Adolescents

The teenage years can be very stressful.  Teens experience a transition between wanting to be taken care of and wanting to do things on their own.  Teens are more likely to be influenced by peers and experiment new situations that may not always be safe.  Teens are also more inclined to keep things to themselves and depend more on their social circle of friends instead of going to their parents for help.  These changes in behaviors may be common; however parents’ chief concern is that their teen may end up on the wrong path.  Despite their search for independence, teens continue to require parents’ guidance and support.  But how do you do this when your teen does not want it?  It’s all about communication and finding ways to communicate specifically with your teen.
Adolescent therapy is important because it helps teens to express themselves in a safe place and to work with their parents to improve communication and trust.  Having a professional counselor, who is understanding, unbiased, and has the best interest at heart, can be crucial for teens.  

My years of experience working with principals, teachers, and counselors to provide therapy to teens in high schools and middle schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District has given me the valuable background in counseling teenagers.  I make great connections with teens by making them feel comfortable, supported, and heard.  Teens can benefit by learning to improve social skills, problem solving skills, and communication skills that are important for their transition to young adulthood.  I am both an advocate for teenagers as well as an advocate for parents, determined to find a way to bridge relationships in a healthy, positive way.

Some common issues teenagers face are:

-FAMILY DYNAMICS-   -ACADEMIC STRESS-   -FRIENDSHIP ISSUES-   -PEER PRESSURE-   -SEXUALITY-   -BODY IMAGE-  
-GENDER ISSUES-   -SELF ESTEEM-   -EATING DISORDERS-   -ANXIETY-   -DEPRESSION-   -BULLYING-   -TRAUMA-

If you or your teenager is dealing with these challenges, please contact me for a free phone consultation.  Inquiries usually receive a response within 24 hours.