Counseling for Teens in San Diego

Teenagers often come to therapy for many of the same reasons adults do: Processing grief and loss, relationship and family conflict, self-esteem, coping with anxiety and depression, and dealing with issues of identity.

Counseling adolescents and teenagers is a challenge I enjoy. At times, I see teens when they have been diagnosed with mental illnesses such as psychosis, mood disorders, anxiety and depression, and borderline personality disorder. Sometimes they are referred to me following psychiatric hospitalization. It is gratifying to me to get to know teenagers, to serve as a support and resource for them, and to see them progress in life.

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I
am, then I can change.
― Carl Rogers

In therapy with teens, I focus on developing a helping relationship of trust. From that context, I help teenagers to understand the basics about their particular condition including:

• The importance of having a well-rounded, balanced life
• Why it is important to maintain a medication regime (when prescribed by a physician)
• How to cope with mental health issues while dealing with the myriad of changes and stresses which go along with normal teenage development

I work to emphasize each individual’s strengths and offer strategies to focus on self-esteem and social relationships. Depending on my assessment, I may recommend family treatment as a part of the process.

Supportive therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Family Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, are some of the methods used in the treatment of adolescents and teenagers in my practice.

Contact me for more info on counseling for teens in San Diego »