Teen Issues

I have worked at multiple government agencies with at-risk teens and their families. I can help address behavioral issues as well as increase connection between teens and their parents. Some examples of issues include academic challenges, disrespect, lying, promiscuity, getting in trouble with the law, and lack of social navigation skills.

I specialize in working with teens/emerging adults. The transition into adulthood can be challenging and filled with stress. I work teenagers and emerging adults to process this transition, develop coping methods, and challenge the unique stressors during this life period.

Since I was a trainee in my Master's program in the 1990s, my heart has been working with adolescent girls (ages 13-19). During that time I have also raised two amazing daughters and still love this population!

As a therapist specializing in teen issues, I bring deep expertise in understanding the unique challenges today’s adolescents face. I support teens through anxiety, depression, trauma, and family conflicts, offering insights into the pressures of modern society. My approach creates a safe space for self-discovery and empowerment, helping teens navigate identity struggles and societal expectations while building resilience and confidence for their future.

You’re a teenager trying to figure out who you are in this chaotic world. Maybe you’re the “caretaker” – always looking out for everyone else, but not being seen. Maybe you’re the “outsider” – often feeling different and struggling to find a place where you can be your true self. Maybe you’re a dreamer, uncertain, quiet, or loud – whoever you are, whoever you will become – I’m here to support you on your journey of self-discovery.

Specialize in treatment of issues related to children and adolescents and how to address their unique therapeutic needs.

I have 11 years working with teens and their families, and find passion working with this group of individuals. Helping teens improve self-awareness and self worth is a large goal of mine in the therapy space. Sometimes teens just need a safe space to feel heard, other times we are addressing bigger challenges, either way, I am to help them feel safe, while also making sure parents are included (as appropriate) and are provided with tools as well.

This can be a challenging time for both the adolescent and the parent or guardian. I treat a very comprehensive scope of adolescent issues including but not limited to: adjustment disorders, challenges at school and academic performance, ADHD, depression, anxiety, self-harm, body image, PTSD, and all forms of abuse, and I also offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

At Newport Academy, we believe that true transformation occurs as our teens learn to see themselves as beautiful, bright, and powerful people who can take control of their own lives. In order to help our patients achieve that goal, we maintain the highest possible standards for our services, and commission third-party evaluations of our programming. By consistently gathering and analyzing data related to our outcomes, we’re able to make more strategic and tailored decisions for our patients.

The intensity of navigating life during the teen & young adult years can overwhelm a highly sensitive young person's ability to manage and cope. Mood support and learning effective stress coping skills and positive life-management techniques can make an incredibly stressful time period much easier and for a young person.

While I work with adults, I also work with children from ages 9 and older.

Relationships Bullying Self-Esteem Trauma Anxiety Depression ADHD Developmental Concerns Peer Relationships

I've always loved helping adolescents through a stage of life that can be overwhelming, exciting, terrifying, and formative all at the same time. That love fueled my decade as a high school and middle school educator, and continues to inform my therapeutic interests, framework, and practice. My background in gender- and sexuality-affirming educational and therapeutic work is also often useful in helping adolescents through challenging development stages.

I have worked with 5-year-olds to seniors in high school for most of my career. I do very well with kids, and they seem to be very comfortable and open with me. We discuss therapy goals with parents/guardians and get to work. But I promise you we have fun reaching the therapeutic goals!

Adolescents work through the many challenges (self-esteem issues, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, identity issues, substance abuse, peer/family conflict, self-harm, etc.) they face in that stage of life, with my experience as a middle school counselor, I have a specific set of tools to support and foster growth in children/teenagers.

Being a teen is HARD. Period. There are so many different issues that can pop up throughout these vital years and sometimes we just need to talk about it with someone, figure out what the next steps are, and start to move forward!

I enjoy working with adolescents and their families. I believe family therapy is very powerful and can lead to significant understanding and change. I have worked with adolescents during my entire career and believe I am able to build rapport easily and support them with their goals for growth.

In grad school, I first provided therapy for teen boys in a rehab facility. Ostensibly, the issue I was meant to treat was addiction. While that was a priority, treatment grew to include a myriad of underlying issues: ADHD, depression, and grief among others. Some clinicians avoid teens. The work can be challenging & slow. Even with the support of parents, it can be difficult to uncover the wounds of teen boys & girls. I was grateful to learn that I had a talent for it. Today it is a specialty.

Teens today struggle with confidence and the pressures of success in school, sports, and home to balancing social media, technology and life. They are surrounded by a world sending them confusing messages causing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress and more. Sessions with preteens and teens are fun, interactive, and challenging to help them discover who they are and who they want to become.