Teen Therapy Berkeley
Supportive Teen Therapy in Berkeley to Help Your Family Reconnect.
Feeling Like You're Constantly Arguing with Your Teen?
“I’m going to explode…”
That’s what one teen shared during a first session. And maybe your teen feels the same—overwhelmed by school, pressure, and the expectation that they should just “hold it all together.”
You’re seeing the anxiety play out at home as anger or shutdowns. You’ve tried to stay calm. You’ve tried to reach them. But it feels like nothing works.
Whether you’re the parent feeling helpless, or the teen who’s just done being misunderstood—you’re in the right place. Teen therapy can help both of you begin to breathe again.
When Big Emotions Feel Too Big to Handle
Teen years are tough. They're full of rapid change, mounting expectations, and confusing emotions. It’s a time of transition—but instead of a smooth ride, it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved.
Teens I work with often describe feeling:
Like their parents don’t get it—even when they try to explain
Constant pressure to perform, succeed, and “not mess up”
Intense anxiety about friends, teachers, grades, and the future
Unsure how to express what they’re feeling without things blowing up
And parents? You might feel like you’re walking on eggshells—trying so hard to stay connected, only to be pushed away, again and again.
It’s exhausting. And it’s painful. But it can get better.
Therapy for Teens in Berkeley That Builds Understanding (Not Just Compliance)
I specialize in working with teens and their families—helping each person feel seen, heard, and respected.
Using a thoughtful blend of:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to help teens understand and manage thoughts and emotions
Attachment-based therapy to explore how trust and connection are formed
Structural Family Therapy to improve communication patterns and strengthen the family system
I support teens in finding their voice, and parents in truly understanding what their child is trying to say—beneath the yelling, eye rolls, or silence.
What Happens in Teen Therapy?
Whether your teen is open to therapy or coming in reluctantly, we’ll start by building trust—without judgment.
Together, we work on:
Naming emotions without fear of getting in trouble
Identifying the real stressors under the surface (not just what triggered the latest argument)
Finding ways to express needs clearly and calmly
Practicing healthy coping strategies for anxiety, overwhelm, or self-doubt
Reconnecting with family and building (or rebuilding) mutual respect
I also meet with parents intermittently —not to report on what their teen is saying in therapy— but to offer psychoeducation about what your teen may be going through developmentally and emotionally. These check-ins are a chance to explore how shifts at home might support your teen's well-being and improve connection. While I maintain your teen’s confidentiality to preserve their trust, I work to ensure parents feel supported and included in the process.
Why Work with Me?
With over 15 years of experience, I’ve supported teens and their families through just about every challenge imaginable. You don’t have to keep repeating the same cycles. With the right support, your family can move from stuck and shut-down to connected and calm. My approach is honest, warm, and tailored to each family’s unique needs.
If your teen is struggling—or if your whole household is overwhelmed—it’s time to take the first step.
Let’s Talk
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s have a free 15-minute phone consultation where we can talk more about what’s going on and see if we’re a good fit. Call me at 510.519.1779 or click the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
of Teen Therapists in Berkeley
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Yes—with a few exceptions for safety. Confidentiality is important to building a trusting relationship with the teen. I’ll always explain confidentiality clearly to both teen and parent in the first session.
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Yes. While I do not share what I talk about in session, it is important to me that parents understand how they can support their teen. I do this by providing psychoeducation and exploring strategies that could be helpful in shifting family dynamics. I am open with the teen about what I will discuss when meeting with their parents.
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I prefer to meet with teens in person. However, I am open to holding online sessions if that is what works best for the family. I will check-in after a few online sessions to see if meeting virtually is effective.
