Teen Issues

At Newport Academy, we believe that true transformation occurs as our teens learn to see themselves as beautiful, bright, and powerful people who can take control of their own lives. In order to help our patients achieve that goal, we maintain the highest possible standards for our services, and commission third-party evaluations of our programming. By consistently gathering and analyzing data related to our outcomes, we’re able to make more strategic and tailored decisions for our patients.

Adolescents face many challenges, as their bodies and minds transition into young adulthood. The pressures and challenges that today's teens face are complex, ever-present, confusing, and more intense than ever before. With social media now being an integral part of daily life, I work to support teens to identify and uphold healthy boundaries and realistic expectations as they navigate social pressures.

Your teen isn't always going to feel comfortable approaching you with hard topics. A lot of my clients discuss their discovery of sex or drugs with me whenever rapport is built, and I always want to foster open communication and trust regarding those topics. I always tell my clients that I wasn't their age too long ago and want to explore the reasons why they do things that we often view as dangerous or irresponsible.

Children go through changes in their moods and behaviors as they grow. Some of these changes are predictable. They can be challenging, but most are normal parts of child development. Mental health is an important part of overall health for children as well as adults. For a young person with symptoms of a mental disorder, the earlier treatment is started, the more effective it can be. Early treatment can help prevent more severe, lasting problems as a child grows up.

Kristen works with adolescent and young adults on issues of peer pressure, identity, self image, self worth, transitions, and work/ school stressors.

ADHD Anger Anxiety Conflict Decision Making Depression Grief Impulsivity Motivation Parenting/Discipline Self-Esteem Stress

Young people idealize this period of adolescence time life in which they focus on the positive developments that occur during this period. Unfortunately, teens face significant issues that can throw them off-course. These issues include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and a variety of other significant challenges. Family background and family cultures can shape the ways in which teens face situations, but it’s almost impossible to protect a teen from risks to their well-being.

I address the various developmental, emotional, and social challenges faced by teenagers, as well as effective therapeutic approaches tailored to their needs. My therapeutic understanding encompasses topics like identity formation, peer relationships, and mental health issues common in adolescence. I can provide insights into evidence-based techniques, communication strategies, and ways to create a supportive therapeutic environment for teens.

I have spent some time working in school settings and the dependency system helping adolescent navigate familial struggles as well as stage of life struggles. Some of these struggles include academic pressures and expectations that may be face at school. Being an adolescent can be difficult as others are navigating self identity while feeling pressured by others to meet certain standards.Together we can work on conflict resolution and self esteem to help adolescents find their identity.

Adolescents face many challenges, as their bodies and minds transition into young adulthood. The pressures and challenges that today's teens face are complex, ever-present, and more intense than ever before. With social media now being an integral part of daily life, I work to support teens to identify and uphold healthy boundaries and realistic expectations as they navigate social pressures.

I have extensive experience working with teens for over 12 years now and enjoy it the most. Many of my clients have told me that I am one of the only therapists they have felt comfortable with. I pride myself on being able to have my clients feel heard while giving them feedback and skills that can seriously help them with what they are dealing with.

Help teens figure out the best way to identify and express how they are feeling. Share better communication techniques so teens and their families can begin to understand each other honestly. Allow teens to have a space to share their thoughts without being judged.

Since I was a trainee in my Master's program in the 1990s, my heart has been working with adolescent girls (ages 13-19). During that time I have also raised two amazing daughters and still love this population!

I have 11 years working with teens and their families, and find passion working with this group of individuals. Helping teens improve self-awareness and self worth is a large goal of mine in the therapy space. Sometimes teens just need a safe space to feel heard, other times we are addressing bigger challenges, either way, I am to help them feel safe, while also making sure parents are included (as appropriate) and are provided with tools as well.

Our practice offers 1-1 therapy (using various treatment modalities) and DBT groups for teens ranging in age from 12-18. We have several excellent teen clinicians on staff with current availability both in person and on-line. Our DBT groups are held weekly for 80 min and these are held in person.

I have had over 11 years of experience in various roles working with adolescents. During the course of my experience I have aided many pre-teens, teens, and college aged people with various struggles such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal thoughts / acts, family conflict, abuse, eating disorders, identity formation, sexual identity formation, school stress, violent outbursts, and many more. I have also engaged in trainings and workshops surrounding these struggles for adolescents.

Not only did I struggle at a teenager growing up here in the USA, but I have 3 years experience working with adolescents and their parents to help young people feel more confident about themselves, improve performance levels at school, and develop meaningful goals. Working with adolescents is one of my favorite groups of people to work with.

In teen therapy, I create a safe, non-judgmental space for teens to explore their feelings, challenges, and identities. I assist teens in dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, peer pressure, and self-esteem by promoting self-awareness and emotional resilience. I help teens understand their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and build stronger relationships. Together, we work towards creating a more balanced, confident, and empowered self.

Being a teen is HARD. Period. There are so many different issues that can pop up throughout these vital years and sometimes we just need to talk about it with someone, figure out what the next steps are, and start to move forward!