Teens + Youth
Is your child struggling with school, peers, life transitions, social pressure, or issues of identity? My approach lies in emotionally-sensitive dialogue, therapeutic games, and situation-appropriate humor to dismantle those finicky, made-up beliefs about ourselves and our wretchedness. My intention is to create honest and fluid dialogue about all things including, but not limited to; learning disabilities, peer pressure, sexual/racial identity, college stress, or anything that might be a little too “taboo” to discuss with family or teachers. That’s where I come in. Our sessions should feel equally clinical as they do casual — meaning that your child should never feel judged or analyzed, but rather that they can safely vent to an adult who will offer tangible tools and coping mechanisms.
You can view my role as an empathic advocate. I’m here to provide safe, gentle, and mindful communication so that their brilliance unfolds all on its own. My framework is an eclectic blend of Integrative Psychotherapies (CBT, EMDR, DBT), Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Somatic Therapy — with a liberal use of mindfulness and body-based techniques. I’m a huge fan of teaching kids to repair their sense of self, while simultaneously giving them tools to ground, breathe, play, express, and explore.
Book a brief consultation to see if I would be a good fit, both clinically and personally.
A little bit about my background with youth…
I began tutoring kids anywhere from elementary school to university when I was barely starting college myself, lending it’s way to a 13-year career working in social-emotional-learning whilst accruing degrees in Psychology, Sociology, Studio Arts, and more recently in Los Angeles — a masters in Family Therapy and Art Therapy. I have worked in Starview Adolescent Center, Early Childhood Development Centers, Helen B. Landgarten Clinic for Children + Families, LA County School System, Central Juvenile Hall, and the Department of Child & Family Services. A mouthful… I know. Point being that I’ve had the honor of serving children, teens, and families for over a decade who come from all neurodivergent, racial, religious, sexual, and financial presentations. I myself have struggled with learning disabilities, identity, and the ever-known adolescent defiance against authority. I get it… I really do. And I’m here to help.