Working with and providing therapy for children, teenagers and Transition Age Youth (TAY) is a specialty of mine for several reasons. The first being entirely personal. As a teenager myself, if it wasn't for the support of a therapist, I am unsure what path I would have taken. Because I had the outlet of a therapeutic relationship which embodied guidance and compassion, I was able to endure and move through a lot of overwhelming situations. Some of these included a challenging home life, stressful school environment, sexual assault, and all of the somatic and emotional responses I developed as a result to such traumas.
To put is simply...being a teenager and a young adult is HARD! Especially when schools, adults, institutions and society as a whole expect so much from our young people, including to be at a developmental stage they just naturally are not at yet. Since kids are by no way immune to challenges that our society and existence presents to us, having emotional support at a young age is a fantastic way to make sure we are raising an emotionally healthy generation.
To put is simply...being a teenager and a young adult is HARD! Especially when schools, adults, institutions and society as a whole expect so much from our young people, including to be at a developmental stage they just naturally are not at yet. Since kids are by no way immune to challenges that our society and existence presents to us, having emotional support at a young age is a fantastic way to make sure we are raising an emotionally healthy generation.
Therapy can help teens and TAY work through the following challenges:
- The death or loss of a loved one, such as a friend, family member or a pet.
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Parental divorce or separation
- Neglect or emotional abuse
- The birth of a sibling
- Poverty or homelessness
- Natural disaster
- Racism & Discrimination
- Emergence of Identity (Sexuality, Gender)
- Domestic violence
- Moving to a new place or attending a new school
- Bullying (physically or emotionally)
- Taking on more responsibility than is age-appropriate
- Eating disorders
- Substance Use
- Behavioral challenges (ADHD)
My approach to working with children/teens and TAY doesn't stray far from how I work with adults; relational, somatic & client-centered. I believe it is incredibly important to empower youth and therefore treating them with unconditional positive regard is at the core of my position! The inclusion of art-therapy, however, arises more in my work with teens, as the inclusion of creative vitality and the playful nature of the inner-child is essential in developing a safe space and productive container. With a history in teaching art to high school students, as well as currently being a school therapist at Oakland School for the Arts, I have become aware for some time now how effective and transformation the arts have on our young folks.
