Therapy for Teens
Therapy for Teens in Westchester, NY
I provide support for adolescents ages 14 and up. Being a teenager is one of the most challenging times in our life span. Emotional and physical changes are constant, friendships often change and conflicts emerge with your parents and siblings. I help teens who are struggling with:
generalized anxiety disorder
social anxiety disorder
panic attacks
fear of vomiting
depression
low self-esteem
perfectionistic thinking patterns
frequent conflicts with parents
social isolation
These are common challenges that teens face. If you have supportive friends or family, that’s really great, but it isn’t the same as getting help from a licensed professional.
Having a trusted adult outside of your family may feel more comfortable to talk with about these issues. I am here to help you figure out ways to have rewarding experiences during these years while you figure out who you are and who you want to become. Our Westchester therapy sessions are confidential and we engage your family members as needed when you are ready to bring them into your world.
My approach to teen therapy
I believe that everyone has the ability to heal and grow. We all experience challenges and conflicts at some point in our lives--this does not mean you are a bad person. It just means you are human!
However, it can be hard to get unstuck by yourself. That’s where I come in. I can support you as you navigate through all of the change that comes along with being a teenager. Because I work specifically with teens, I have a great understanding of not only what you may be going through, but also what types of therapy will help you overcome the mental health challenges that come with being a teenager.
I recognize that it can be overwhelming, anxiety-provoking, and downright scary to talk with someone new about the challenges in your life--especially if this is your first time in therapy. Many of my clients find that my warm, interactive style helps them feel at ease.
You may have seen television shows or movies that depict a therapist sitting silently while the client lays down on a couch and talks. That might be how some therapists work, but not me! I’ll keep the conversation going. I ask questions, give feedback, and help you consider new ways of thinking. Therapy with me is very collaborative – I make sure that you are as much a part of the therapeutic process as I am. We work together to help you reach your mental health goals.
Our therapy sessions are a safe place where you can share whatever you think or feel without fear of judgement. During our time together, you can just be yourself--even if you’re not exactly sure what that means for you as you explore your identity. It’s okay to come into therapy not knowing what to talk about. You don’t need to have anything planned ahead of time. If you show up with your true self and are open to a new perspective, you’re doing the work. Because there is no “right” way to go to therapy, you don’t need to worry about doing “well.” Just be yourself and let me get to know you.
We can use our sessions to talk about whatever you’d like. We’ll also work together to set goals, whether that’s managing your anxiety and depression or building stronger relationships with the people in your life.
It’s also okay if you’re not entirely sure what you want to work on together. Sometimes things just feel difficult and overwhelming. I’m here to help you make sense of it all and support you no matter what you’re going through.
FAQs about therapy for teens
I’ve never been to therapy before. What should I expect?
It is understandable that you would like to feel prepared about what to expect from therapy.
Any new experience can be anxiety-provoking, especially something as vulnerable as therapy.
With that being said, it’s difficult to say exactly what your experience will look like. Treatment is tailored to fit your unique situation, so it can look different from person to person.
Generally speaking, the first session (or first few sessions) are spent building our therapeutic relationship. I will ask questions to learn more about you and you can get a sense of whether or not we are a good fit for each other.
From here, we will set goals and figure out how to work toward them. Our time together will be spent on things like processing stressful events in your life, learning coping skills, and exploring new ways of thinking about situations.
How long does therapy take?
The short answer? It depends.
Sometimes people feel better after a handful of sessions, and other people work with a therapist long-term, for months or even years. Most people fall somewhere in between.
There are many factors that can affect how long your treatment will be. It’s important to keep an open mind about the process and work with your therapist to make a plan that works for you.
Do I need a diagnosis to attend therapy?
No, you don’t need to have a formal diagnosis to attend therapy. Everyone has mental health challenges. Sometimes the stress and overwhelm you feel are more intense at times than others. When things get too intense, that’s when it’s time to come to therapy. If you’re feeling depressed or anxious but don’t have a depression or anxiety diagnosis, that’s perfectly okay. Sometimes people go through depressive phases or experience high anxiety related to a specific time in their lives. Other times we might uncover in therapy that you do have a diagnosis, and that’s okay too. It doesn’t matter whether you have a diagnosis or what it is. What matters is that you’re ready to get help for your mental health challenges, and that’s a big and important step to be able to take.
Will you tell my parents what we talk about in therapy?
There are two reasons I will talk to your parents about what we discuss in therapy: if you want me to, or if you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else. If it’s the second one, I’m obligated to tell them and report it so that nothing happens to you. But if you decide you want to include your parents and/or other family members in our conversations, we can absolutely do that. That option is entirely up to you. The most important part is that you feel comfortable talking to me about everything that is going on. Therefore, I won’t breach your trust and tell your parents what we talked unless it’s for the two reasons I mentioned.
How often do I need to attend therapy?
As often as you need. I recommend that we start with weekly sessions. Sometimes people eventually meet with me every other week if they’re feeling like they need less support from me. We’ll work together to come up with what feels right for you.
