My Approach to Adolescent Psychotherapy/Counseling

My first task when working with an adolescent is to establish a meaningful connection. I want to learn what is important to them, how they view themselves, and how they want to be viewed (which may be quite different than how they feel others view them). I want your child to feel respected, safe, and understood. I also want them to develop an internal locus of control (to hold the belief that their actions make a difference in the outcomes in their life). Once I know what is important to your child, I am able to make my approach relevant and meaningful to them.

When working with your child, I acknowledge “uniqueness” in our sessions while also bringing in the “universal” human experience. In other words, we talk about the personal things that make their story unique, while also supporting their understanding of the nature of the human mind. I help teens build practical knowledge and skills by drawing on both wisdom, relatable anecdotes, and science. Some kids are interested in learning how their brain works and respond well to psychoeducation on the biological reasons for acting and reacting the way we do. Others may be more receptive to “wisdom” from a culturally relevant source. Through my years working in public schools, I have worked with a very diverse student population and have needed to continually learn and grow my repertoire to reach each individual I work with based on their interests, backgrounds, and beliefs. This is why my first step in working with your child is to learn what is important to them.

When setting goals, I encourage adolescents to open to new possibilities, and help to identify what is important to them to help guide decision-making. For many adolescents, this leads to the formation of new habits of thinking and acting that are healthier and aligned with their values. When working with your child, I do not tell them what they should do, but rather invite them to investigate together and make good decisions that will improve their lives. I do not intentionally establish myself as the “expert” and speak openly about the importance of everyone maintaining a “beginners mind” that is open and receptive. I value a therapeutic relationship based on mutual respect, and am transparent that “we are all working on this stuff” and that I continue to practice the things I share with them in counseling, and continue to make mistakes.