We all know being a teenager is difficult, but it’s hard to know when one needs extra support. 

If you're a parent of a teenager or young adult, you might be asking yourself these questions: Is their behavior developmentally normal, or should I be more concerned? Why won't my child tell me more about what's going on in their life? Why does parenting feel so difficult, and what exactly is my role here?

It's no secret that the adolescent and young adult years are full of transitions and intense emotions. Many parents feel confused about how to navigate this complex time. You probably want to support your child without controlling or enabling them. At the same time, you also want to be supportive and cultivate a sense of resilience and autonomy. However, it can all feel like you're walking a fine line, and things become even more complicated if your child is struggling with their mental health.

In my practice, I specialize in supporting teenagers and emerging adults experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship struggles, distress intolerance, grief, and more.

Improving Self-Esteem and Confidence

Self-esteem refers to how you value and perceive yourself. People with healthy self-esteem recognize their intrinsic value and generally feel assured in who they are. With that, they can generally accept both their strengths and weaknesses.

In therapy, we'll focus on building your child's self-esteem by:

• gaining insight into the barriers or experiences affecting their self-esteem

• challenging negative thoughts that may be affecting how they evaluate themselves (and others)

• developing new coping skills that focus on self-care and wellness

• practicing mindfulness techniques to support emotional regulation

• sharpening their intuition or 'gut instinct' to strengthen inner confidence

Transitioning to Adulthood

The bridge between the teenage years and adulthood can sometimes feel shaky and challenging to cross. There can be so many pivotal decisions to consider, including college choices, career paths, and deepening romantic relationships. These choices may feel just as exciting as they are overwhelming.

During this time, therapy may be helpful in:

• clarifying goals about what your child really wants for their future

• defining their personal identity, including their passions and values

• balancing the need for independence and the need for ongoing support

• coping with uncertainty or setbacks associated with such transitions

Managing Relationship Challenges

As social creatures, connection is integral to our well-being. Even though many young adults and teenagers desperately want to belong, they may not feel like they fit in well with their peer group. Or they might be struggling with the complex nuances of dating or romantic relationships. Any relationship problem can correspond with loneliness and isolation, posing unique challenges during your child's formative years.

In therapy, we work on improving interpersonal relationships by:

• strengthening connection with supportive friends and family members

• understanding and resolving family conflicts impacting the family unit

• improving communication skills if social interactions feel overwhelming or uncomfortable

• identifying and establishing healthy boundaries

• uncovering issues (trauma, unmet needs, depression) that may relate to social discomfort

• resolving intimacy issues affecting romantic relationships

• building a deeper understanding of how to prioritize relationships in everyday life

Having Support for Grief

Grief comes in many forms and can result in many emotional and physical difficulties. In addition to mourning the death of a loved one, younger people may be grieving identity changes, breakups, shifting friendships, and the loss of something valuable to them.

Coping with grief isn't about learning how to move on- instead, it's about learning how to move forward while honoring the memories, love, and meaning of what was lost. This means learning how to sit with emotions and aiming to practice self-compassion, even when life feels really hard. 

In my practice, trauma and grief therapy focus on:

• offering a safe space where all feelings are welcomed and witnessed

• learning new skills to cope with distressing emotions

• recognizing how unresolved trauma symptoms may exacerbate grief

• honoring one’s mental well-being and engaging in healthy self-care despite difficult circumstances

FAQ

How Do I Know if My Teen Is Just Going Through a Phase?

Ultimately, you know your child in a way nobody else does. However, even the most well-intentioned parents risk overlooking their teen's emotional challenges by dismissing beliefs like, Every kid gets depressed, or, Teens are just dramatic!

That said, many mental health concerns first emerge during adolescence. If something feels off, it may still be worth seeking support. Preventative care can be invaluable in treating depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and other symptoms that may be presenting themselves.

What Will You Help My Teenager With In Your Mental Health Services?

It truly depends on the therapy treatment goals that we establish when starting care. From the start, we'll unpack areas of stuckness or discomfort. Sessions then often focus on processing feelings, cultivating new coping strategies, decreasing negative thoughts, and improving your child's overall well-being.

Sometimes goals change over time, based on what's going on in your child's life. This is very common. If needed, we can pivot treatment to ensure that I'm tending to you and your child's needs.

What Actually Happens During Therapy Sessions with My Teenager?

At its heart, therapy for teenagers is a collaborative process. The first few sessions will focus on really getting to know one another to build a trusting relationship. My job is to provide a safe environment where your child feels comfortable expressing themselves. Some clients take longer to warm up than others, and this pace is always honored and respected.

You may be included directly within the treatment, depending on the specific circumstances and family dynamics. This is something we will discuss at the onset of therapy and throughout the therapeutic process. I will balance respecting your child's autonomy (which is so important for effective treatment) while also updating you as needed.

What Type of Mental Health Professionals Work Best for Teenagers?

Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors for treatment success. My job is to focus on building a meaningful relationship with your child. I completely understand the fear, hesitation, or anger they might have about coming to therapy. This is why I don't "rush" progress or expect immediate trust from the start.

I use an eclectic therapy approach, drawing upon techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and person-centered therapy. These modalities help clients gain insight into their feelings, and they also empower people to make necessary changes in life.

How Can I Best Support My Child If They're Receiving Mental Health Treatment?

Start by educating yourself about your child's presenting mental health issues. This helps you develop language and awareness about what they may be experiencing. At home, aim to create a supportive environment where your child can safely share their feelings. Remember that, while you can't necessarily "fix" someone else's problems, you can be supportive and encouraging. You can also model practicing good self-care yourself (including participating in your own individual therapy).

It may be helpful to collaborate with various care providers as needed. Be involved with your child's therapist, pediatrician, and teachers. If everyone is on the same page, treatment often feels smoother and can be more effective overall.

How Do You Help Young Adults In Therapy?

Many of my young adult clients feel a sense of stuckness in everyday life. They may be grappling with a difficult mental illness like depression or anxiety. They may also be struggling with unresolved trauma histories, complicated relationships, or undiagnosed eating disorders. Many feel confused about the changing family unit- on the one hand, some feel desperate to "grow up," whereas others feel terrified about the idea of gaining independence or leaving home.

As a therapist, I offer compassion and guidance geared toward helping young adults have more fulfilling lives. We'll structure treatment focused on your needs and desires, and my goal is to help you feel supported along the way.  

What If My Child Doesn't Have a Specific Mental Health Problem But Is Still Struggling?

Therapy can be helpful even if your child doesn't meet the criteria for specific mental health conditions. Life is full of many transitions and challenges that can leave us feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Therapy may help your child strengthen insight, identify key behavioral patterns, and develop adaptive problem-solving strategies. This can be so invaluable in setting them up for future success.

Therapy for Teens and Young Adults in New York and Connecticut

If you're a parent concerned about your teenager's well-being, you're not alone. The teen years can be confusing for everyone in the family unit. The right therapist, however, can be such an important ally in supporting your child and overall family. I hope to offer your child the support and guidance they need to best navigate this vulnerable time. 

If you're a young adult struggling to transition to adulthood, you're also not alone. Individual therapy helps clients deepen self-awareness and cultivate more self-acceptance and self-love. This time is all about you and your needs.

I recognize the courage it takes to reach out to a mental health professional. My hope is that therapy offers you or your child a sense of safety, empowerment, and momentum.

As an experienced therapist, I offer convenient online therapy for clients living in New York and Connecticut. My practice serves Greenwich, Stamford, Westport, Fairfield, and the surrounding local areas. I offer complimentary 15-minute consultation calls to ensure our fit.