Teenagehood is a hard transitional time. I remember feeling misunderstood as a teenager while balancing an immense amount of pressure whether it is sports, college acceptance, peer groups etc. Navigating big emotions increases conflict which can be frustrating and unsettling for everyone involved. Therapy during this time can reduce some of this tension and lead to better understanding and communication, creating a more peaceful home and relationship. When working with teens my goal is to support them in moving into increased autonomy by gaining trust with the adults in their life. This means building healthy decision making skills and reducing impulsivity. I believe in a collaborative approach, including parents and caregivers when possible, in order to support the entire family system in moving forward into healthy communication and understanding of one another.