A place where young people can be themselves
Psychoanalytic therapy for children ages 8 and up, preteens, and teenagers — a space designed to help young people understand themselves and grow from the inside out.
Children
A playful, curious approach for younger children navigating school, friendships, family dynamics, or big feelings they don't yet have words for.
Preteens
The preteen years bring unique intensity. I offer a space where they can explore identity, social pressure, and emotional experience with someone they can trust.
Teenagers
Adolescence is a profound psychological journey. I work with teens grappling with identity, relationships, anxiety, depression, or the weight of growing up.
Meeting young people where they are
Children and teenagers don't always come to therapy because they want to — and they don't always have the words for what they're experiencing. My approach is adapted to meet each young person where they are, using language and modes of engagement that feel natural to them.
Psychoanalysis recognizes that the feelings and behaviors that bring a young person to therapy are trying to communicate something important. Rather than simply correcting behavior or teaching coping skills, we work to understand what those feelings are saying.
For younger children, this might include play and creative expression. For teens, it often looks like genuine conversation — where they feel heard and not judged. Over time, young people gain self-knowledge and emotional tools they'll carry for the rest of their lives.
I help young people invest in and take the lead in their own therapy — because that's what leads to real outcomes. — Jennifer Coonce, LP
Common concerns I work with
- Anxiety and worry
- Depression and low mood
- School stress and performance
- Social difficulties and peer relationships
- Family changes (divorce, new siblings, loss)
- Identity and self-esteem
- LGBTQ+ questions and identity
- Grief and loss
- Behavioral concerns
- Trauma and adverse experiences
- Eating concerns
- Big life transitions
What to expect when your child starts therapy
Bringing your child to therapy can feel vulnerable. You may wonder what we talk about, how involved you should be, and how you'll know if it's helping. These are exactly the right questions.
In my work with children and teens, I maintain appropriate confidentiality with your young person — because for therapy to be effective, they need to trust that our conversations are private. At the same time, I'm always available to consult with parents, discuss progress, and think together about how to best support your child at home.
The first step is a conversation — often with the parent(s) first, before the child is involved. I'm happy to talk through what you're observing and whether this kind of work seems like the right fit.
Feel free to reach out to set up an initial consultation — there's no obligation, and we can simply talk about whether working together feels like a good fit.
What parents often ask
My child doesn't want to go to therapy. What do I do?
Resistance is normal, and it doesn't necessarily mean therapy isn't needed. Sometimes a low-pressure initial conversation — framed as a chance to meet someone and see how it feels — is enough to open the door. I'm experienced in working with reluctant young people and in helping them find their own motivation for being in therapy.
Will you tell me what my child says in sessions?
Confidentiality is essential for good therapy with young people — they need to know they can speak freely. I keep the content of sessions private, with exceptions for safety (if I have serious concerns about your child's wellbeing, I will involve you). I do communicate with parents about general themes, progress, and how to support the work at home.
How often will my child come to sessions?
Most children and teens begin with weekly sessions. Frequency may increase depending on the nature of the work. Consistency matters enormously, especially early in treatment — the relationship we build is central to how the work unfolds.
Do you work with parents separately?
Yes. Regular parent consultations are part of my approach when working with children and younger teens. We'll find a rhythm that works — checking in periodically, discussing what you're seeing at home, and thinking together about how to best support your child.