Acting out. Problem child. Defiant. Moody. Going through a phase. Withdrawn.

These are phrases we've all heard at one point or another to describe common issues in teens. The reality is that teens are just trying to do what the rest of us are - survive. Maybe their challenging behavior is just an attempt to connect, or maybe they're coming from the place of an overwhelmed nervous system. Or perhaps they're struggling to put words to their experiences and have no tools for regulating their complex emotions. 

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My approach with teens recognizes that the behaviors they're displaying at home and school are their attempt at meeting these needs in the only way they know how. Together we'll explore the underlying needs behind their behaviors so they can begin to understand what's not working and learn new ways to get the connection, safety, or autonomy they're really seeking.