So you're going to counseling...

I want to support you finding your voice and your strength so you can deal with whatever life has thrown at you.

Lots of times people decide to talk to a therapist when something is happening in their life that they need help sorting out or dealing with. Or when their families are really worried about them and don’t know how best to support them. I can promise to support you and do my best to understand you and what you’re dealing with, as well as to help you clarify what it is that you want for yourself.

What is counseling?

Counseling is talking about your life in a way that helps you deal with it.  It's important to me that you feel heard, and that your concerns are taken seriously, so if something comes up that you don't like, I would want you to let me know.

What do you tell my parents?

Whatever you tell me, I keep just between us.  I don’t tell your parents or anyone else about the things we talk about unless you give me permission.  The only exception is if I become concerned about the safety of yourself or someone else.  

Do you give homework?

Some people work better when I give them tips and ideas about what to do during the week to feel better, while for other people it just adds more stress and actually makes them feel worse.  My job is to work together with you to figure out the best way to help you.  That might mean having a place to vent, feeling safe to finally talk about that thing you don't really want to talk about, or finding strategies to rebuild trust with your parents so you can have your phone/friends/life back again.  Whatever is happening, I probably can't be shocked, so share what you need to.  

Who Are You?

Therapists don't typically share much about themselves so that the time can focus on the person receiving help.  But I've found some teens need to know a little something about me before they feel comfortable spilling their guts.  I mean, in what other setting would it be anything but weird to share stuff with a complete stranger?   Feel free to ask me any question.  I will let you know if I prefer not to answer.  For now I'll just say I love reading and gaming and being outside.  I have an adorable dog that I'm happy to share a picture of at any time.  I really do love listening and helping people get through the hardest stuff in life.