Perfectionism can leave teens feeling like they always have to do more, get it right, or live up to high expectations. It may show up as fear of failure, self-criticism, overthinking, procrastination, or feeling overwhelmed when things don’t go as planned.
For teens with Anxiety or ADHD, these challenges can feel even more intense. Anxiety may create a constant need to get things “just right,” while ADHD can make organization, time management, and follow-through more difficult, often leading to frustration, self-doubt, or feeling like they’re not meeting their potential.
Rejection, criticism, embarrassment, or feeling left out can trigger emotions that feel incredibly intense. A small comment or perceived disappointment may lead to strong feelings of hurt, shame, anger, or anxiety. Counseling can help teens understand these reactions, recognize when their emotions are being amplified, and develop skills to manage big feelings, challenge negative thoughts, and respond with greater confidence and self-compassion.
How I can help:
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I work with teens to challenge the thought patterns behind perfectionism. This might include:
-Learning to set realistic goals.
-Developing self-compassion.
-Letting go of the fear of making mistakes.
-Learning how to communicate their needs.
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Teens sometimes face social anxiety, academic stress, fear of failure, or general anxiety about their future. My approach to reducing anxiety in teens might include:
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help manage big emotions, cope with stress, and develop practical skills for handling difficult situations with greater balance and confidence.
Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT) to learn to handle difficult thoughts and emotions without letting them take over, while building skills to make choices that reflect what matters most to them.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for identifying and managing anxious thoughts.
Coping and regulation strategies to reduce panic or overwhelm
Executive functioning strategies and support
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I will help your teen build confidence and reduce the impact of perfectionism, anxiety and ADHD in their daily life. We will develop coping skills and strategies they can use on a daily basis to deal with stress and overwhelm.