Therapy for Teens

• An adolescent dealing with his need to belong and make healthy choices.
• A teenage boy whose parents called me because he was failing in school and coming home at all hours of the night.
• A teenage girl who refused to return to school because her mother was at home diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Additionally, I have dealt with major medical issues throughout my life and because of this, I work with clients coping with long-term chronic illness and help them to live their lives in the healthiest way possible.

I love my work and welcome you to contact me with any life issues you would like to discuss.

Most of us have trouble remembering exactly what it was like to be a teenager.

For most of us, adolescence is a time for experimenting, a testing ground for discovering oneself.  This process can be stressful for parents and family members, as they want to keep their teens from doing something unsafe or problematic.  But in addition to exploration and transitioning into adulthood, teens must face unique stressors such as:

• Academic performance
• Bullying and peer issues
• Overuse of screens and social media
• Divorce or separation of parents
• Family conflict
• Death of a loved one or pet
• Starting the dating process
• Developing a gender or sexual identity
• Feeling left out or rejected by others

Part of the transition to adulthood involves developing a desire to become independent and have a sense of privacy.  Therefore, many teens feel uncomfortable talking about these sorts of issues with family members, especially parents.  As they try to manage this process of exploration and navigating stress on their own, many teens can get involved in risky behavior.

If your teen is experiencing issues like these, professional help may be warranted.  Therapy can provide a safe, third-party space for your teen to feel heard, understood, and supported.

First, therapy offers a chance for teens to share their thoughts and feelings freely and openly.  Your teen can have a safe, confidential space to express themselves without worrying about upsetting or disappointing parents or family members.  Of course, if your teen is at risk of harming themselves or someone else, or if something concerns their health and safety, their therapist will let you know.

Second, therapists can train your teen to use healthy, effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional turmoil.  I teach teens how to be self-reflective, use mindfulness techniques, and even meditate.  Coping strategies such as these can make all the difference as your child navigates the challenges of adolescence.

And third, therapy provides your teen with a space to get to know themselves as they make the transition into adulthood.  Teens can greatly benefit from having a stronger sense of who they are, what they value, and what they want in life.  As your teen begins to understand themselves and develop comfort with sharing, they can also begin to feel more comfortable opening up with you as the parent.

Sometimes, teens may feel anxious or apprehensive about starting the therapy process.  This is normal and expected, which is why part of the work involves helping them recognize the value of therapy.  Your teen deserves a chance to feel well and thrive, and therapy can help make that happen.

Therapy with adolescents is a process of understanding their world.  What do they want out of life?  What problems are they facing?  What matters most to them?

I strive to help teens feel independent, respected and valued.  As a therapist, I keep all information completely confidential unless he or she is a danger to themselves or others. I attempt to build a foundation of trust, understanding, and truth with teens in a relaxed and down-to-earth style.  I talk with teens in a way that effectively gets the point across without lecturing or pushing.  I answer all of their questions with honest facts, I use appropriate humor to create a dialog, and I encourage interaction that shows them my respect. All these methods are combined to help adolescents face and deal with the issues in their lives.

All of my sessions are completely confidential and held online or in the privacy of my office here in Los Angeles, California.  Parents or guardians can meet with me first to discuss your concerns about your adolescent and what encouraged you to bring them to therapy. I will then have an initial session alone with your teen to determine if they are comfortable working with me. At this point, we will discuss issues important to them and what therapy might look like.

Your teen and I will work together to help them:

• Develop comfort with vulnerability
• Identify emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety, and grief
• Use mindfulness and other coping strategies
• Make healthy choices
• Gain a sense of self-worth
• Work on strengthening friendships and feeling comfortable socially
• Restore damaged relationships with family members
• Decrease risky behavior
• Build goals for their future

Choosing the right therapist for your teen can sometimes feel stressful, so please feel free to contact me to learn more about my work.

If your teen is struggling, we can get them back on track.  If they are feeling alone and disconnected, we can help them find a space to belong.  If they are simply looking to improve themselves, we can provide that support.

Want to learn more about me? 

I would love to hear from you.

Phone: (323) 301-0083
Email: michellewebber@me.com

1600 Vine Street, #902, Los Angeles, CA 90028