Working with teenagers (13+) can be both rewarding and challenging. Adolescence is a period marked by rapid growth and change, accompanied by many shifts in family dynamics. Families typically seek counselling during this stage due to concerns about risky behavior, struggles with communication, or uncertainty about what is developmentally normal.

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One common misconception is that providing counseling support for your teenager will magically resolve all concerns, turning your teen into a perfectly obedient and cooperative individual. Let’s face it—that’s just not how it works. While seeking professional support is an important first step, meaningful change often requires a collaborative, whole-family approach. Teens, being dependents, typically have limited autonomy over their circumstances. This can make it challenging for them to address issues independently. Many teenagers and adults alike struggle to express their needs effectively, especially in challenging situations. Teens often need parental guidance and modeling to navigate these conversations and learn to advocate for themselves in meaningful ways. When these communication gaps persist, they brew misunderstandings, resentment, and outright conflict within the family.

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As a counsellor, my role isn’t about fixing problems—it’s about bridging gaps in communication and helping family members have productive, healthy conversations. I work with families to find customized strategies that strengthen and repair relationships between parents and teens. I help teens figure out how to express what they need in ways that work, and I coach parents on how to create an environment at home that promotes closeness, openness, and honesty—three words we rarely associate with raising teenagers but ones that are achievable with a regular commitment to try something new. When families can rebuild trust and communicate effectively, they create a space where teens feel supported, heard, and secure. Research suggests that families promoting these dynamics often have teens who are less susceptible to peer pressure and a reduced risk of developing long-term substance abuse issues (Baumrind, 1991; Fuligni & Eccles, 1993). A home built on these values becomes a place teens can turn to for advice and encouragement throughout their adolescent development.

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My Approach

I take a flexible, multi-layered approach to counselling. No two families are the same, and each families needs can vary greatly. Because of this, I don't follow a rigid structure or timeline. Instead, my approach is flexible, adaptive, and tailored to your family's unique circumstances

What you can expect:

• Individual Meetings: I meet with parents and teens separately to understand their unique perspectives, concerns, and goals. These sessions give everyone a chance to speak openly without fear of judgment or interruption. During this time, we work on building key skills for communication and problem-solving that can transform interactions within the home.

• Facilitated Family Sessions:If progress isn’t being felt or if the family would benefit from a shared space to address deeper issues, I will decide to bring everyone together. These group sessions are structured to break down barriers and foster vulnerability, ensuring conversations are both meaningful and productive. If there are any topics someone wishes to keep confidential, I ask that they share this with me in writing beforehand so everyone feels safe and comfortable.

My ultimate goal is to help your family thrive together. Adolescence doesn’t have to be a time of constant struggle—with the right tools and support, it can be an opportunity to grow closer, build trust, and prepare your teen for the challenges of adulthood. Let’s work together to make that happen.

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References:

- Baumrind, D. (1991). "The Influence of Parenting Style on Adolescent Competence and Substance Use." *Journal of Early Adolescence.*
- Fuligni, A. J., & Eccles, J. S. (1993). "Perceived Parent-Child Relationships and Early Adolescents' Orientation Toward Peers." *Developmental Psychology.*