supporting teens 

The teenage years are full of big changes—emotionally, physically, socially, and mentally. It’s a time of figuring out who you are, how you relate to others, and how to make sense of the world around you. That process can be exciting, but also overwhelming, isolating, or confusing at times.

Therapy offers a supportive space for teens to talk about what’s going on, explore their inner world, and build tools to manage life’s challenges. For many teens, that space doesn’t have to look like a traditional therapy office. I offer walk-and-talk sessions outdoors, which can help some teens feel more relaxed and open. Walking side by side in nature can make conversations flow more naturally and ease the pressure that can come with face-to-face talking. The movement and fresh air can also support emotional regulation, focus, and grounding.

Whether we’re meeting via tele-health or outside, my approach is warm, collaborative, and attuned to the unique needs of teens. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start—we can work together to make therapy feel supportive, respectful, and even meaningful.

For parents or caregivers: I’m always happy to talk with you about how best to support your teen. While I maintain their privacy of what is shared in sessions, I value open communication and collaboration, especially when it comes to creating a safe, connected environment for growth.

Things we can talk about in therapy:

  • Big life changes—like shifting schools, friendships, or family dynamics

  • Feeling anxious, down, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself

  • Thoughts of self-harm, numbness, or wondering if things will ever feel okay

  • Anger that builds up or explodes in ways that don’t feel like you

  • Navigating friendships, boundaries, and how to connect with others

  • Learning how to express yourself and feel heard

  • Understanding and managing strong emotions + body signals

  • Exploring identity, including gender, sexuality, and self-expression

  • Getting clearer on what makes you unique—your strengths, sensitivities, and values

Whatever you're carrying, you don’t have to go through it alone. Therapy is a place where you get to be real, take up space, and work through things at your own pace—with someone on your side.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Only what you want them to know! In Washington state, individuals 13 years and older are given full rights over their mental health. This means that we will fill out a specific form (called a release of information or ROI) that will very clearly outline what can and can’t be shared with your caregivers.

    All mental health providers are mandated reporters so if you share that you are being harmed or harming others or there is another immediate safety concern, our confidentiality will be broken so the appropriate support can be obtained. If I have to break confidentiality, I will tell you beforehand.

  • You get to decide how long we work together! Perhaps we work together for a few months or we could continue to work together for years if that is what you find most helpful.


  • It depends! Regardless of whether we are walking together or using tele-health, you will be in the metaphorical driver seat. Some weeks it will feel obvious what we talk about - maybe there was a specific situation that happened that you want to process. Other times, I will have prompts and topics we can explore together.

  • Sometimes having family sessions is helpful for making sure everyone is on the same page. Improving communication, brainstorming together new rhythms and ways to support one another are a few things family sessions can help support with. Family sessions are not required but always an option.

    If conflict with caregivers is something that is repeatedly coming up in sessions, I might suggest we have a family session to better address the points of tension. I might also ask if I can speak with your parents to better understand their perspective.

“We shake with joy, we shake with grief.

What a time they have, these two

housed as they are in the same body”

       — Mary Oliver