For much of my career I have focused on providing therapy to adolescent girls in group, individual and family settings. I have a special commitment to working with girls and supporting their self esteem and ultimate success. During my own adolescence, I made a commitment to myself to one day provide REAL, useful therapy to girls, and have done so through the course of my career.
My approach to treating adolescents is big picture. This means treatment will include family and school interventions.
I know many teens can be reluctant to come to therapy: I use my sense of humor, fun, creative style, and down to earth approach to engage teens. I am knowledgeable about the unique developmental challenges girls are facing today. My skills include addressing self injuring behaviors, suicidal ideation, sexual trauma, mood disturbances, relationship issues, academic struggles, sexuality, and anger management. I focus on helping teens to identify and use their strengths to become successful.
I understand that texting, instagram-ing, twitter-ing and facebooking can also create questions about healthy boundaries and will work with you and your child to address these concerns. I will assist your daughter with developing healthier coping skills, improving self esteem, making safer decisions, and will practice skills with her to improve her communication with you.
While many teens feel more comfortable talking with a “non family member,” my ultimate goal is to help you and your daughter to communicate more openly and more frequently. One of the ways I do this, is through “parent coaching sessions” in which we will discuss your concerns and develop appropriate home interventions-for you to support your daughter at home. Dealing with the challenges of adolescence can be stressful for parents, and I am here to help you through this.
Family sessions are also a key component of treatment. By meeting with you and your daughter together, I can help you to come up with easier, more effective ways of communicating and helping your daughter to be healthy.
In addition, I provide school based services and consultation when appropriate (fee to be discussed).