Therapy for Teens
in Bakersfield, CA and across CA
If you’ve been watching your teen struggle with school, friends, or emotions—and feel like you’re walking on eggshells trying to help—you’re not alone. I work with teens who are navigating the intensity of growing up and with parents who are doing their best to support them.
Does This Sound Familiar?
Your teen is spending more and more time alone—scrolling endlessly on their phone, shutting down when you try to talk, and cycling through moods that feel impossible to predict. One moment they’re anxious or on edge. The next, they’re quiet. Then reactive. You ask what’s going on and get the same “I don’t know,” even though your gut tells you something’s not right.
You’ve tried everything—taking their phone, monitoring their every move, setting rules and consequences—just hoping something will break through. But instead of bringing you closer, it feels like it’s only added more strain to your relationship.
You’re not trying to fix everything. You just want them to be okay—and it’s heartbreaking not knowing how to help.
Therapy can help your teen—and your relationship—heal
In therapy, your teen has a space that’s just for them—a place where they don’t have to perform, explain, or pretend to be okay. Over time, they begin to regulate their emotions more easily, develop a stronger sense of who they are, and feel more confident navigating the challenges of teen life.
As trust is built, many teens become open to involving their parents in sessions—especially when it feels safe, collaborative, and on their terms. When they’re ready, we can work on communication skills and start rebuilding the connection between you.
If your teen isn’t ready for that step, we can still support your relationship. I offer occasional parent check-ins (with your teen present) so you can better understand what they’re working on and how to support them outside of therapy.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s a calmer home, better communication, and a renewed sense of hope—for both of you.
What’s Possible Through Therapy
Teen therapy can help your child:
Regulate their emotions and reduce reactivity
Identify and express what they’re feeling
Build confidence and a stronger sense of self
Strengthen communication and relationship skills
Cope with stress, anxiety, or school pressure
Reconnect with you in a healthier, more open way
Feel safe being exactly who they are
You Don’t Have To Do This Alone
Parenting a teen who’s struggling can feel like walking through fog—you’re doing your best to guide them, but you can’t always see what’s ahead. Therapy can help clear the path.
Together, we’ll support your teen in finding their voice, building emotional resilience, and reconnecting with themselves—and with you.
There’s still time for things to feel better.
FAQS
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It depends on what your teen is comfortable with. Therapy is their space, but many teens eventually feel safe enough to include a parent in some sessions. When appropriate, I also offer check-ins with both of you present so we can support your relationship together.
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I currently work with teens in middle school and high school—roughly ages 13 to 18.
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I work with teens who are navigating anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, relationship struggles, emotional regulation, and the general intensity of growing up.
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That’s okay—and it’s more common than you think. I meet teens where they are, and I never force conversation. The first goal is to build trust. Once they feel safe, they tend to open up in their own time.