Therapy for Teens in Yorba Linda
I work with teens who feel overwhelmed, shut down, anxious, or stuck between wanting independence and needing support. I provide a place where they can be understood without being pushed to have the right words right away.
What people bring me
Teens often come in when school stress, friend drama, family conflict, or inner pressure starts to take over. Some are anxious and overthinking everything, while others seem numb, restless, or more reactive than usual. Parents may be worried about withdrawal, mood changes, or constant conflict at home. Many teens are carrying a lot and don’t always know how to explain it.
- I’m tired of everyone expecting me to be fine.
- I don’t know how to talk about what I’m feeling.
- I’m stressed all the time and can’t shut it off.
- I just want people to leave me alone.
How I work with it
With teens, I’m often more conversational and less directive than I am with younger children. I pay attention to what’s underneath withdrawal, anger, perfectionism, or shutdown, and I keep the work anchored in real life. Teens may bring in school pressure, family conflict, identity questions, or hard experiences they haven’t wanted to say out loud. I use the approaches that fit their style, whether that means talking, reflecting, or using a more experiential way of working.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- IFS can help teens make sense of mixed feelings and internal conflict. It gives language to the part of them that wants one thing and the part that wants something else.
- Play Therapy
- For some teens, especially those who struggle to talk straight on, creative and experiential work can still be useful. I use whatever helps them express what’s hard to put into words.
- Trauma-Informed Care
- If a teen’s reactions are tied to painful experiences, I keep the work careful and grounded. I pay attention to trust, choice, and what feels manageable in the room.
What the first sessions look like
The first sessions are a chance to get to know the teen in a way that feels respectful and direct. We talk about what’s been getting in the way, what feels most stressful, and what kind of support would actually fit them.
I take teen stress seriously, even when it comes out as silence or irritation.
Questions people ask
Do you do teen therapist work for anxiety and depression too?
Yes, I work with teens around anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. The work is shaped by what they’re carrying and how they show it.
What if my teen doesn’t want therapy?
That’s a common starting point. I focus first on building a relationship and understanding what feels unhelpful or uncomfortable about coming in.
Can you see teens who barely talk?
Yes, I can work with quiet teens. I pay attention to the ways they communicate besides words and build from there.
Do you include parents in teen therapy?
Sometimes, depending on what would be helpful and what the teen needs. I balance their privacy with the family support that may be needed around them.
The practical details
For fees, insurance and current availability, see fees and insurance on Child & Teen Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA's website.
About Child & Teen Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
I work with children, teens, and families who are dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, or family transitions. I see people in person in Yorba Linda and online across California.
Talk it through with Lillian
Tell us what has been going on and we will take it from there.