ēma therapy for California moms and future moms….because you deserve to be cared for too!

Therapy for Moms of Teens and Tweens: North County San Diego

Motherhood is Forever! Parenting teenagers can feel like walking a tightrope between connection and conflict. From managing their mood swings and deciphering the latest slang to worrying about online bullying or self-esteem struggles, it’s easy to feel worried and overwhelmed. If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe my teen needs therapy,” it’s worth considering therapy for yourself too. Supporting your teen starts with feeling supported yourself. As the parent of a teenager, especially one who is working toward independence with or without your blessing, you might feel like you’re constantly bracing for the next curveball. I’m here to help you process it all, so you can feel steadier as you navigate this unpredictable stage of your and your child’s life.

What You Might Be Experiencing as a Mom of a Teen or Tween:

Parenting during this stage comes with unique challenges that can leave you feeling anxious and unsure of yourself. Does any of this resonate with you?

  • Constant worry about your teen’s mental health and emotional well-being

  • Struggling to set boundaries while fostering independence

  • Feeling triggered by your teen’s behaviors or emotional outbursts

  • Navigating conversations about identity, sexuality, and relationships

  • Mourning the shift from childhood closeness to teenage independence

  • Questioning your parenting decisions and wondering, “Am I doing enough?”

These feelings are valid and incredibly common. Through therapy, we’ll explore these experiences and equip you with strategies to feel more grounded, confident, and prepared.

Parenting Teens and Tweens is not easy but with support you can find joy in this chapter too!

How Therapy Can Support You as a Mom of a Teen or Tween

Parenting through the teen years isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about learning to approach challenges with calm, clarity, and compassion—for your teen and for yourself. Together, we’ll create a plan tailored to your unique family dynamic, drawing from evidence-based approaches to help you feel supported and empowered.

  • Client-Centered Therapy: You are the expert on your parenting journey. I’ll meet you where you are, offering empathy and guidance as we address the unique challenges of raising a teenager.

  • Somatic Therapy: Parenting stress doesn’t just live in your thoughts—it shows up in your body. Through techniques like breathwork and mindfulness, we’ll help you feel grounded and equipped to handle difficult moments with your teen.

  • Parent Coaching with Child Development Expertise: Understanding what’s typical for teens and tweens can ease the anxiety of parenting this age group. My experience as a school counselor allows me to offer practical strategies for navigating behaviors, setting boundaries, and supporting your teen’s emotional growth. When appropriate, we can also include your teen in sessions to improve communication and connection.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS): Parenting can bring up unresolved feelings or parts of ourselves we didn’t know were there—the critic, the protector, the wounded child. By exploring these parts, we’ll help you approach parenting from a place of self-awareness and balance.

  • TheraPlay: Rebuilding connection with your teen doesn’t have to be all serious conversations. Using playful and engaging techniques, we’ll foster joy, trust, and understanding in your relationship.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Raising a teen is full of tough emotions. Instead of avoiding those feelings, we’ll focus on accepting them and aligning your actions with the values that matter most—like being present and supportive for your child.

What You Can Gain from Therapy

Therapy isn’t about finding a magic fix for your teen’s behavior—it’s about empowering you as a parent and strengthening the bond you share. Here’s what you can expect to gain:

  • A deeper understanding of your teen’s emotional world

  • Tools to manage your own anxiety and approach parenting with clarity

  • Improved communication and connection with your teen

  • Confidence in setting boundaries that work for your family

  • A renewed sense of joy in your parenting journey

Bridging the Gap: Mother-Teen Relationship Support

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping moms and teens connect on a deeper level. You can choose to bring your teen or tween into therapy sessions with you to help bridge the communication gap and foster a stronger connection.

Using a combination of talk therapy, play, and relationship-focused techniques, I create a space where both you and your teen feel seen and heard.

Together, we’ll work to:

  • Heal past wounds and misunderstandings

  • Relearn how to enjoy each other’s company through play and shared experiences

  • Create a safe space for honest, open conversations

My role is to act as a translator between you and your teen, helping each of you express your needs and truly hear one another. Therapy can help rebuild trust and nurture a relationship that feels more connected and meaningful.

Ready to Feel Confident Again as Your Teen Grows?

Parenting teens and tweens is no easy task, but you don’t have to face it alone. Therapy offers a space to ease your anxiety, navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, and rebuild connection with your teen in ways that feel meaningful and lasting.

Book your free 15-minute consultation today, and let’s explore how we can work together to help you feel supported, confident, and ready to tackle whatever comes next.

You’ve got this—and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.