Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Lexington, MA

My go-to approach for helping teens in therapy is using person-centered, mindfulness, strengths-based, and compassion-focused approaches. I find the best benefit in getting to know each other in the beginning because cultivating trust in the therapeutic relationship is key to our work together. I place substantial significance on how an individual’s childhood, environment, relationships, and psychosocial characteristics contribute to their mental health.

I utilize a holistic approach to collaborate with clients, while also highlighting the benefits that physical activity, nature, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness have on our overall well-being. Some tools we can explore together:

• Values - Reviewing your values using a values list and exploring which resonate and how they are connected to your dreams and daily life.
• Self-care - Developing a grounding self-care practice that seamlessly embodies your values, daily life tasks, and future goals, balancing daily rhythms and routines.
• Mindfulness practice (emotion regulation tools) - Becoming aware of the mind, body, emotions, and feelings connection through breath work, movement, and exploring coping tools.
• Communication and connection (interpersonal effectiveness tools) - These are tools to clearly express your needs, listen to others, and build connections with others. We can use templates, worksheets, and role-play.

​​I know a client is making meaningful progress in teen counseling when they report less distress as they move toward their goals.

While in therapy, the client can practice and explore the tools they want to use outside therapy. Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy with by practicing what we do together in sessions. This might include but is not limited to a sustainable self-care and mindfulness practice that includes breath work, movement, and routine. Clients may also begin to map their days and reflect on their values.

For our first session, I hope the person feels authentically seen, heard, and understood as a whole person, so we collaborate on their treatment goals and have a clear path that guides our work together. Much of the clinical work is based on relationships. It’s okay to build this at your pace; let’s take this one step at a time and get to know each other. During our first meeting, I’d like to understand: What brings you to meet with me? What would be helpful for you? What do you hope to get out of our meetings together? As we get to know each other, the answers to these questions may evolve. That’s okay — we’re in this together. If it's helpful, feel free to write some thoughts down and we can review and explore what's on your mind.