I started out as a high school teacher, but soon realized that the struggles my students were facing with anxiety, depression and PTSD were preventing them from reaching their potential inside the classroom and out. So, I became a therapist. I specialize in working with adolescents ages 12-25, specifically those who struggle with perfectionism, body image, depression, suicidal ideation and trauma. So many young people feel trapped by the belief that their achievements define who they are and that if they make a mistake, then they are failure, which can manifest in a variety of unhealthy ways depending on the teen.
After spending time as a teacher and as a school-based therapist, I believe that it’s difficult for teens to learn if they don’t like or trust the adult in the room with them, which is why building a trusting relationship is my top priority. Therapy should adapt to a teen’s individual needs and I use an integrative approach with elements of DBT and specialize in EMDR.
Teenagers are capable, strong and resilient, but sometimes they lose their balance and need a place to find their footing again. I would love to work with your teen to provide the space to process their struggles, try new strategies, learn different ways of looking at a problem and ultimately gain insights that they can apply for years to come.