The teenage years are confusing for families and often difficult for the teens going through adolescence. Teenagers are working hard to become independent, even though they still need support, which can feel confusing to them and to the people who love them. They are trying to figure out how to be an individual and at the same time where they fit in. Their brains and bodies are developing at uneven rates, and emotions run high. These are the years where parents worry about their kids being impacted by anxiety, depression, rebellion, peer issues, and substance use.
Teens like to feel respected and in control, and they value honesty and transparency from the adults in their lives. I work with teenagers in a way that helps them feel heard, appreciated, and safe to be themselves without judgment. I am very comfortable with sarcasm, eye rolls, and one-word answers.