Adolescence is a time of constant change and transition. Being able to identify and express feelings related to these transitions can make moving into early adulthood much easier. Having worked with young people from different backgrounds and environments over the last fifteen years, I’ve come to realize the importance of being able to simply connect with a young person and meet them where they are. If an adolescent feels as though they are really being heard and that they are the experts on how they’re feeling, they are more likely to want to share their experience in therapy.

I can remember the confusion, fear, and pressure that is unique to adolescence and how intense it all felt at the cusp of adulthood. As simple as it was, just having someone ask, What is it like? with genuine concern for my experience allowed me to move through the gauntlet with more ease.