Adolescent & Family Therapy
Adolescent & Family Therapy
Adolescence can be a tender, confusing, and emotionally intense time—for teens and for the families who love them. As a therapist offering adolescent and family therapy in Ventura and Santa Barbara, I work with teens and parents who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in conflict, or unsure how to support one another through change
Many of the families I work with are doing their best and still feel like something isn’t working. Communication breaks down. Emotions run high. Old patterns repeat. Teens may be struggling with anxiety, depression, identity exploration, emotional shutdown, or acting out, while parents feel scared, frustrated, or at a loss. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Therapy That Supports the Whole System
I believe that when a teen is struggling, it’s rarely just about the teen. Families function as systems, and when one part of the system is under stress, everyone feels it.
In my work with adolescents and families, I help slow things down and make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface—emotionally, relationally, and in the body. Together, we explore how patterns developed, what each person is carrying, and how to create more safety, understanding, and flexibility within the family.
Rather than focusing on blame or “fixing” one person, therapy becomes a space where:
Teens feel heard, respected, and understood
Parents gain insight into their child’s inner world
Family members learn new ways to respond instead of react
Relationships begin to soften and shift
Supporting Teens Where They Are
Teens today face immense social, emotional, academic, and cultural pressures. In individual adolescent therapy, I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where teens can explore their experiences at their own pace. I focus on how emotions are experienced in the body, not just in thoughts, helping teens develop awareness, regulation, and trust in their internal signals—skills that extend far beyond therapy.
I work with adolescents struggling with:
Anxiety, depression, and mood changes
Emotional overwhelm or shutdown
Identity development and self-esteem
Family conflict and communication challenges
Trauma, loss, or big life transitions
Feeling misunderstood or disconnected
This work often includes:
Improving communication and emotional attunement
Understanding each person’s role in family patterns
Supporting parents in responding with clarity and confidence
Repairing ruptures and rebuilding trust
Navigating developmental changes and transitions
Family Therapy: Strengthening Connection and Repair
Family therapy provides a space to come together, especially when conversations at home feel tense, circular, or explosive. I work with families to understand the underlying emotional dynamics driving conflict and guide them toward more compassionate, clear, and effective ways of relating. This work can strengthen communication, foster understanding, and create a sense of connection that extends beyond the therapy room.
Integrating Creative and Experiential Practices
Not everyone processes emotions through talking alone—especially teens. I incorporate creative and experiential practices when helpful, including writing, art, movement, and other forms of self-expression. No artistic experience is required; the focus is on exploring and expressing emotions safely, not on producing a “perfect” outcome. These approaches can help teens access feelings, build self-awareness, and communicate in ways that words alone sometimes can’t capture.
These practices can help adolescents and families:
Access emotions that are hard to put into words
Regulate the nervous system
Explore identity and self-expression
Increase curiosity and playfulness in therapy
Create new experiences of connection and understanding
FAQ’s
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I do both. Some teens benefit from individual therapy, while others benefit from family therapy—or a combination of both. We’ll decide together what feels most supportive based on your family’s needs.
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I work with adolescents and their families, including middle school and high school–aged teens. I also work with pre-teens ages 10 and up.
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Yes. Resistance is very common and often meaningful. I work at a pace that respects your teen’s autonomy while helping them feel safe, heard, and not forced. Family sessions can also be a helpful starting point.
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Confidentiality is important for teens to feel safe. I discuss boundaries clearly with both teens and parents at the start of therapy, balancing privacy with safety and parental involvement.
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Family therapy can help with communication struggles, conflict, emotional disconnection, behavioral concerns, life transitions, and supporting a teen through anxiety, depression, or trauma.
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Not necessarily. Creative practices are offered when they feel supportive and appropriate. Therapy is always collaborative, and we’ll use what works best for you and your family.
Compassionate Therapy for Teens & Families
I offer adolescent and family therapy to clients in Ventura and Santa Barbara, California. My practice is affirming, collaborative, and grounded in deep respect for each person’s lived experience. I welcome families of all structures, identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
If your family is feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, therapy can be a place to pause, reflect, and begin moving toward greater ease and connection—together.