Therapy for Teens in Denver, CO
Adolescence comes with its own set of complex and evolving challenges. During these years, teens are developing a stronger sense of identity, navigating social pressures, and learning to balance growing independence with the need for support and connection. It’s a period of tremendous growth, which can also bring moments of distress, anxiety, conflict, and mental health concerns.
As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to do when your teen is struggling. You might notice shifts in mood, withdrawal, irritability, or changes in motivation, and feel unsure whether this is part of typical development or something deeper that needs attention. Many parents describe feeling helpless, worried, or even guilty, wanting more than anything to help their kid, but not knowing how to reach their child in a way that supports them.
Therapy offers a space for teens to explore what’s really happening internally, learn healthier ways to manage emotions, and work towards improved mental health while strengthening their understanding of themselves and the world around them. At the same time, parents receive support in navigating this stage with greater confidence and compassion.
If You Notice Your teen is…..
Withdrawn
Irritable
Anxious
Struggling with perfectionism
Being hard on themselves
Struggling with their relationship with food
Navigating questions around identity
Doing great in school, but struggling socially
Many parents sense something deeper is going on but can’t always put their finger on what’s changed. You might see your teen pushing people away, or trying to manage everything perfectly while quietly falling apart inside. Some teens become overly self-critical, caught in a cycle of “never good enough.” Others may start struggling with food, likely using control or avoidance as a way to manage overwhelming emotions.
This stage of life can also bring up questions around identity—about who they are, what they believe, or where they belong. Even teens who appear to be doing “well” on the outside, such as getting good grades or staying busy with extracurriculars, can still feel lonely, misunderstood, or disconnected socially.
Therapy offers a place for your teen to slow down and feel supported without judgment. In my work with teens, I help them better understand their emotions, learn to manage stress in healthier ways, and begin to build a kinder, more confident relationship with themselves.
Working with teens requires more than just understanding adolescent development—it calls for attunement, patience, and a way of connecting that feels safe and genuine. I approach my work with teens through a trauma-informed and Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens, which means I see their symptoms and behaviors not as “problems to fix,” but as protective responses that have developed for a reason. Together, we’ll gently explore what’s happening beneath the surface to help your teen feel seen and understood, and provide them with concrete tools and coping skills to move forward in a healthier way.
I am also formally trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the #1 recommended therapy for teens, to help them manage stress, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and practice healthy coping strategies in real time. This balance between deeper emotional work and practical tools will help your teen feel both understood and empowered—not just in therapy, but in daily life.
Personally, I grew up with social media, including Instagram and Snapchat, in my adolescence. I understand how important it is for your teen to make thoughtful, safe choices—whether that’s navigating the online world, managing social pressures, or handling the many challenges that come with growing up today. With nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, I’ve worked with hundreds of teens in both the Denver Metro and Los Angeles areas. I’m also well-connected with many schools across Colorado, which helps me understand the unique environments and stressors teens are working through every day.
Beginning in the spring or summer of 2026, I’ll be welcoming a therapy dog into my office! Many teens find that having a calm, friendly dog present helps them feel more at ease in session and can make coming to therapy something they genuinely look forward to.
I would be honored to support your teen and family! Please reach out by clicking below to get started.