I provide psychotherapy for adolescents who are having difficulties with emotion regulation, anxiety, depressed mood, school, or relationships. I also consult with parents who are having problems parenting, understanding or relating to their teenage children.
Teenage Concerns
Adolescence is a time of extraordinary growth and exploration, of trying out different “hats” and building one’s identity. But this can also be a time of conflict, and instability that many teens and their parents find challenging. Many teens experience the following concerns: extremes in feeling or expressing emotions, mood swings and anxiety, difficulty in making important decisions, feeling unattractive, feeling lonely and left-out, not fitting in, suicidal thoughts, self-harm. Perhaps the greatest difficulty that many adolescents face is not being understood by the important people in their lives.
Below is a list of concerns that many teens share:
• Feeling unattractive
• Feeling lonely and left-out
• Not fitting into the group
• Relationship problems
• Making important decisions
• Mood swings and anxiety
• Extremes in feeling or expressing emotions
• Suicidal thoughts
• Self-harm
During this turbulent time, it can be crucial for many teenagers to have an opportunity to discuss their concerns in an accepting and unbiased atmosphere, with the support of a neutral adult that can offer insights into adolescent and family psychology. In therapy, a teen can learn to express his or her needs constructively, regulate the onslaught of emotions and navigate interpersonal issues and conflicts. Therapy for adolescents often has to include treating on-going anxiety, depression, or ADHD, which are my other three specialties.
It is important for both teens and their parents to know that all therapy for clients older than 14 years is completely confidential. No information about anything discussed in therapy sessions can or will be disclosed to anyone, including to parents, without written authorization from the teen. This is done in order to ensure a safe space for the teen to talk and encourage trust in client-therapist relationship. However, I strive to involve the whole family in solving issues whenever possible and encourage my adolescent clients to maintain an on-going dialog with their parents. If the adolescent client gives me permission, I am happy to give parents feedback about their teen, share any concerns, and offer methods for improving difficult relationships within the family.
Parenting a teenager can be stressful. Teens strive for independence and privacy, but they also need help in making decisions and finding their place in the world. Parents often experience a great deal of stress when their child enters adolescence. Even if you have a good relationship with your child, once your child hits adolescence, you may feel that you are not in touch with him or her anymore. Here is a list of common concerns parents have:
Difficulty negotiating rights and responsibilities;
Losing your parental authority;
Losing touch with your teen;
Conflicts at home;
Concerns about bad peer influence;
Concerns about smoking/alcohol/drug use.
I work with parents to help them navigate the above issues with their teens. I also work with teenagers to help them understand parental behaviours, and to appreciate the love and care they receive from parents. If you feel that your teen has a problem, or you need help in improving your relationship with your teen, psychotherapy can help.
What if my adolescent doesn’t think he/she needs therapy?
Adolescents often feel that they don't have any issues, that all the problems are external to them. What if you realize that your teen needs help, but refuses to go see a professional? In my experience most adolescents are willing to try coming to one session, so we can start there. Many adolescents who face personal or family problems appreciate the opportunity to discuss their concerns in an accepting, neutral atmosphere.
I have been specialising in working with teenagers in Montreal for the past 12 years. I love working with adolescents, maybe because the impact that psychotherapy can have on their lives is dramatic and life-long. I have been an associate therapist at the Psychology Services of Teenage Unit, Herzl Family Practice, Jewish General Hospital, since 2011. During this time I have closely worked with many Montreal schools, and school counselors, and they have me on their short list for therapists to contact when needed.
Therapy fee is fixed at $180 per session (tax inclusive).
If you are, or you parent, a teenager who needs help with self-esteem, relationships, school or behavioural problems, anxiety or depression, please contact me today!
I offer a free 20 min phone consultation to answer any questions you may have about the process of therapy and the way I work.
