Adolescent Therapy with CBT & DBT
We’re not just “therapy as usual”
In order to experience real breakthroughs and effectiveness in treatment in therapy, therapists must have certain qualities: passion, motivation, energy, strength, caring, empathy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn and grow with everyone they see. While this is important for adults, it’s especially important for working with adolescents.
Early intervention is always best
Adolescence and preadolescence is the developmental period between childhood and adulthood. During this time, changes in hormones and cognitions occur naturally, while added pressures from peers, parents, and school can contribute to conflicts pertaining to identity, sexuality, relationships, and more.
These changes create challenges for teens struggling to let go, and parents struggling to hold on. When left untreated, these issues can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, risk-taking behaviors, and thoughts of death, self-harm or suicide.
It’s ok to smile a little, really!
We offer a safe space that is flexible, caring, compassionate, funny, accepting, and non-judgmental where adolescents ages 14+ can open up and feel heard – where they’re not afraid to express their authentic selves, their fears, and their motivations. This style of therapy communicates two things to our young clients:
- That it is OK to step outside the parameters of treatment as usual
- That change is not immediate and that therapy is an ongoing process
After all, we aim to be human and relatable, and to demystify the stuffy therapeutic process.
Our aim is to:
Assist in identifying development
Encourage the development of self-esteem
Develop productive communication strategies
Teach teens to manage emotions and thoughts
Process conflicts effectively
Build upon strengths
Encourage making healthy choices
If indicated with parental consent, we will work collaboratively with schools, teachers, and allied professionals. We want to coordinate and communicate in order to strengthen kids and promote health, growth, and achievement across as many environments as possible. Parents may also be encouraged to participate in conjoint sessions to facilitate healthier communication and improve relationships.
To see if we’re the right for your family, reach out today to schedule a free intro call.
Dr. Espinosa is a DBT-LBC Certified provider of DBT.
She has many years of experience working with adults and adolescents and their families. To learn more about DBT-A (DBT for Adolescents and Families) services, click the link below
To see if we’re the right fit for you, reach out today to schedule a free intro call.
We’ll briefly discuss your circumstances and if we’re a good fit, we’ll schedule your first session.
