SUPPORTING TEENS THROUGH LIFE'S CHALLENGES
""I feel like no one understands what I'm going through. The pressure is overwhelming, and I just don’t know how to handle it all anymore."
Being a teenager can be tough. With all the changes, pressures, and expectations, it’s no wonder that many teens struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity issues, family or social issues, academic stress and even performance anxiety, especially among athletes. At our practice, we understand the unique challenges that teens face and offer specialized therapy to help them navigate this critical time in their lives.​
TEENAGE DEPRESSION
Depression in teens can often go unnoticed, as it’s sometimes mistaken for typical teenage moodiness. However, depression is a serious condition that can significantly impact a teen’s quality of life. Our therapists are experienced in working with teens to identify signs of depression and create personalized treatment plans to help them regain a sense of hope and purpose.
Common Symptoms of Teenage Depression:
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Persistent sadness or hopelessness
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Loss of interest in activities
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Difficulty concentrating
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Changes in sleep or appetite
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Fatigue or low energy
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Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
TEENAGE ANXIETY
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues affecting teens today. Whether it’s social anxiety, generalized anxiety, or panic attacks, these feelings can be overwhelming and isolating. Our therapy sessions focus on helping teens identify the root causes of their anxiety and develop effective coping strategies. We provide a safe, supportive space where they can express their feelings and learn to manage their anxiety in a healthy way.
Common Symptoms of Teenage Anxiety:
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Excessive worry or fear
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Avoidance of social situations
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Panic attacks
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Restlessness or irritability
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Difficulty concentrating
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Sleep disturbances
TEENAGE TRAUMA
Traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact on a teen’s mental and emotional well-being. Whether the trauma is recent or occurred in early childhood, it can manifest in various ways, including flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional numbness. We offer trauma-focused therapy to help teens process their experiences, heal, and build resilience.
Common Symptoms of Teenage Trauma:
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Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
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Emotional numbness or detachment
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Sleep disturbances or nightmares
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Difficulty trusting others
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Self-destructive behavior
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Hypervigilance or constant fear
TEENAGE IDENTITY ISSUES
The teenage years are a time of self-discovery, but for many, this process can be confusing and overwhelming. Struggles with self-esteem, body image, and exploring sexual orientation or gender identity can lead to significant distress. Our therapists provide a supportive environment where teens can explore and understand their identity, helping them build confidence and a positive sense of self.
Common Symptoms of Teenage Identity Issues:
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Confusion about sexual orientation or gender identity
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Low self-esteem or negative body image
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Fear of being judged or rejected
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Difficulty expressing personal identity
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Social withdrawal or isolation
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Increased anxiety or depression related to identity
TEENAGE FAMILY OR SOCIAL ISSUES
Family dynamics and social relationships play a crucial role in a teen’s life. Conflicts with parents, siblings, or peers can create stress and tension, leading to emotional and behavioral issues. We offer therapy to help teens navigate these relationships, improve communication, and develop healthy, supportive connections.
Common Symptoms of Family or Social Issues:
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Frequent arguments with family members
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Feelings of isolation or rejection by peers
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Difficulty making or keeping friends
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Bullying or being bullied
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Struggles with family transitions like divorce
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Behavioral issues stemming from family conflict
TEENAGE ACADEMIC STRESS
The pressure to perform well in school can be overwhelming for many teens. Whether it’s the fear of failure, perfectionism, or the sheer volume of schoolwork, academic stress can take a toll on a teen’s mental health. Our therapy sessions focus on helping teens manage this stress, develop effective study habits, and build resilience to cope with academic challenges.
Common Symptoms of Teenage Academic Stress:
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Anxiety or panic before tests or exams
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Difficulty focusing on or completing schoolwork
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Perfectionism and fear of failure
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Procrastination or avoidance of school-related tasks
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Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches
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Decreased academic performance
PERFORMANCE ANXIETY FOR TEEN ATHLETES
For teen athletes, the pressure to perform can lead to intense performance anxiety. This anxiety can affect not only their athletic performance but also their overall well-being. We specialize in helping teen athletes manage performance anxiety, building their mental toughness and confidence both on and off the field. Our approach includes techniques like mindfulness, relaxation, and soon, brainspotting, to help athletes overcome anxiety and perform at their best.
Common Symptoms of Family or Social Issues:
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Nervousness or tension before competitions
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Fear of failure or letting others down
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Difficulty focusing during performance
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Physical symptoms like sweating or rapid heartbeat
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Negative self-talk or self-doubt
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Avoidance of practice or competition