Teen Issues

I've worked with teens my entire career, starting in the foster care system. Being a teenager is tough, and it's gotten tougher since I was one! Every teen deserves as a safe place to explore their beliefs, challenges, develop a healthy identity, and set big goals for the future.

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

I have worked with adolescents for the past 3 years, working on issues such as school and peer struggles, anxiety, depression, trauma, self esteem, and family conflicts.

Being a teen is HARD. Period. There are so many different issues that can pop up throughout these vital years and sometimes we just need to talk about it with someone, figure out what the next steps are, and start to move forward!

Navigating the teen years can feel like trekking through a maze with no map. As an adolescent, you might grapple with self-esteem issues, feel unheard, or struggle with fitting in. I'm here to tell you, it's okay, and you're not alone. Using my knowledge of narrative and cognitive-behavioral therapies, we'll explore these feelings together. We'll work on building your confidence, identifying your unique strengths, and creating coping strategies that help you conquer the challenges you're facing.

At Newport Academy, we believe that true transformation occurs as our teens learn to see themselves as beautiful, bright, and powerful people who can take control of their own lives. In order to help our patients achieve that goal, we maintain the highest possible standards for our services, and commission third-party evaluations of our programming. By consistently gathering and analyzing data related to our outcomes, we’re able to make more strategic and tailored decisions for our patients.

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

I have been working with teens for almost a decade working through depressive symptoms, anxiety, family dynamics and their relationship to queerness. Adolescents often tell me that I have a direct, warm and easy-going approach that allows them space to talk openly.

I have spent some time working in school settings and the dependency system helping adolescent navigate familial struggles as well as stage of life struggles. Some of these struggles include academic pressures and expectations that may be face at school. Being an adolescent can be difficult as others are navigating self identity while feeling pressured by others to meet certain standards.Together we can work on conflict resolution and self esteem to help adolescents find their identity.

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

Trapped in lives that we have not chosen and expected to abandon them for the uncertainty of the unknown. What could possibly go wrong?

I have formal training in Child Centered Play Therapy and Jungian Analytic Sand Tray Therapy. I also have experience in youth advocacy and adolescent counseling.

I have a specialty working with teens and pre-teens. I completed my graduate internship in Ballard High School's teen health center where I confirmed that I love working with this demographic. I am also a parent, and I don't take my role supporting your child lightly.

Depression, anxiety. LGBTQI+, non-binary, substance use

I have been working with adolescents since 2012. In The Child Mind Institute’s recent 2021 report: it was found that “55% of children felt more “sad, depressed or unhappy,” versus 25% of adults.” Additionally, “teens surveyed said that the pandemic had impacted their mental health in some way, with 37% saying it had made their mental health worse.” “But there is good news, too: 42% of teens overall say that the pandemic has increased the number of conversations they have around mental health.”

Growing up today is harder than at almost any other time in history. Teens are experiencing anxiety and depression in record numbers at a time when they have less resiliency than ever. Academic pressures, peer pressure, and FMO (fear of missing out) can be more than one can handle. Parent/teen relationships are often the toughest and yet most important to navigate. I can help teens who struggle with anxiety and depression to put things into perspective and learn coping skills to deal with life's pressures. I also work with parents in creating a healthy environment for and relationship with their teen. This age doesn't last forever--there can be light at the end of the tunnel!

It is hard to be a teenager today. I work with families and their teens to find ways for the teen to better cope with life stressors and pressure of today. I work with teens that have anxiety, depression, issues with peers and mood changes.

I've spent most of my career working with adolescents in a wide range of settings. My genuine caring and interest in the lives of my clients helps establish a trusting relationship where healing can take place.