Adolescence is a time when teens experience a leap in brain development which can have quite an impact on their behaviors and attitudes. This generation also brings different challenges than previous ones. The various electronic devices available for communication and recreation brings advantages but also disadvantages and the potential to inhibit teenagers’ normal social development. Adolescents’ sleep systems are also impacted as they are often noticeably shifting from their regular schedule to staying up later at night and sleeping in later whenever they get the opportunity. Overall, the teenage years are often a time of stress, high sensitivity, and involvement in the “self” which requires our support and understanding to help navigate.

Adolescence can be a difficult time for many teens as they adjust to new experiences, challenges, decisions, competitive behavior, peer confrontations, and a variety of mixed feelings that are all part of their developmental tasks. This stage of life can also be challenging for the parents as they learn how to deal with some of the complexities that are involved in raising a teenager! Support for both of you is available. It makes sense therefore that much of Nicole’s work involves times when parents and teenagers come together in therapy to improve communication and most importantly understanding. This is only successful however, when both parties agree to be involved.

Most adolescents are comfortable with talking as the means of communicating in therapy. However, if an adolescent is more withdrawn and has difficulty sharing through conversation, there are other creative approaches and interventions that may be a more suitable fit.

Nicole’s practices include various art therapy and age appropriate therapeutic games that help adolescents express and explore concerns and face obstacles. Whether the focus is talk therapy or creative approaches, teens are supported in working through complex issues or smaller concerns that they want to explore with someone other than a parent or family member.