Therapy for Teens &
College-Age Youth

relational therapy for teens adolescents

Relational Therapy for Teenagers: Middle School & High School

Adolescence is often a time of intense upheaval and transition, that starts with our pre-teen years and often lasts beyond college and entering the “real world.” Balancing the range of physical, emotional, and developmental shifts is a constant uphill battle.  Adolescents can feel pulled in what feels like a thousand different directions by the conflicting messages, ideals and desires of the adults and peers in their lives.  Longing to be accepted; struggling to make sense of their own rapidly shifting emotions and experiences; and seeking to forge their own values and identity; many adolescents end up feeling isolated or turn to risk-taking behaviors.


In therapy, I provide teenagers with a safe and non-judgmental space to reflect on who they have been and discover who they are becoming.  As a neutral and caring adult, I help adolescents explore and understand the conflicting feelings and desires going on in their heads, helping them develop their own ideas, values, and thinking through the consequences of their actions. I relate directly and candidly with them, showing care and expressing concern around actions or behaviors when appropriate.

Common struggles in adolescence include:

  • Social pressures and anxiety

  • Self-esteem

  • Sexuality/Relationships

  • Shifting identity concerns

  • Alcohol and drug use

  • Conflict with parents

Common signs your teenager may benefit from therapy

  • Dramatic shifts in identity, interest or mood

  • Social Withdrawal/Isolation

  • Risk-taking behaviors

  • Self-harm

  • Depression, anger and/or irritable mood

  • Disordered eating or body-image distortion

Therapy For The College Years

While college isn’t for everyone, teenagers differ in their responses to going away to college – some present as excited and ready while others present as anxious, timid, withdrawn, or indifferent. If college is in their future, all teenagers must face the inevitable ups and downs associated with this huge change, whether they are staying close to home or going to a college far away.

Over the years, in my work with young adults who are either making the transition into college or out into the “real world,” I have come to see that these populations are often drastically underserved during one of the most vulnerable, dynamic times in their lives.  Providing therapy, coaching, and mentorship to these young adults helps them increase self-awareness, identify blind spots, practice communication and conflict resolution skills, negotiate external pressures, and ultimately trust themselves while staying connected to peers, and navigate all of life’s decisions, big and small.

Common struggles that young adults in college face include:

  • Stress associated with a heavy academic load

  • Feeling homesick

  • Social pressures and the anxiety associated with them

  • Living in close quarters with others

  • Eating disorders and body image dysmorphia

  • Individuation from parents

  • Sexual Experimentation; Sexual Pressure

Common struggles for those entering, exiting, or in college include:

  • Career confusion

  • Financial Insecurity

  • Loneliness and isolation

  • Unemployment

  • Menial work

I’m passionate about supporting and mentoring the next generation of youth to be the most authentic, full, and true versions of themselves. The period from adolescence to adulthood is a pivotal and dynamic time of growth and change. When young adults are supported to explore who they are and what truly lights them up, they are set on a path of lifelong fulfillment and happiness.