Pre-Teen Therapy & Adolescent Therapy in Littleton, CO

Pre-Teen & Adolescent Therapy: Supporting Growth Through Life’s Challenges

The pre-teen and adolescent years can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—for both your child and you. One minute they’re on top of the world, and the next, they’re in the depths of a meltdown, unsure how to navigate the changes they’re facing. If your pre-teen or teen is struggling with overwhelming emotions, anxiety, self-esteem issues, or challenging behaviors, it can feel like you’re watching them drift further away, not knowing how to help.

But this time of life doesn’t have to be full of confusion, disconnection, and distress. Therapy can provide the support your child needs to build emotional resilience, understand themselves better, and gain confidence in navigating life’s ups and downs.

How I Work with Pre-Teens & Adolescents

When working with adolescents, my approach is rooted in Synergetic Play Therapy and Polyvagal Theory, both of which allow me to better understand the emotional landscape of teens—especially when they struggle to put their feelings into words.

1. A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space:
   I create an environment where your child can feel safe to explore the tough stuff. Whether they’re dealing with anxiety, feeling misunderstood, or unsure of their identity, they have the freedom to show up as their authentic selves.

2. Building Emotional Awareness & Regulation:
   Together, we’ll help your teen identify how they’re feeling, what those feelings mean, and how to express them in a healthy way. We’ll explore how their nervous system responds to stress and teach practical tools to manage overwhelming emotions. Through psychoeducation, we’ll give your teen the knowledge and skills to understand their body’s reactions and feel more in control of their emotions. You’re included in the process each step of the way so you can also better understand what your child’s behavior is communicating and how to best support them outside of sessions.

3. Creating Space for Growth & Connection:
   Therapy is not just about talking through problems—it’s about building skills that last a lifetime. We’ll work on developing skills like emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and healthy self-expression. By meeting your teen where they are, we’ll create a space for them to embrace who they are becoming, including the challenges they face, their values, and their growing sense of identity.

What Therapy Can Help With

Therapy can be transformative during the adolescent years, offering your child the tools they need to overcome obstacles and thrive in a changing world. I specialize in helping teens, particularly pre-teen and teen girls, navigate:

• Anxiety & Panic
  Helping your teen manage worry and fear so it doesn’t take over their life.

• Depression & Low Self-Esteem
  Working to build healthier self-worth, break negative thought patterns, and reduce feelings of isolation.

• Emotion Regulation & Expression
  Teaching your teen how to identify, express, and manage their emotions in healthy ways.

• Neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, 2e, etc.)
  Supporting teens in developing coping strategies tailored to their unique neurotype.

• Challenges Specific to Teen Girls
  Navigating body image issues, peer pressure, and societal expectations in a healthy and empowering way.

• Perfectionism & Pressure
  Helping teens break free from self-imposed perfection and embrace self-compassion.

• Suicidality & Self-Harm
  Providing crucial support to teens struggling with these serious challenges and working toward healing.

• Trauma & PTSD
  Supporting teens in processing trauma and reducing the emotional burden it carries.

• Navigating Major Life Changes
  Helping teens cope with transitions like divorce, loss, or other family challenges.

The Path Forward

Imagine a teen who is no longer overwhelmed by anxiety, who feels confident in expressing their feelings, and who has the tools to face life’s challenges with resilience. After therapy, your child can:

• Feel in control of their emotions, reducing outbursts and emotional shutdowns.

• Communicate openly and honestly about what they need and how they’re feeling.

• Build healthier relationships with friends, family, and peers.

• Navigate transitions (like a new school or family changes) with more ease and confidence.

• Develop a strong sense of identity, knowing who they are and where they’re headed.

Through therapy, your teen will gain not just short-term relief, but skills that will help them thrive as they grow into adulthood. Together, we can create a path forward that empowers your teen to become the person they’re meant to be.

How Therapy Works

Sessions typically begin on a weekly or biweekly basis to establish a solid foundation of trust and connection and are typically conducted in-person. Telehealth is available if that format is a good fit for your teen. As your child progresses, we may shift to biweekly or monthly sessions. Each session lasts 40 minutes with your teen, followed by a 10-minute parent check-in to discuss progress, share insights, and offer guidance on how to best support your teen outside of therapy. I’m a big fan of providing caregivers and teens with visual aids, handouts, and resource recommendations they can use at home.

Session Cost: $155 per session
Sliding Scale: Limited spots are available—please reach out to inquire about availability for sliding scale rates or free counseling options.

A Path to Healing and Growth

The adolescent years don’t have to be filled with confusion and emotional turmoil. With therapy, your teen can gain the skills they need to manage their emotions, navigate relationships, and build confidence in themselves. If you're ready to help your teen thrive, reach out to schedule a free consultation. Together, we’ll create lasting change.