Teen Issues

From the moment I got into this field I knew I wanted to work with adolescents as they bring a unique energy and perspective to the therapeutic process which I enjoy tremendously. Adolescents also have distinctive issues they need help with and after 26 years of working with this population, I feel I have a special skillset to help them work through those while feeling supported and encouraged.

I have 15 years of experience working with adolescents and find that I build rapport easily with this demographic

I address the various developmental, emotional, and social challenges faced by teenagers, as well as effective therapeutic approaches tailored to their needs. My therapeutic understanding encompasses topics like identity formation, peer relationships, and mental health issues common in adolescence. I can provide insights into evidence-based techniques, communication strategies, and ways to create a supportive therapeutic environment for teens.

Relationships Bullying Self-Esteem Trauma Anxiety Depression ADHD Developmental Concerns Peer Relationships

Relationships Bullying Self-Esteem Trauma Anxiety Depression ADHD Developmental Concerns Peer Relationships

Kristen works with adolescent and young adults on issues of peer pressure, identity, self image, self worth, transitions, and work/ school stressors.

I have worked with adolescents who are actively "at-risk" of eating disorders, suicide, alcohol and/or substance(s) usage, cutting, depression, anxiety, etc. I am open to discussing my layered approach to these issues. Mostly , it begins with CBT....

Young people idealize this period of adolescence time life in which they focus on the positive developments that occur during this period. Unfortunately, teens face significant issues that can throw them off-course. These issues include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and a variety of other significant challenges. Family background and family cultures can shape the ways in which teens face situations, but it’s almost impossible to protect a teen from risks to their well-being.

Relationships Bullying Self-Esteem Trauma Anxiety Depression ADHD Developmental Concerns Peer Relationships

Since I was a trainee in my Master's program in the 1990s, my heart has been working with adolescent girls (ages 13-19). During that time I have also raised two amazing daughters and still love this population!

Colleagues joke about me being able to "speak teen". We our work together discussing the parameters of their right to privacy and securing a trusting relationship. Adolescence is a complicated stage of life; teens begin to distinguish themselves and discover who they are and want to be. It's also a period of great uncertainty and turbulence, where teens are navigating increased responsibility & agency. I enjoy being here to support them through this challenging time.

My work has primarily focused on adolescents and helping them navigate changing relationships and dynamics as they transition towards adulthood. I take an approach that meets them where they're at and provides them a safe place to ask hard questions without fear of judgment or punishment.

This can be a challenging time for both the adolescent and the parent or guardian. I treat a very comprehensive scope of adolescent issues including but not limited to: adjustment disorders, challenges at school and academic performance, ADHD, depression, anxiety, self-harm, body image, PTSD, and all forms of abuse, and I also offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Specialize in treatment of issues related to children and adolescents and how to address their unique therapeutic needs.

Initiating therapy for your adolescent is the most incredible gift you could give them, even if they don't think so. Therapy gives your adolescent unwavering support as they navigate teen issues like anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, self harm, academic pressure, substance use, relationships, learning self-advocacy, and emotion regulation. I practice family systems therapy and incorporate parents, caregivers, and siblings into treatment to provide healing for the whole family.

Working with teens requires an eclectic set of skills. In my experience with teens, the recipe for successful therapy is a safe trusting relationship. To build that I combine a play therapy approach with Internal Family Systems and Somatic Therapy work. I provide many options to work through the discomfort some teens experience in the therapy process. Art, play, movement, and nature are some modalities which allow teenagers to more easily explore their experience.