Youth Counseling Services

• LGBTQ+ Teens 
• Teens with Anxiety
• Theater Teens
• Creative/Artistic Teens
• Teens Questioning Gender Identity
• High Achieving Teens
• Teens with Social Anxiety
• Teens Struggling with Perfectionism  

Expressive arts therapy means using various forms of artistic expression to process thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I use painting, drawing, collage making, clay, music, creative writing, and so much more to help teens express themselves. Some feelings are hard to talk about and for teens with traumatic pasts there may even be memories that are inaccessible. Creative expression can lower an obstacle that is in the way of healing.  

Sandtray therapy uses a rectangular plastic tray filled with sand. I use the sandtray as a canvas for storytelling and processing. The sand itself serves as a grounding force because of its soft and satisfying texture. My shelf is full of various figurines that help to create pictures and stories in the sand. Clients often think they are just grabbing figures and randomly placing them in the sand but the subconscious knows exactly the right object and placement for what you need. The sand is literal magic!

From time to time it may be necessary to bring in parents or other members of a teen’s family to discuss certain topics. Maybe there is some conflict that needs to be resolved or perhaps a teen is ready to share about things they are working on in counseling with a caregiver. I help teen clients practice self-advocacy and autonomy by encouraging them to ask for necessary family sessions. I help teens prepare, practice, and carry out successful family therapy sessions.  

Mindfulness is a cornerstone of my work with teens. I believe that developing a mindfulness practice can greatly improve mental and emotional health. Mindfulness requires focus and acceptance of the present moment. This is a skill that needs to be developed and practiced over time. I will usually end counseling sessions with a mindfulness practice and encourage teens to practice meditation at home. 

Talk therapy is really just what it sounds like! The teen gets to be the leader and decide what they need to talk about. Even if I present an activity or art exercise for us to do, if you need to talk about something else, I am here to listen. 

We have rates to meet a variety of budgets!