Mentorship

My work centers on helping teens build self-awareness and understand the patterns that shape their lives. Many teens face challenges like negative self-talk, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed by their heightened sensitivity—a trait that, while sometimes difficult, is also one of their greatest strengths. Together, we explore these patterns, make sense of their experiences, and uncover the core themes that continually influence their lives.

From there, we co-create what I call a “psychological toolkit.” This personalized set of strategies draws on metaphors, archetypes, storytelling, and creative techniques like drawing and visualization. It’s designed to help teens reframe their struggles, approach challenges with self-compassion, and navigate life with a greater sense of agency and clarity.

For example, with a teen who loved fantasy novels, we created a metaphor where she became the heroine of her own story. Daily struggles, like feeling excluded or worrying about a test, transformed into side quests or foes to overcome. By stepping into her role as the heroine, she began to see herself as someone capable of triumphing through these challenges, focusing on her approach and attitude rather than feeling overwhelmed by them.

A psychological toolkit is about building a personal framework that helps teens make sense of their struggles while connecting with their authentic selves. It’s a way for them to work through challenges and align with who they truly are in the process. This equips them to face life’s challenges with strength, clarity, and a renewed sense of courage.

Relationships are essential to a teen’s journey of discovering who they are. Peer connections and friendships have a profound influence on how teens develop their sense of self, yet we often underestimate their impact. Together, we cultivate an inner sense of home while navigating relationships that are healthy, reciprocal, and supportive—connections that allow a teen to stay true to themselves. These are the kinds of relationships that nurture growth, provide a sense of belonging, and foster confidence in who they are becoming.

For friendships, this means learning how to form connections that are mutually supportive. Within the family, it’s about cultivating open communication and trust, so they can honor their individuality while working together in ways that feel authentic and connected. Through these experiences, a teen begins to build a solid foundation for relationships that enrich their life and strengthen their sense of self.

This work is about guiding a teen to explore meaningful questions: What do I need to feel well within myself? What are my needs? By fostering this awareness, they begin to understand the unique combination of care and practices that help them feel grounded, balanced, and whole.

We work to create a gentle, supportive, and realistic routine that nurtures their mind, body, spirit, and heart. Practices like restful sleep, movement, time in nature, and self-care help them discover what supports their overall wellbeing. This process is not just about building habits—it’s about fostering a sense of balance, respect, and self-compassion that becomes the foundation for mental, emotional, and physical resilience. By tuning into their body’s needs, they begin to develop a deeper connection to themselves and their internal sense of home.

Teens who face struggles often feel defeated or discouraged about their direction in life, unsure of their value or path forward. Yet, it’s often these very teens—the rule-breakers, the rebels, the sensitive souls—who hold massive untapped gifts. Together, we’ll explore their interests and passions in ways that feel exciting and inspiring, helping them reimagine what’s possible for their future.

This journey helps them uncover what truly brings them joy and connect with the values and aspirations that matter most, creating a foundation of meaning and purpose. A clear sense of purpose becomes a powerful source of motivation and sustenance, especially during challenging times. By recognizing their unique strengths and contributions, a teen will begin to see their worth, reclaim their sense of direction, and feel empowered to share their gifts and play an important role in the world around them.