Therapy for Teens in Washington, D.C. and Virginia

Being a teen isn’t easy.

And parenting one? That can feel even more challenging.

A Look at My Approach to Working with Teens

*Cameron's story is a composite of the experiences of many teens I've worked with, capturing the challenges they face and the transformative work we do together in therapy. (Cameron is a fictional name to protect client privacy.)*

Cameron is a 15-year-old high school freshman who can’t take it anymore. She knows she’s not dumb but can’t keep up in school. She has ADHD and feels distracted and nervous constantly.

How she feels could result from feeling nervous about her friends suddenly “dropping her” or whether she said the wrong thing in class and looked like a fool. And then she beats herself up for wasting so much time.

Deep down, she knows she’s a good friend and genuinely trying her best in school. But her head is spinning in a million different directions, and she’s simply trying to stay afloat.

And then, at home, it feels even worse sometimes.

Although Cameron knows her parents have good intentions, she feels uncomfortable talking to them. They ask too many questions. Cameron could tell they were worried about her, making her feel terrible.

She feels like she is letting herself and everyone down.

One day, her parents tell Cameron that talking to a therapist would help. Cameron says, “But I’m not crazy!” Her parents encouraged her to try therapy because they found an excellent therapist who would understand her problems.

There’s a path forward, even if it feels hard to see right now.

Cameron’s first session went better than expected.

Cameron was surprised by how comfortable she felt in my therapy office in her first session. She felt like I genuinely cared and was interested in getting to know her, making answering questions feel more accessible and manageable. Things began to change. We talked about her anxiety, her self-doubt, and the ways she tried to feel in control, even if they weren’t healthy.

Through therapy, Cameron learned about her brain, how ADHD showed up in her life, and ways to manage stress and negative thinking. We worked on practical tools for communicating with her friends, teachers, and parents. Cameron’s parents joined the process, too, learning how to better support her and create more connection at home.

Slowly but surely, Cameron started feeling more confident. She used mindfulness techniques to handle stress and negative thoughts, and she realized she didn’t need to put herself down to feel in control. She stopped skipping meals, felt better about herself, and began to enjoy school and social interactions more.

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Therapy can make a real difference.

It’s a space for your teen to understand their feelings, learn to manage challenges, and start building confidence. With the right support, your teen can move through the tough parts of growing up with more ease.

If your teen’s story feels similar or you think they could benefit from therapy…

 let’s chat.

Therapy with me can help your teen…

  • Feel more confident and less overwhelmed in social and school settings. With new coping skills and mindfulness practices, they’ll learn to manage anxiety and navigate negative thought patterns, making it easier to stay present and engaged.

  • Have deeper and improved relationships, leading to more open and honest communication. As you gain practical tools from working together, you’ll feel better equipped to support them, creating a stronger and more trusting connection.

  • Be equiped to better deal with everyday challenges —from schoolwork and tasks to social pressures—as they understand their own emotional responses and develop better focus. This shift helps reduce stress and makes it easier for them to keep up with daily life.

  • Have more resilience and learn to self-regulate when intrusive thoughts or big emotions come up. With a deeper understanding of their feelings and how to cope, they’ll gain a sense of control and emotional stability.

  • Better communicate and ask for help. As their anxiety decreases, they’ll engage more at home, share their day, and ask for help when needed. This positive shift will make parenting feel easier and more rewarding for you, knowing you’re supporting them in the best ways possible.

And SO much more...

Therapy Approaches

  • EMDR Therapist Washington DC

    EMDR Therapy

    Learn how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) effectively helps process traumatic memories, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression for lasting healing.

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    Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

    Discover how Sensorimotor Psychotherapy integrates body awareness and movement to effectively address trauma and emotional challenges, promoting profound healing and self-regulation.

  • anxiety therapist Washington DC

    IFS

    Explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can effectively promote healing by helping you understand and integrate your inner parts, leading to greater self-awareness and balance.

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    Therapy Intensives

    If you want to feel better faster, therapy intensives are for you! Intensives are extended sessions that provide facilitate deeper and quicker healing through focused therapeutic engagement.

Change is possible. With the right support, your teen can build confidence, navigate challenges, and thrive in their daily life.

FAQs about Therapy for Teens

Virtual Therapy: Healing from the Comfort of Home

Life is busy, and carving out time for therapy can feel like just another stressor. That’s why I offer virtual therapy—a flexible, accessible option designed to fit seamlessly into your routine.

Imagine settling into your favorite chair, a warm drink in hand, your pet by your side, and starting our session from the privacy of your own space. Many clients find it easier to open up when they’re in a familiar environment, free from the pressures of commuting or worrying about being seen at a therapy office.

Virtual therapy offers all the same benefits of in-person sessions, with added convenience and confidentiality. You can save time, avoid transportation hassles, and focus entirely on your healing. Our sessions will be held over a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, ensuring your privacy and safety every step of the way.

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