Therapy and Counseling in Santa Cruz

Stacy O’Leary

Call me at (831) 419-2019 or email stacy@stacyoleary.com

 
 

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Counseling with Teenagers

Problems often come up as teenagers try to figure out who they are and how to become independent adults.  Sometimes, counseling is needed to help resolve these difficulties.

I am a licensed counselor in Santa Cruz, California.

My Approach to Therapy/Counseling
I am collaborative, active, compassionate, and caring.  I provide a nonjudgmental and non-blaming atmosphere, which can help teenagers feel more comfortable discussing difficult issues.

With any person or any family, there are both strengths and difficulties.  While it is important to acknowledge the areas of difficulty, it is equally important to look at your strengths.  Sometimes when people are in the middle of difficult situations, they have a hard time seeing their strengths and resources.  Together in therapy, we look at what you want to change and what your options are, as well as exploring and building from current strengths.

I personalize my approach with each person.  Sometimes, teenagers prefer to do only counseling (or conventional talk therapy).  Other times, teenagers find it easier to talk and process issues while also doing artwork, sandtray, or some other activity.

I provide both individual therapy and family therapy.  We can discuss your needs and decide what makes the most sense in your situation.

When anyone in the family suffers, the whole family suffers.  It is very painful to see your child, or anyone in your family, struggling with a difficult issue.  With individual therapy, my approach is to involve the parents or guardians as much as possible, while still maintaining the confidentiality of the teen’s therapy.  It is essential that teenagers have a sense of control and confidentiality in therapy.

For more information about me, please visit my home page.

What Issues Bring Teenagers into Therapy?
Teenagers come to therapy for a variety of reasons, including the following goals:

  1. •Increasing self-esteem and self-confidence

  2. •Healing from past trauma

  3. •Recovering from substance abuse

  4. •Grieving the death of a family member

  5. •Healing from depression or anxiety

  6. •Transitioning to high school

  7. •Transitioning to college/independence

  8. •Resolving school problems

  9. •Finding better ways to express emotions

  10. •Resolving shyness or social difficulties

  11. •Learning ways to reduce and cope with stress

Regardless of the issue, there is help.  You (and your child) are not alone.

Therapy License Information
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT or MFT) (formerly called Licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor).  LMFTs work with children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families.

Therapy Office in Santa Cruz
My office is in Santa Cruz, California at the intersection of Soquel Ave. and Branciforte Ave., above The Buttery bakery and cafe.

704 Soquel Ave., Suite C
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Directions to my Santa Cruz office


I offer a free phone consultation to give you a chance to ask questions, better understand how I work, and decide if we are a good fit.

To schedule an appointment or ask questions, you can call me at (831) 419-2019 or email me at stacy@stacyoleary.com.





704 Soquel Ave., Suite C, Santa Cruz, CA 95062  ~  (831) 419-2019  ~  stacy@stacyoleary.com

Home     Benefits of Therapy     My Approach to Therapy     Directions/Santa Cruz Office




© Stacy O’Leary 2004-2011

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Teen therapy and counseling in Santa Cruz, serving Soquel, Aptos, Capitola, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Santa Cruz / Santa Clara / Monterey Counties.  Helping children, teenagers, and adults with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, and self-esteem.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.