Are you worried about your tween or teen’s behavior?

I’m Liz Gray

Tween and Teen Expert, LPC

It’s agonizing to go through a hard time with your teen. Your teen is your kid, your child. As a parent, you worry more than your teen likely knows. That’s why it is so important to have them work with someone who can provide additional guidance without making them feel judged, dismissed, or oppressed. Teens need a therapist who is on their side and they can trust to talk about the hard stuff in their lives. That’s where I come in.

I speak teen.

What makes me really good at therapy with teens? Quite simply, I’m great at connecting with teenagers and making them feel comfortable. How do I do this? I’m not old and stuffy. I talk back and engage. I’m willing to be unorthodox. Sometimes we’ll listen to music or go for a walk. I never just hang out with teens, but I recognize that it sometimes takes different methods to connect with different kids. I’m also never ever fake. I don’t pretend to be cool, know more about music or what’s happening in a teen’s life. I’m willing to laugh at myself and invite teens to do this as well.

Another strength I have in connecting with teens is that I work with a lot of teenagers and have for many years. Teens talk to me a lot in therapy about what they’re dealing with, including depression, anxiety, school, fighting with family, bullying, trauma, preparing for college, grades, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, dating, and more. I’m fluent in and familiar with some of what’s really going on with teens. We have a sort of inside track. Teens talk to me and because of that, I’m more experienced at talking to teens.

I’ll get to know them and encourage them to identify life goals that align with their preferences and values. I strongly believe that teens’ thoughts, feelings, and perspectives matter, and that they can gain important insight when they receive this kind of support.