Children & Adolescents

Supporting Your Child Through Difficult Times

The adolescent years bring a unique set of pressures. School demands, social dynamics, family changes, and the process of figuring out who they are can leave young people feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or withdrawn. As a parent, you may notice changes in your child's mood, behavior, or academic performance and wonder whether what you are seeing is typical adolescence or something that needs attention. Trusting that instinct is important.

I work with children and adolescents ages 12 through 18 who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, behavioral difficulties, family transitions, school stress, and social struggles. My approach is grounded in evidence-based techniques including DBT skills adapted for younger clients, helping them develop practical tools for managing emotions and building resilience.

Working with the Whole Family

Therapy with young people works best when parents are involved. I work with both the child and family to ensure that the progress made in sessions extends into daily life. This may include periodic parent sessions where we discuss your child's growth and address any concerns, family check-ins to strengthen communication at home, and guidance on how to support your child's development between sessions. Keeping parents informed and engaged is central to my approach. At the same time, I respect the therapeutic relationship with your child and create a space where they feel safe to be open about their feelings.

Common Concerns

Families often reach out when they notice persistent worry or nervousness, difficulty managing emotions or behavior, struggles with friendships or social situations, adjustment challenges after a move, divorce, or other family change, declining academic motivation or school avoidance, and increasing conflict between parent and child. You do not need to have a diagnosis to seek support. If something feels off, that is reason enough to explore whether therapy could help.

What to Expect

We begin with a consultation where I speak with the parent or parents to understand your concerns and your child's history. From there, I meet with your teen to build rapport and assess their needs. Sessions are available in person at my Narberth office and via telehealth across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

You May Also Be Interested In

• Couples & family therapy to strengthen communication across the family
• Anxiety & depression therapy for teens and young people struggling with mood
• Ethical college exploration for families navigating the admissions process
• Get in touch to schedule a free consultation

Learn more about Julia's approach to working with children and families.

For information about fees and insurance, visit our FAQ & Private Pay page.