Adolescents

Individual therapy sessions are usually 50 minutes in length and occur weekly or every two weeks. I prefer meeting with adolescents every week for at least 6 weeks to give time for the therapeutic relationship to develop and to see initial symptom reduction. As symptoms reduce, sessions can be moved to every two weeks if preferred. Most adolescents are more engaged when attending sessions in person. However, telehealth sessions are also an option.

The technique I use most with adolescents is called Motivation Interviewing. Motivational interviewing is a counseling method that helps people resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities to find the internal motivation they need to change their behavior. Because many adolescence disregard the advice and direction given by authority figures in their life, I use this technique to help adolescence find their own motivation and plan to change problem behavior.  

Family therapy sessions are usually 50 minutes in length and occur as needed. Family therapy sessions provide an opportunity for adolescents to express themselves to their parents in a controlled and respectful way. They also allow adolescents and their parents an opportunity to resolve conflict, discuss boundaries and expectations in the home, hold one another accountable for problem behaviors in the home, and learn and practice healthier communication skills.