Therapists in 95112
Peter Shum
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95112
Waitlist for new clients
Our world today is full of challenges. Many stressors in life knock us off balance, and we feel overwhelmed, distressed, sometimes angry, sad and lonely. But you do not need to face the challenges alone. I am passionate to help people regain the balance by being more attuned to themselves - their identities, emotions, and physical needs. I work collaboratively with my clients to explore and identify ways to meet their goals, and provide tools and interventions as fitting. Most importantly, I walk alongside them in their journey to attain health and growth.
Our world today is full of challenges. Many stressors in life knock us off balance, and we feel overwhelmed, distressed, sometimes angry, sad and lonely. But you do not need to face the challenges alone. I am passionate to help people regain the balance by being more attuned to themselves - their identities, emotions, and physical needs. I work collaboratively with my clients to explore and identify ways to meet their goals, and provide tools and interventions as fitting. Most importantly, I walk alongside them in their journey to attain health and growth.
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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.