Teen Issues

I thrive when working with adolescents and their support systems, valuing their openness and authenticity. Teens consistently teach me more than any other group, and I am in awe of their resilience in the face of growing challenges. Their struggles reflect broader societal issues, and if we truly listen, they hold the solutions.

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

At Newport Academy, we believe that true transformation occurs as our teens learn to see themselves as beautiful, bright, and powerful people who can take control of their own lives. In order to help our patients achieve that goal, we maintain the highest possible standards for our services, and commission third-party evaluations of our programming. By consistently gathering and analyzing data related to our outcomes, we’re able to make more strategic and tailored decisions for our patients.

I have been a school psychologist for nearly a decade, working with youth who present with significant social-emotional needs and varying diagnoses, such as: relational stress, family conflict, trauma, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism, and various anxiety, attachment, and mood disorders.

In teen therapy, I create a safe, non-judgmental space for teens to explore their feelings, challenges, and identities. I assist teens in dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, peer pressure, and self-esteem by promoting self-awareness and emotional resilience. I help teens understand their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and build stronger relationships. Together, we work towards creating a more balanced, confident, and empowered self.

I specialize in teen issues through focused training and practical experience working with adolescents. My expertise includes addressing common challenges such as identity formation, peer pressure, and emotional regulation. I use evidence-based approaches to help teens navigate these pivotal years, fostering resilience and positive development while providing a supportive, understanding environment.

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 want to explore the reasons why they do things that we often view as dangerous or irresponsible.

Adolescents face many challenges, as their bodies and minds transition into young adulthood. The pressures and challenges that today's teens face are complex, ever-present, and more intense than ever before. With social media now being an integral part of daily life, I work to support teens to identify and uphold healthy boundaries and realistic expectations as they navigate social pressures.

I have worked with adolescents who are actively "at-risk" of eating disorders, suicide, alcohol and/or substance(s) usage, cutting, depression, anxiety, etc. I am open to discussing my layered approach to these issues. Mostly , it begins with CBT....

I work with children of all ages with regards to various issues including but not limited to: ADHD, ADD, ODD, trauma, bullying, depression, low self esteem, feeling misunderstood, anger, defiance, impulse control, anxiety and temper tantrums.

At Newport Academy, we believe that true transformation occurs as our teens learn to see themselves as beautiful, bright, and powerful people who can take control of their own lives. In order to help our patients achieve that goal, we maintain the highest possible standards for our services, and commission third-party evaluations of our programming. By consistently gathering and analyzing data related to our outcomes, we’re able to make more strategic and tailored decisions for our patients.

Relationships Bullying Self-Esteem Trauma Anxiety Depression ADHD Developmental Concerns

I have worked with 5-year-olds to seniors in high school for most of my career. I do very well with kids, and they seem to be very comfortable and open with me. We discuss therapy goals with parents/guardians and get to work. But I promise you we have fun reaching the therapeutic goals!

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.

TF-CBT is the gold standard for treating children and adolescent who have PTSD due to physical abuse or neglect, sexual abuse, or other traumatic experiences. TF-CBT is for ages 4-17, but I have used it primarily with adolescents. Trauma aside, I also work well with adolescents and their families struggling with teen-specific mental health problems. I have a lot of experience working with LGBTQIA adolescent.

Adolescence is such a time of transition! For many, this transition results in anxiety, questioning of identity, and maybe a few mistakes. I have years of expertise helping teens to turn this time into an exciting exploration and expression of who they are becoming. Whether there have been concerns about drugs or alcohol use, sexual experimentation or pregnancy, or skipping school, I am confident that I can help both your teen, and yes, you, too, moms and dads!

Brain development, peer and relationship issues, sexuality, independence seeking and family conflict, impacts of social media, school, depression, lack of motivation, anxiety, achievement and perfectionism