Psychotherapy with Adolescents

The pressures on teenagers in our society can be enormous. They want independence from their parents, but depend on friends who suffer from the same lack of experience as they do. At the same time, they are ruled by hormones, impulses and overwhelming emotions. This can lead to anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, rebellious behavior, depression, drug use and a host of other dangerous behaviors that are a misguided attempt to cope with what feels overwhelming and confusing in their lives.

As a therapist, I serve the role of a wise, understanding, non-judgmental adult who can listen and guide. I can help your adolescent understand themselves better, make connections between their emotions and their actions, feel supported and understood, develop effective life and social skills, and learn to make decisions that are safe, positive and true to who they are.

I work with adolescents who are struggling with a variety of issues: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, underachievement and academic difficulties, ADD, substance abuse, acting out behaviors, social anxiety, and family conflict. I have a very down to earth, engaging, non- confrontive style and am able to build strong connections with resistant, angry and shut down teens.

Collaboration With Parents

It is important for adolescents to find healthy ways to separate and become more independent. My involvement with parents of adolescents varies depending on the needs of the adolescent and family. I value parental input and share parental feedback and concerns with the adolescent. I offer parents general feedback about the themes I am working on with their teen in therapy. Family or joint sessions are recommended as needed around specific topics.

Adolescent Therapist Katonah

My practice is located in  Katonah, Westchester County and midtown Manhattan. I provide adult psychotherapy, child psychotherapy, and adolescent psychotherapy as well as parent coaching and parent counseling.  I have a holistic approach using variety of mind-body techniques including EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy as treatment methods for trauma.