Teen CounselinG & Parent SupporT

for an Easier ADOLESCENT JOURNEY 

Dear Parent/Guardian:

The transition-filled preteen/teenage years bring forth moments of challenge and anxiety, confusion and worry for caregivers.  In these pivotal developmental years your pre teen/teenager is growing a unique identity and individuating from family while prioritizing peers.  It is common for communication to break down, power struggles to ensue and for your child to push back or ignore your advice. 

Over the past ten years I have supported young people ages 9+ from a diversity of backgrounds to navigate common adolescent issues such as social anxiety, body image / low self-esteem, and managing stress (see below for a complete list).  As a California Licensed Psychotherapist, I bring my expertise in evidence-based practices and trauma-informed interventions to the supportive relationship I will build with your teen to help them succeed and thrive. 

My therapeutic style is warm, friendly and empowering for young people and adults alike.  While maintaining confidentiality, I include parents / guardians in the treatment process, sometimes meeting with you to practice tools of effective communication and manage parenting stress.   My goal is to help teens and families improve their relationship so that your child can grow to be happy, confident and resilient.

Please contact me with questions, and we will determine if I am be a good fit for your family and pre-teen / teen.            In support,  Jackie

Dear Teen:

It’s nice to e-meet you! I’m a former teenager (now therapist and school counselor) and I know how tough adolescence can be. Believe it or not, you’re not alone. I first met with a counselor when I didn’t feel I could talk to anyone else about feeling sad, overwhelmed, stressed and confused --- and she made me smile and helped me feel OK.

I am a good listener and I want to hear from your point of view what’s going on in your life. Fed up with social media? Got questions that you’re nervous about asking? Feel like the adults in your life care but don’t know how to listen or can’t possibly understand what you’re going through?!

No matter what you're facing, we can think together about how to make things better.  I can help you talk to others when you feel overwhelmed, worried or embarrassed and support you with your family to work through disagreements and challenges.

Therapy looks like us talking, drawing, playing a game, sharing a snack or a cup of tea in a private, safe and confidential space. Sometimes we might laugh about memes and sometimes we might cry about the worst things that have happened in your life --- having someone to help you get through the hard times can make all the difference.  In the end, it’s about you feeling better about your awesome self.

Jackie (AKA “TJ”: Therapist Jackie)

Common issues addressED:

  • Social Anxiety

  • Social Isolation

  • Self-Esteem

  • Body Image

  • Tech Usage / Social Media Usage

  • Depression

  • Emotional Dysregulation

  • Stress Management / Perfectionism

  • Trauma

  • Bullying / Victim of Bullying

  • Grief / Loss

  • Moving to a New Home / School

  • Parent Separation / Divorce

  • Gender Exploration

  • Dating / Relationships

Counseling EXPERIENCE: 

  • San Francisco Day School: Upper School Counselor

  • ROOTS International Middle School: Middle School Counselor

  • San Francisco University High School: Freshmen Advisor & Assistant Director of Community

  • KIPP Bay Academy: 7th-8th Advisor, Life Orientation Program

EDUCATION:

  • California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT #94795)

  • MA Counseling Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies

  • BA Philosophy, Haverford College

 

Speaking Engagements: 

"Self-Compassion in Parenting" (Practice San Francisco, October 23, 2018)

"The Restorative Justice for Conflict Resolution" (Heart In Balance Counseling Center, Oakland, July 24, 2018)

 "Perfectionism and Presence in Parenting" (Practice San Francisco, January 22, 2018) 

"What happened..and how do you make it right? Using Restorative Justice to Support Diversity" (People of Color Conference in Anaheim, December 1, 2017)

"Coming Back to Center--Nervous System Regulation for Counselors" (Archdiocese Counselors Group of San Francisco, October 17, 2017)

Favorite Parenting Books:

  • How to Stay Connected To Your Teenager by Michael Riera

  • Yardsticks by Chip Wood

  • Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Dan Siegel, PhD

  • Whole Brain Child by Dan Siegel, PhD

Other Resources for Parents: