Adolescent Therapy & Parent Consultation
While I have been seeing teens and their families for the past twenty years, I have also been teaching and training psychiatric residents on the subject of adolescence at UCSF for the past ten. I love teens and have been told that I have a unique ability to make a connection with adolescents while at the same time supporting their parents in some of the difficult issues their teens face.
In individual therapy with teens I work to help them identify the blocks to the unfolding of their individual identity. This is their central task. Symptoms of depression, anger, eating disorders or other disruptions are resolved with a supportive, validating therapy that allows the teen to find his or her voice. I also teach teens practical tools to build more resilience and to cope with stressor such as school, peer difficulties and their concerns about the future. These tools support teens and their parents in identifying more successful ways of resolving conflicts.
Parent Consultation – I consider the ongoing parent consultation to be a central aspect of the therapy. I will discuss your concerns and support you in supporting your teen. We will identify how, perhaps, your fears or issues are being mirrored in your teens’ current symptoms. Specific goals in my work with parents include helping you to reestablish a connection with the teen’s unique way of seeing the world and supporting you in setting clear, consistent boundaries so that your teen can thrive.
Christa Santangelo, PhD
Clinical Psychologist – PSY 16948
Assistant Clinical Professor
University of California, San Francisco
130 Greenfield Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960