Adolescent & Young Adult Therapy · Newington, CT
Therapy for teens that treats them like people, not problems.
Sarah has spent more than 15 years working with adolescents and young adults in therapeutic day schools, public schools and private practice. She is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified school social worker in Connecticut, which means she understands not just what a teen is feeling, but what is happening around them at school and at home.
Does this resonate?
This may be right for you if…
- Your teen is anxious, withdrawn, irritable, or refusing school.
- Something happened, and they have not been the same since.
- Behavior at home or school is escalating and nothing seems to help.
- ADHD, executive functioning, or learning differences are adding stress.
- You are a young adult trying to figure out who you are after a hard few years.
Who Sarah works with
Adolescents (roughly 12 and up), high-schoolers, college students and young adults dealing with anxiety and panic, depression, trauma and PTSD, behavioral and emotional regulation difficulties, ADHD and executive functioning challenges, school refusal and school concerns, bullying and peer problems, grief, family conflict, autism spectrum differences, self-esteem, and major transitions like moving, graduating, or leaving home.
Sarah also has extensive experience assessing and treating young people with significant psychiatric concerns and learning challenges, and she offers consultation for educational and social-emotional needs, including helping families understand what supports to ask for at school.
Why a school social worker background matters
Many teens are referred to therapy because of what they are doing: shutting down in class, refusing to go, blowing up at home, failing despite being smart. Sarah's years inside Connecticut schools taught her that behavior is communication, and that a remarkable amount of what looks like defiance or laziness is actually anxiety, trauma, or a nervous system that is overwhelmed.
That perspective, combined with her training in how trauma affects the developing brain, lets her find the real issue quickly and treat it with the same brain-based approaches (EMDR, Brainspotting, ART) that work so well for adults, adapted for young people. Because teens' brains are still developing, they often respond to these therapies remarkably fast.
What teens (and parents) can expect
Sarah is warm, direct and genuinely funny, and teens tend to relax quickly with her. Sessions are collaborative: she does not lecture, and she does not report every word back to parents. Confidentiality is explained clearly to both teen and parent at the start, along with the safety exceptions.
Parents are partners in the process. You will get a clear sense of the plan, practical guidance for home, and regular check-ins, while your teen gets a space that is truly theirs.
Student-athletes and performance
Sarah also works with student-athletes and young performers who are dealing with performance anxiety, a slump, or the mental aftermath of an injury. Brainspotting in particular is widely used in sports performance and can be delivered in weekly sessions or as a focused intensive.
The process
What to expect
- 01
Parent consultation
A free phone call to hear your concerns, explain how Sarah works, and decide whether it is a fit.
- 02
Getting to know your teen
The first sessions are about connection and understanding, on the teen's terms, so they actually want to come back.
- 03
Treatment
A tailored blend of skills, brain-based therapy, and family guidance depending on what is really going on.
- 04
Coordination
When helpful, and with consent, Sarah can coordinate with schools, pediatricians, and other providers.
Common questions
Teen & Young Adult Therapy FAQ
Still wondering about something? See all FAQs or reach out directly.
What ages do you work with?
Primarily adolescents from about 12 up through young adults in their 20s, plus adults. Reach out to discuss a younger child; Sarah can help determine fit or point you to the right resource.
Will you tell me what my teen says in session?
Sarah keeps teens' sessions confidential so they can be honest, with clear exceptions for safety. Parents receive regular updates on progress and practical guidance.
My teen does not want to go to therapy. Will this work?
Reluctance is normal. Sarah is skilled at building trust with teens who did not choose to be there, and most warm up within a few sessions.
Can you help with school issues and 504/IEP questions?
Yes. As a certified school social worker, Sarah offers consultation on educational and social-emotional needs and can help families understand and advocate for appropriate supports.
Do you accept HUSKY for adolescent therapy?
Yes. Sarah accepts HUSKY Health / Medicaid as well as most major commercial plans.
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Ready when you are
Take the first step on your journey of healing.
Reach out for a free consultation. Sarah will listen, answer your questions, and help you decide whether working together is the right fit.