Adolescent Counseling

Few things hurt like conflict and pain in our close relationships, especially those relationships with our children. I hope clients can see early in our sessions is that it can get better – that the arguing, the loneliness, the disappointment and the uncertainty can come to an end. I can help your teenager identify what behaviors and patterns are keeping them stuck and teach them how to shift into more productive, healing conversations and behaviors. I would be honored to help you and them walk from this difficult season towards that better day.

Adolescent Counseling Services

Services are available to help kids understand their emotional needs and struggles and to aid parents in supporting teens during the process. Symptoms that your teenager might be experiencing that counseling could address include:

  • Anger, arguing
  • Not listening, defiance
  • Anxiety
  • School avoidance
  • Academic problems
  • ADHD
  • Low self esteem
  • Lying, sneaking out
  • Depression
  • Self harm
  • Friendship/peer group issues
  • Using drugs or alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions about Adolescent Counseling

My teenager doesn't want to come to counseling. Can you help with that?

In my experience, about 1/2 of teenagers start counseling reluctantly.  Usually with a few sessions, most teenagers are more open and invested in the process, even it isn’t still not their favorite idea.  In the first sessions, we will work to form a relationship and find some common goals that they are invested in working on. Also I believe that, in many cases, everyone has a part to play in what’s not working so it won’t just be your teenager being asked to make changes –  but you as well.

Will you do sessions with my child alone?

Yes, when they are comfortable, we will usually have some individual sessions. However, parents and families are heavily involved throughout treatment.

Will you tell me what my teenager says?

As a parent, you have rights to access your minor’s medical records. I usually ask parents to agree to the boundary that parents will be informed of goals and treatment progress but the specific content of an individual teenager’s session will be kept private.  The exception is if I learn about any risky or unsafe behavior, then we will address that as a family.