Adolscent Therapy in Chicago
Hi, I’m Sam, an adolescent therapist in Chicago.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the expectations of you in school and at home, anxious or inadequate as you attempt to create meaningful connections with your peers, or fearful as you explore your gender and sexual identity. I understand, and I’m here to help.
I help teens develop coping skills to manage their emotions and build self-esteem to express themselves safely and comfortably. I create a safe and affirming space to learn and practice how to communicate their needs to friends and family
If you’re ready to start feeling less anxious and uncertain and be more secure and confident, schedule a complimentary consultation with me today!
My approach to therapy with teens.
The adolescent years are challenging and unique to each person. What might be helpful for one teen in therapy, won’t be the same for others. That said there are a few core topics I explore when we get started.
We’ll discuss how to regulate emotions and manage stress when you experience changes in your mood and behaviors. We’ll explore what values are important to you when finding friendships and relationships. I’ll provide a non-judgmental space for you to express your anxieties in all areas of your life where you are feeling pressure, whether that’s in your academics, relationships, extracurricular activities, or your responsibilities at home. We’ll explore your relationships with your family and discuss the often-confusing dance of needing space from your parents while also wanting them close. I’ll provide a safe and affirming space to explore what gender expression and sexual identity means to you and how you can live and be authentic with the world around you.
People are often surprised by my interest and focus on their families (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.) but, honestly, how do you think you learned about being in relationships?! We all come from somewhere. The beliefs, values, and ideas we carry about relationships, partners, and ourselves as partners comes from previous relationships and the relationships we watched growing up. We need to understand how other things, like society, religion, culture, government and other institutions impact our beliefs, values, and ideas. Digging into these areas can make all kinds of things begin to make sense for you and your partner. And from there we can start to create change!
I understand how crucial these topics are to your growth and development. I remember how stressful and confusing a period this was for me. My goal is to provide a safe and affirming space for you to express and discover yourself. When working with teenagers, building trust is my first priority. In developing our rapport and learning about your needs, we will also build safety in the therapeutic space. We’ll learn together how to best communicate your needs in helpful and healthy way. I’ll support you in identifying healthy coping skills that work best for you. We’ll learn about your strengths and find opportunities for growth. Therapy is a great opportunity to invest in yourself and find love for all of the pieces of you that make you unique and special!
If you have any additional questions about how adolescent therapy works click the button below!
FAQs about Adolescent therapy.
What is adolescent therapy?
Adolescent therapy is aimed at individuals who are 12 – 19 years old. Similar to talk therapy for adult individuals, the therapist will be focused on helping teens make sense of their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and identify strategies to support their future goals
How do I know when it’s time for my teenager to see a therapist?
It’s a good idea to consult a therapist if your teenager is struggling emotionally, socially, and/or academically. Some potential signs that this is happening to your teenager are:
Experiencing feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, or constant worrying
Reporting feelings of extreme loneliness or having difficulty making friends
Isolating themselves from friends or family
Frequently fighting with friends and family members
Not participating in activities or hobbies once enjoyed
Engaging in self harm behaviors or expressing suicidal thoughts
Sudden drop in academic performance or excessive tardiness or absenteeism in school
What is important in finding a therapist for my teen?
When looking for a therapist for your teen, ask yourself these important questions:
How will the therapist relate to my teenager? Read through their website to learn about their approach and to get a sense of therapist’s style.
Will they understand my teenager? A quick consult with the potential therapist over the phone or via video chat can provide insight into their experience your teenager’s issues and address your parental concerns.
How do I know if I can trust this therapist? Pay attention during the consultation how you feel with this therapist. Are they giving you a sense of compassion and care towards the presenting problem? Do they feel genuine in their interactions with you? If so then trust your gut!
How much does adolescent therapy cost?
Intake sessions with me are $150. All sessions following are $135. Hold the Vision Therapy is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO so if your plan has mental health benefits, we can utilize your insurance. We will bill BCBS directly for you.
Hold the Vision Therapy believes therapy should be accessible so sliding scale options may be available if requested and eligibility requirements are met.
Get help from an experienced teen therapist!
The same way you look for an experienced mechanic or contractor based on the make and model of your car or the part of your home that needs attention, your and your teen want someone who has experience with both the issues they’re dealing with and the unique challenges that come with those issues as a teen. Adolescents are my area of focus. And since I was specifically trained to work relationally so I also understand the importance of working with teens in relation to their families. I can and will hold space for both parental concerns and the needs of your teen.
I know it can be tough to reach out for help, when you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, or at your wits end. But you don’t have to have face these challenges alone. I can help.
Whether you live in Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, or anywhere else in Illinois, we can work together virtually. Click the button below to connect and get started!