Teen Issues

Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depressive disorders, anger management, emotion regulation, break-up issues, grief/loss, LGBTQ-related issues.

I have had over 11 years of experience in various roles working with adolescents. During the course of my experience I have aided many pre-teens, teens, and college aged people with various struggles such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal thoughts / acts, family conflict, abuse, eating disorders, identity formation, sexual identity formation, school stress, violent outbursts, and many more. I have also engaged in trainings and workshops surrounding these struggles for adolescents.

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.

I have extensive experience working with adolescents from variety of backgrounds. I am able to build unique connections with adolescents that enhance their therapeutic experience. I have ongoing experience working with teens who have experienced chronic or acute trauma, attachment difficulties due to early childhood trauma, those who have struggled with anxiety and depression, teens who are or have been in the foster care system, and those who have difficulties with social skills.

Your teen isn't always going to feel comfortable approaching you with hard topics. A lot of my clients discuss their discovery of sex or drugs with me whenever rapport is built, and I always want to foster open communication and trust regarding those topics. I always tell my clients that I wasn't their age too long ago and how

I help teens and young adults break free of feeling like they just cannot get anything right. I support clients to get out of their heads and unstuck from patterns of rumination, worry, and shame. I support clients to move out of self-limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns to allow for more flexibility, creativity, and joy to enter their lives.

Teens currently have a unique combination of social/emotional/academic stressors, issues related to technology and social media, and a lack of typical development due to the pandemic. This has resulted in a tremendous uptick in teens accessing mental health services, often due to stated anxiety and stress and often including issues of depression and/or safety. Our clinicians are well-versed in these issues and strive to support teens while maintaining a balance with parental involvement.

Obviously you know your children better than anyone. There is not a counselor you’ll encounter who could reasonably claim otherwise. What I can offer, though, is a professional setting where I am neither a family member or a peer. At a time in your child’s life when it seems like they might be looking to their friend group instead of to you, it makes sense that you have concerns about what goes on in that friend group away from your supervision. I am the third option.

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

Adolescents is a unique time in a girls life that can bring forth an array of emotions, experiences, doubts, relationships issues and even traumas. I love working with adolescent girls to develop a relationship with their inner knowing, confidence, and self-love to navigate their experiences and emotions in more helpful way.

Things maybe difficult at home or school. You may feel feel frustrated or agitated and not know why. You maybe struggling with anxiety and self esteem. Wondering what others think of you. Maybe you're not quite sure what you want to do when you leave school however feel so much pressure to get it right. I know counseling maybe scary or you may not feel like it will help. I totally get that. But if you would like to see what it could be like, please reach out.

The stage of adolescence is more challenging than ever, from social media to academic competition to changes in society. It makes sense to get help from a therapist when your tween or teen is in crisis. I work from the approach that teens and families are affected by typical developmental stages in life and when given the tools and knowledge to understand one another, can experience a deeper sense of connection and enjoyment. When someone within the family is hurting, everyone hurts.

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

Building a trusting and empathetic relationship with the teenager is crucial for effective therapy, as it allows for open communication and collaboration in addressing their unique challenges and concerns.Tailoring therapeutic techniques to the developmental stage and individual needs of the teenager is key, as adolescents often require a combination of cognitive-behavioral, family-oriented, and supportive approaches to promote their mental and emotional well-being.

Peer relationships, family dynamics, socialization, neurodivergence, executive functioning, body image, depression, anxiety, ADHD, gender identity, social and medical transition.

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

I’ve been working with adolescents since the start of my career. My experience in homes, courts, schools, and private practice has supported me in my work with adolescents. I enjoy working them and easily make therapeutic relationships with them . I have a great understanding of their perspectives.

I enjoy working with adolescents and their families. I believe family therapy is very powerful and can lead to significant understanding and change. I have worked with adolescents during my entire career and believe I am able to build rapport easily and support them with their goals for growth.