Teen Counseling

Therapy That Meets Teens Where They Are

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Is Your Teen Drowning in Stress, Worry & Frustration?

Are mood swings and tension turning your home into a pressure cooker?

Do you feel stuck trying to support a growing teen through anxiety, ADHD or major life changes?

Is your home feeling like a battleground with homework and friendship challenges?

Has typical teenage independence slipped into withdrawing from activities they loved?

A teen with glasses and dark hair, wearing a gray hoodie, sitting on a maroon couch, reading a book in a living room with a television and furniture.

It’s Hard When Your Teen Feels Lost and Disconnected

Watching a child you love struggle with focus, impulsivity, and overwhelming worry is heartbreaking—and even harder when it feels like you can’t reach them.

You may notice your growing teen pulling away from family time, losing interest in activities they once loved, or getting frustrated with themselves and those around them. They might seem isolated, on the outside of their old friend group and shadowed by never feeling good enough.

The growing distance can leave you feeling disconnected and alone, while the teen you deeply care for silently faces intense challenges. You remember their bright smile and enthusiasm, but right now, it seems buried by constant worry or restless energy.

There is hope, and resilience can be rebuilt. Therapy designed specifically for teens can help them safely express their fears, manage emotions and find balance again. I meet teens where they are at and walk along side them through this journey.

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Most Teens Face Challenges and Have Days that Feel Overwhelming


The teen years are a time of growth, change and new challenges—this is a natural part of growing up and figuring out who they are. Just because your teen is facing challenges like anxiety, ADHD or big life transitions doesn’t mean they are a failure. The obstacles they face are what build resilience and self-confidence.

These difficulties can lead to struggles with school, peer relationships, self-doubt and disruptions in daily routines. Anxiety has become a common companion for many teens and problems with focus, impulsivity and the drive for perfection take a toll on their daily life.

When you start to notice concerns, early intervention with compassionate therapy can provide essential guidance. Teen counseling offers a safe space to explore feelings, learn new skills and regain balance.

Being here means you’ve taken the first step by showing up and reaching out for support. Remember, when you see concerning changes in your teen, know you don’t have to navigate this by yourself.

Recognizing the Signs: When Your Teen Might Need Counseling

  • Trouble concentrating, staying organized or completing schoolwork

  • Persistent worries, racing thoughts or intrusive anxiety impacting their day

  • Difficulty sleeping, lack of motivation or poor stress management

  • Withdrawing from family, friends or activities they use to enjoy

  • Mood swings, irritability or emotional outbursts beyond typical teen behavior

The teenage years can feel overwhelming and challenging for both teens and their families. It’s common for parents to feel uncertain about how to best support their teen. Teen counseling offers a safe space for teens to develop coping skills and work through struggles like focus difficulties, anxiety, or mood challenges.

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Personalized Teen Counseling Rooted in Experience and Understanding

Families and teens in Lacey and across Washington seek my care because I meet teens where they are and focus on their resilience. With years of experience as a school counselor, I have deep insight into how struggles with focus, anxiety, academics and friendships affect their daily life.

I understand the unique pressures today’s adolescents face and celebrate their strengths while working alongside them to reach their goals. My priority is to create a supportive space where your teen can grow, experience meaningful change and regain balance for the future they hope for.

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Colleague Endorsement

Her ability to build trust, listen with empathy, and provide evidence-based support truly sets apart.—Chandra Mays, M.Ed., ESA School Counselor.

Read more about what colleagues say on my endorsement page

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Two teens sitting outdoors on a log, enjoying snacks and drinks, with a scenic landscape and trees in the background.

Compassionate Therapy for Teens

Your teen and I will work together and focus on their primary needs, individual struggles and concerns. Working with me means they have someone who understands how to help them comfortably talk about what is holding them back. With my guidance, I can help your teen:

  • Understand how ADD, ADHD, and anxiety impact their thoughts and actions

  • Develop coping strategies to reduce overwhelm and impulsivity

  • Build self-confidence and self-advocacy skills

  • Learn practical organization and time management techniques

  • Strengthen emotional regulation and resilience

A young teen standing on a bed playing an acoustic guitar.

What Counseling Sessions Look Like

  • Learning about their interests and activities as we get to know each other

  • Listening and giving them space to say what they need

  • Working together to set goals and celebrate progress

  • Using real-life interests to teach skills through relatable analogies

  • Helping them see their unique qualities and strengths

Often the first steps in therapy for teens is time for them to express themselves and understand how they are feeling. It is important to honor their need for space while coordinating support with parents in a way that balances privacy needs.

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What Parents Ask About Teen Therapy

How do you make therapy engaging for teens?

I am genuinely curious about your teens interests and activities. Using their real-life interests helps make therapy relatable and meaningful to them. It’s important that your teen feel invested and actively participate in the process so we ca find what truly fits their unique needs.

How often will my teen need to attend sessions?

Every teen’s needs are unique and we’ll work together to navigate schedules and school activities. Most teens start with weekly sessions and adjust as they gain skills and improve.

How do I know if my teen needs therapy?

If your teen is experiencing anxiety, focus difficulties, social withdrawal, or mood changes that interfere with school, relationships, or daily life, therapy can provide essential support. Early intervention helps teens build coping skills before challenges escalate.

Have more questions? Contact me to discuss how I can support your family.

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A teen with curly hair smiling and holding her hair back with both hands, standing outdoors near a glass building.

Supportive Counseling for Teens to Build Confidence and Resilience

If your teen is facing anxiety, focus struggles, or emotional overwhelm, counseling can be a powerful tool for growth. Reach out today to discuss your concerns and schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me via my online booking system. Helping your teen find balance and build confidence is my priority.

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4405 7th Ave SE, Suite 200
Lacey, WA 98503

Hours: 9am-7pm

In-person: Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Online: Monday to Friday

Appointments are scheduled by request.

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