Adolescence is a time of incredible change and maturation. It is also a delicate balance of challenge and promise. Psychotherapy for adolescent clients focuses on their ability to find a comfortable stance between their own independence and their ongoing reliance on the adults in their lives. Therapy also helps teens to explore different areas of their lives: sexuality, identity, relationships (to name a few), in a safe and validating environment.
Adolescents often feel overwhelmed in their day-to-day lives. They may not know how to create a balance between managing friends, parents, school and extracurriculars. Some adolescents struggle with depression and anxiety, may engage in risky behaviors and self-harm, might feel suicidal, have difficulties making and maintaining friendships, and question why things happen in their worlds. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore these areas and come to a better understanding as to how to navigate them.
Through the primary use of CBT and/or DBT, the therapist helps adolescent clients integrate healthier coping strategies into their lives, helping them to build a live that is meaningful, fulfilling and worth living.