High School

Many mixed feelings! So much excitement and uncertainty— more freedom, bigger choices, and real challenges.

Teen years bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty—more freedom, bigger choices, and real challenges. Friendships shift, academic pressures mount, and decisions about the future feel overwhelming. At the same time, family relationships often become strained. Parents may feel shut out, and sibling dynamics can shift as teens assert independence. Navigating these changes while maintaining strong family connections is key—healthy family relationships built now set the foundation for lifelong support and connection.

Common challenges for high schoolers

  • Managing stress and anxiety – Navigating academic pressure, social challenges, and the uncertainty of the future.

  • Building confidence in decision-making – Learning to trust themselves, handle peer pressure, and make choices that align with their values.

  • Strengthening family relationships – Improving communication with parents, reducing conflict, and managing sibling dynamics.

  • Developing emotional regulation skills – Learning to handle frustration, setbacks, and disappointment without shutting down.

  • Creating healthy social relationships – Setting boundaries, managing friendships, and building meaningful connections.

  • Navigating the college application process – Managing stress, decision-making, and the emotional ups and downs of acceptances and rejections.

  • Finding motivation and balance – Learning how to stay on top of responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed or burned out.

Common therapy goals

I provide a space where teens can talk openly without judgment, helping them process challenges and build confidence in themselves. I teach practical strategies for handling stress, friendships, and life’s pressures while also helping them strengthen their relationships with family. Whether it’s improving communication with parents, working through sibling conflicts, or preparing for big transitions, therapy helps teens build the foundation for strong, lasting connections at home and beyond.

How I work with high schoolers

Parenting a teen can be tricky—just as they push for independence, they still very much need guidance. I help parents strike the right balance: providing support while allowing their teen to develop autonomy. We’ll work on improving communication, setting boundaries that make sense, and navigating common challenges like sibling conflicts or shifting family dynamics. The goal is to strengthen the parent-teen relationship now so it remains solid into adulthood.

How I help parents

  1. Intake: I meet with parents and the teen to understand concerns, goals, and family dynamics. Then, I meet with the teen and parents separately to hear their perspectives.

  2. Gathering Context: If relevant, I connect with important third parties (psychiatrists, teachers, etc.) and review any available evaluations.

  3. Setting Goals: Together, we create a plan tailored to the teen’s needs—whether that’s anxiety management, motivation, family relationships, or preparing for college.

  4. Teen Sessions: One-on-one time to build trust, teach coping skills, and tackle real-life challenges.

  5. Parent Sessions: Coaching on how to best support your teen while maintaining a strong, evolving relationship. We also address common parenting struggles, including differences in parenting styles.

  6. Family Sessions: When needed, we bring everyone together to work on communication, conflict resolution, and strengthening family relationships.

  7. Ongoing Support: Between sessions, I’m available for check-ins to adjust strategies as needed, making sure progress continues.

What it looks like if we work together

Send me a note

mercedes.oromendia.phd@gmail.com
(818) 860-2864