During our first session, I will collaborate with you to set goals for our work together. We will refer back to these goals during the course of therapy. In every session, I will strive to create a safe, curious, compassionate space for us to address your struggles and celebrate your progress. The duration of therapy will depend on your goals and preferences. Some choose to attend a limited number of sessions to work on a specific issue, while others engage in longer-term therapy for ongoing support and personal exploration. In both cases, I recommend meeting weekly to start.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) helps people manage their emotions and develop healthier ways of coping with difficult situations. It was originally designed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder, but it has been found to be effective for various mental health issues.

One of the central ideas in DBT is the balance between acceptance and change. While accepting yourself as you are, you can also work towards growth and change. DBT focuses on mindfulness, relationships, managing emotions, and tolerating distress.

In this approach, you freely talk about your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and memories. You will gain insight into how formative experiences have contributed to who you are now, and how you relate to yourself and others. In the here-and-now of the therapeutic setting, we will think together about how you show up in relationships, and listen for fears and conflicts held in the unconscious mind.

Therapy can bring up challenging emotions, and it will also provide you with support and tools to navigate these. As your therapist, I will often ask you questions to track your progress, and solicit feedback from you regarding how you are experiencing the work that we are doing together. When therapy is working, people often have increased hope, insight, and motivation to change painful patterns.

A teenager is entitled to confidentiality in their therapy sessions. In close consultation with the client, I will discuss what is important to share with their parents to support the client in achieving their goals. I like to check in with parents on a monthly basis.