Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Anchorage, AK

I like to approach teen therapy with an engaging attitude and a sense of humor to put the teens and their guardians at ease. I use curiosity and empathy to develop a better understanding of their experience and what their relationships are like with others.

I feel it's really important to teach healthy self-esteem and identify negative self-talk and destructive behaviors that might be causing multiple problems. We also learn and practice emotional regulation and healthy boundaries.

I see meaningful progress when the adolescent is more trusting and open during sessions, using objectivity and self-awareness while processing difficult emotions, and asserting themselves appropriately with people who are important to them.

Teens are encouraged to take advantage of the time between therapy sessions to practice new cognitions and behaviors with their family and friends. I like to suggest engaging in reading, journaling, participating in a creative pursuit and a physical pursuit, as well as increasing time with family.

The youth needs to be willing to participate and have a private and quiet space to join the session. They should have access to the technology and be familiar with the platform. Teens can be prepared to answer a wide variety of questions for the assessment, which might not have a lot to do with the primary problem. Also, it's important to know family history and any medications. But overall, they can just take a deep breath and be open and honest about the problems they are experiencing.