Parents, are you worried about your teenager? Maybe part of you wonders if what you’re seeing is just “normal teenage stuff”—the moodiness, withdrawal, anxiety, irritability, or changes in behavior. But another part of you feels something seems different. You may find yourself wondering what to do, how much to step in, or how to help without making things worse. Even if it might be, “just a phase,” it’s becoming too much stress for your teen—and for your family—to keep going the way things have been.
I’m an experienced, licensed psychotherapist who has been in full-time private practice since 2008, working with teens, young adults, adults, and families. Together, we can work to understand what’s going on and find practical solutions that fit your teen and your family. Most importantly, therapy provides your teenager with a safe, supportive, judgment-free place where they can be heard and begin working toward feeling better.
Common reasons parents bring their teen to me for counseling:
- Anxiety or depression – not seeming as happy as they used to be
- Major life transitions – such as going from middle school to high school, high school to college, adjusting to divorce or remarriage, death of a family member, or moving.
- Grief and loss – death of a loved person or pet
- Withdrawal from family and friends – spending more time in their room, not talking about things with you anymore
- Significant changes in weight, appetite, energy level and/or sleep habits
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Change in peer group that then has you as the parent(s)/ guardian(s) concerned
- HSPs (Highly Sensitive Persons) who may benefit from help and guidance around navigating these aspects of self
- Sudden decline in grades or school performance or change in their interest, focus, or motivation level for these areas
- Disrespect and/or rule breaking at home or school – getting in trouble more, seemingly impossible to communicate with or get them to do follow through on things
If you would like to talk about your situation and whether therapy is right for your teenager or family, Please Reach Out Today.
Online Resources
- https://grownandflown.com/ – a helpful website for parents, with blog entries about high school and college.
- calyouth.org – the California coalition for youth provides a 24 hour toll free number for teens in crisis or their parents who need crisis support for their teen.
- www.nimh.nih.gov – this website has links for more information including teenage depression, substance use, and eating disorders
- www.nami.org – specific mental health concerns (e.g., Depression, Bipolar Disorder)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – this article explains Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which I also draw from in my work with clients
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