How Therapy with Teens Works

Initial sessions with your teen will focus on building rapport and trust, while also providing guidance to navigate current and acute problems. Sessions are held online via a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform allowing teens greater comfort and easier scheduling when allocating time in their week to meet.

I utilize MBCBT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) in most sessions with teens to help them learn to observe their thoughts and emotions non-judgmentally while also challenging and restructuring negative thought patterns. The mindfulness component helps teens cultivate present-moment awareness and acceptance, while cognitive-behavioral techniques focus on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
 
As treatment progresses, I will tailor my approach in order to better fit the changing therapeutic relationship, clarified goals, and diagnoses. Often taking a more active and directive approach is helpful for teens who are resistant to or ambivalent about treatment. Conversely, becoming more passive and reflective is effective for teens ready to take control of their self-improvements.