Starting conversations about mental health with your teen can feel challenging. Begin by choosing a calm, private moment when you're both relaxed - maybe during a car ride or casual walk. Express your care and concern without judgment, using "I" statements like "I've noticed" or "I'm wondering if." If your teen seems to be struggling, share that many adolescents face similar challenges and that seeking support through therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. Listen more than you speak, validate their feelings, and avoid rushing to solve their problems. If they're open to seeing a therapist, involve them in the process of choosing one. Remember that starting these conversations shows your teen that it's okay to talk about mental health and ask for help when needed.

Anxiety becomes a disorder when it significantly disrupts your daily life, persisting for 6+ months and causing intense distress that's disproportionate to situations. While everyday anxiety is normal and temporary, an anxiety disorder interferes with school, work, or relationships and often includes physical symptoms like sleep issues or headaches.

Anxiety treatment focuses on helping you understand your anxiety triggers and developing practical tools to manage them effectively.

In our sessions, your teenager will learn specific skills to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and create healthy coping habits that work in real life. Most clients start feeling more in control within a few sessions, though everyone's journey is unique.

Parent involvement in therapy varies based on your teenager's age and individual needs. For younger teens (13-14), parents are typically more involved with regular check-ins, while older teens have more autonomy in deciding parental participation.

Therapy will mostly be one-on-one to build trust and create a safe space for open discussion. However, family sessions can be arranged when beneficial for your teen's progress. Your teen will always be part of the conversation about when and how to include parents. For safety reasons, parents must be informed of certain situations, which will be clearly explained to both you and your teen from the start.

While each teen's needs are unique, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches for adolescents. CBT helps teens understand how their thoughts affect their feelings and behaviors, teaching practical skills they can use in real-life situations.

I combine CBT with HeartMath techniques to help teens manage stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions. This approach helps your teen learn to identify unhelpful thought patterns, develop better coping strategies, and build confidence in handling challenges. Our work together is always tailored to your teen's specific needs and goals, incorporating techniques that resonate with them and fit their lifestyle.

Consider seeking support from a psychologist if your teen shows persistent changes in behavior, mood, or daily functioning.

Key signs include: increased irritability or restlessness, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, becoming frequently anxious about school or social situations, difficulty meeting expectations, or a decreased ability to handle daily stress. While occasional ups and downs are normal during adolescence, if these changes last more than a few weeks and interfere with your teen's daily life, talking with a psychologist can help.

Early support often prevents challenges from becoming more serious and gives your teen tools to navigate this important developmental stage. If you're unsure, a free consultation can help determine if therapy would be beneficial for your teen.