Teens and Tweens

Body Image: I hate my body…or parts of it. I wish I looked like someone else!

Your body continues to change. You might believe you are too short, too tall, too thin, too fat, too light or too dark. You may be hiding the fact that you’re not eating, that you’re taking pills to lose weight, or that you are making yourself sick (by binging and purging). Or, you put yourself down without even realizing it. We can break this cycle and your fear of getting fat. I understand how hard this is for you and would like to help.


Bullying: They won’t leave me alone no matter what I’ve tried!

You may have been told: Just ignore them and they’ll leave you alone. Don’t stoop to their level by saying anything. That’s just how kids are. I went through that when I was your age. Kids just grow out of it. Tell your teacher, principal, etc.

You may not know it, but, you have the right to go to school and not be teased, bullied, gossiped about, or harassed in any manner. Schools are required by law to help. I will teach you and your parents your rights, while I help you heal from the hurt. We’ll work together to see that it stops.


Fitting in: I feel so much pressure at home, school, and everywhere else in between.

It’s hard to feel good about yourself when there is so much pressure to fit in. There’s the pressures of always looking good and wearing the coolest, hippest clothes (that your parents might not want you to buy). Some teens are too embarrassed to start school if they aren’t wearing the hottest brand of clothing. Talk about pressure! And then there’s the stress of what crowd to be in, figuring out who is really a friend, how to handle being excluded….or….getting too much, unwanted attention.

Another pressure is if you used to feel good about being smart and creative, but don’t want to be called a dork or a brain, so you stay quiet or joke. I have felt this way and believe I can help.


Giftedness - sometimes I just want to be like everyone else.
  • Have you been evaluated as or told you are a gifted individual?
  • Do you frequently feel "different" and compare yourself to others?
  • Are you sensitive? Do you feel things deeply?
  • Have you begun to hide your talents or knowledge?
  • Have you stopped seeing friends or spend more time alone because you feel different?

I know that people with giftedness and a high level of sensitivity are rarely given the unique attention they need in their formative years. Most schools place gifted individuals in academically challenging classes but tend to neglect the students' need for verbal and written expression.

If you are gifted, creative or highly sensitive, and feel bad about yourself or distant from others, I think I can help you. In addition to my clinical experience, education, and training, I bring a special unerstanding to this area, as I, too, was a gifted and highly sensitive child. Talk to your parents. They can call me at (909) 260-2736. With your parent’s permission, we can work together in therapy to help you find your way, like yourself just as you are, and feel proud of yourself as you get back on track.