For the Teens Carrying More Than They Let On
Most of the time, what's happening on the outside is only a small part of what's going on underneath.
Together, we'll explore the emotions beneath the surface, build confidence and coping skills, and help your teen feel more understood… both by themselves and the people around them.
You don’t have to navigate this alone
I’m so glad you’re here! I love my teens!!
Sometimes teens don't always know how to put what they're experiencing into words… but it shows up in their emotions, relationships, school, or the way they cope.
You might notice things like:
Big emotions that feel difficult to manage
Difficulty communicating or expressing how they feel
Withdrawing from family or friends
Past experiences that continue to affect them today
Nightmares or trouble sleeping
Low self-esteem or difficulty feeling "good enough"
Feeling unmotivated or emotionally drained
Changes in mood or not seeming like themselves
Perfectionism or being incredibly hard on themselves
Friendship struggles, peer conflict, or bullying
Stress around school, grades, or the future
In Person & Virtual Therapy
Every teen is different, but many really thrive with in-person therapy. For teens especially, I find it’s extra meaningful to have a space that's just for them, away from distractions, where they can slow down, open up, play a game, eat some candy, and feel fully present.
That said, some teens genuinely feel more comfortable meeting from home, and telehealth can be a great fit depending on their personality, schedule, and needs. I always encourage families to consider what will help their teen the most, because they're often the best judge of what allows them to show up as themselves.
Whether we meet in person or online, the goal is the same: creating a space where your teen feels safe, understood, and free to be exactly who they are. Comfy clothes, a favorite drink, a cozy blanket, or whatever helps them feel the most comfy is always welcome ❤︎
Parent Involvement
Therapy is your teen’s space… a place where they can feel heard, understood, and supported as they navigate their own thoughts, emotions, and experiences. At the same time, healing rarely happens in isolation. Because relationships play such an important role in a teen’s emotional development, I believe caregivers can be an extremely meaningful part of the therapeutic process.
My approach is rooted in attachment, which means I often include parents and caregivers through brief check-ins, collaboration, and, when beneficial, dedicated parent connection sessions focused on better understanding your teen’s emotional needs and strengthening your relationship. These conversations aren’t about putting your teen “under a microscope” or sharing everything they discuss in therapy, but about helping you feel more connected, confident, and equipped to support them.
I also deeply value your teen’s growing independence and autonomy. I will always consider their comfort, trust, and feelings around parent involvement while maintaining appropriate boundaries that allow therapy to remain a safe space. Together, we’ll find a balance that honors your teen’s voice while strengthening the relationships that support their healing.
What Guides Our Work Together
There’s no such things as a one-size-fits-all approach here. I’ll pull from different approaches depending on what you need in the moment. At the core of it all, the work is about helping you feel safe, attuned, and more connected to yourself and your world.
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Helps you understand your patterns, reconnect with your needs, and build a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
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EMDR
Helps your brain “unstick” hard or scary memories so they don’t feel so upsetting anymore. It helps your brain file them away in a safer, calmer way so they don’t impact you negatively today.
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Somatic Therapy
Focuses on the mind-body connection, using body awareness and gentle practices to help release stress, regulate your nervous system, and support healing.
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Mindfulness Techniques
Simple ways of helping you slow down and notice what’s happening in the present moment, your thoughts, feelings, and body, without judging it.
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CBT
Helps you notice how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. It supports you in gently shifting unhelpful thought patterns so you can feel and respond in a more balanced way.
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DBT
Teaches practical skills to help you manage big emotions, cope with stress, and improve relationships.
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15 minute consultation call Free!
30 minute parent connection session $100
50 minute parent connection session $165
50 minute individual session $165
I’m an out-of-network provider, which means I don’t bill insurance directly. I’m happy to provide a superbill (receipt of sessions) you can submit for possible reimbursement. I always recommend checking your out-of-network benefits so you know what your plan might cover!
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I see children ages 3 and up, as well as teens and adults.
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The first session is a chance to get to know your child and family, understand what’s been going on, and talk through what your teen and family are hoping will feel different.
From there, we’ll start shaping a plan together that feels supportive and aligned with your teen’s needs. I’ll always meet your family where you are.
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No two sessions look the same, because no one shows up the same way every day.
Some days we’re working through what’s feeling heavy in real time, other days we’re building insight, processing experiences, or learning practical tools for emotional regulation and grounding.
When it’s helpful, parent involvement is part of the process too. I collaborate with parents through brief check-ins, parent-child work, and dedicated parent connection sessions when there is more to explore. These sessions focus on strengthening attachment, improving attunement, and helping you better understand what your teen’s emotions and behaviors may be communicating. Together, we’ll work toward creating a home environment that feels more connected, supportive, and attuned.
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My office is located in Gilbert at:
4365 E. Pecos Rd.
Building 8, Suite 119
Gilbert, AZ 85295
I also offer telehealth sessions, whatever makes you feel the most comfy.
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Click HERE to reach out and schedule your first session or consultation call! I am so excited to meet you and truly honored to be able to support you. Talk to you soon!!
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If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 for 24/7 support from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
For urgent mental health support that does not require an emergency room visit, you can also contact MIND 24/7, a walk-in mental health urgent care that provides support from mental health professionals for children, teens, and adults. In Arizona, they have a Mesa location and Phoenix location. You can call or text the Mesa location at 1-844-646-3247.
If you are in a moment that feels unbearable, please know that you do not have to face it alone. Your life matters, your presence matters, and even when things feel incredibly heavy, support is available.
If you are able to stay safe but are feeling overwhelmed, consider reaching out to someone you trust or someone who can simply be with you through this moment. Sometimes we need support to help us carry the things that feel too heavy to hold on our own. You deserve care, compassion, and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Every teen has a story underneath the behaviors we see. When we approach that story with curiosity instead of judgment, we create the safety needed for healing, connection, and growth.”
- Kiara Parker, forever believing every teen deserves to feel seen, heard, and understood
Ready to take the first step?
I'd love to connect, answer your questions, and learn more about what brings your family here. Let's schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're the right fit!