Photo of Michelle Pesca, Psychologist in 11716, NY
Michelle Pesca
Psychologist, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bohemia, NY 11716
As a licensed psychologist and BCBA, I work with my clients to identify their values and create meaningful and sustainable behavioral change. Whether you are struggling with your own personal growth or you have a child who is struggling, we will work together to identify common triggers, break unproductive response patterns, and build flexibility and resilience to help you take action toward your goals. I work with children, teens, and adults in the areas of anxiety and stress management, executive functioning, parent coaching and training, and challenging behavior.
As a licensed psychologist and BCBA, I work with my clients to identify their values and create meaningful and sustainable behavioral change. Whether you are struggling with your own personal growth or you have a child who is struggling, we will work together to identify common triggers, break unproductive response patterns, and build flexibility and resilience to help you take action toward your goals. I work with children, teens, and adults in the areas of anxiety and stress management, executive functioning, parent coaching and training, and challenging behavior.
(631) 489-8686 View (631) 489-8686
Photo of Donna Thiele, Psychologist in 11716, NY
Donna Thiele
Psychologist, PsyD, BCBA-D, LBA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bohemia, NY 11716
You have a unique purpose and carry unique values. But lately, you have found it difficult to find your path and reach your goals. You feel "stuck". I can help you identify the values that are important to you and give you the skills you need to reach those goals. I work with clients who have anxiety, social adjustment issues, difficulty being "flexible", and caregivers who are struggling to support those with disabilities and behavioral challenges. I make therapy an active, rewarding choice for every person so that he or she feels safe, supported, and confident in his or her decisions.
You have a unique purpose and carry unique values. But lately, you have found it difficult to find your path and reach your goals. You feel "stuck". I can help you identify the values that are important to you and give you the skills you need to reach those goals. I work with clients who have anxiety, social adjustment issues, difficulty being "flexible", and caregivers who are struggling to support those with disabilities and behavioral challenges. I make therapy an active, rewarding choice for every person so that he or she feels safe, supported, and confident in his or her decisions.
(631) 830-6597 View (631) 830-6597

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Teen Therapists

What does therapy for teenagers look like?

When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.

How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?

There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.

How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?

It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.

How do you prepare teens for therapy?

You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.