a new relationship, or finding themselves in a “stuck” place. Maybe experimenting with drugs and alcohol or feeling lost in a toxic relationship. Others might find themselves exhausted in a new career or confused of what the next steps might be.

I am here to help untangle some of this and support the next steps. 

Call me today at (408) 785-2189 if you would like for your teen to explore some of their recent emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and look at what has been happening for them. They will have an opportunity to learn healthier ways to cope with life during this time.