Anxiety and stress
Persistent worry, tension, avoidance, or feeling on edge much of the time.
For teens and parents · Frisco · Plano · Online in Texas
Teen counseling that begins with understanding.
If your teenager seems anxious, withdrawn, overwhelmed, or simply not like themselves lately, looking for support can be a thoughtful first step.
Counseling can give teens a safe place to talk honestly about what they are experiencing, understand themselves better, and build skills for handling difficult emotions. It can also give parents support in deciding how best to help.
A note to parents
Your teen is not a problem to be fixed.
Teenagers face real academic, athletic, social, and family pressures - often while trying to appear as though they have everything under control.
I approach teens as capable individuals going through a demanding season, not as a list of behaviors to be corrected. When teenagers feel respected and included, it becomes easier for them to engage honestly in the work.
What we often work on
Common Reasons Families Reach Out
Academic and athletic pressure
Grades, testing, playing time, college decisions, and the exhaustion of always feeling expected to perform.
Perfectionism
High expectations, fear of mistakes, or the belief that nothing they do is ever quite enough.
Depression or low mood
Sadness, irritability, withdrawal, low energy, or losing interest in things they once enjoyed.
Self-esteem and body image
Harsh self-talk, comparison, appearance concerns, and questions about identity and self-worth.
Friendships and peer relationships
Friendship changes, conflict, exclusion, social-media stress, and learning to set boundaries.
Family conflict
Tension at home, recurring arguments, feeling misunderstood, or adjusting to family changes.
Life transitions
Changing schools, moving, injuries, loss, and the uncertainty that comes with growing up.
In the room
What counseling with me is like
Teens are not expected to arrive with the right words or a clear explanation of what is wrong. We begin by getting to know one another and understanding what life currently feels like for them.
Counseling may include practical skills for anxiety, stress, relationships, and difficult emotions using CBT, DBT, and ACT techniques, along with exploring the deeper beliefs and patterns affecting how they feel, such as perfectionism, comparison, people-pleasing, or the sense that they are never doing enough.
The process is personalized to each teenager’s needs, personality, and goals.
Trust first
Building trust with teens
Trust takes time, particularly when counseling was not the teenager’s idea. I do not expect teens to share everything immediately.
Early sessions focus on getting to know them and their interests, relationships, and what they would like to be different. I am honest about what counseling is and is not, and I work to create an environment where they feel respected rather than lectured or analyzed.
Parents & confidentiality
Parent Involvement and Confidentiality
Parents are an important part of supporting a teenager. I generally begin with a conversation about what you have noticed, your concerns, and what you hope counseling will provide.
At the same time, teens need privacy in order to build trust and speak openly. I explain confidentiality and its limits to both parent and teen, and we establish clear expectations about communication and involvement. Information will be shared when required for safety or by law.
Beginning
We begin with a free 15-minute phone consultation with a parent, so you can share what you have noticed, ask questions, and learn more about my approach.
First session
The first session is focused on getting to know your teen and talking about what they hope to gain. Teens do not need to arrive knowing exactly what to say.
Ongoing
If we decide to move forward, sessions can take place in person in Frisco or Plano or virtually when your teen is located in Texas. Appointment frequency depends on your teen’s needs.
Wondering if counseling could help your teen?
A free 15-minute consultation is a simple way to share what you have been noticing, ask questions, and determine whether I may be a good fit for your teenager and family.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation