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Worried About your Teen?.

I specialize in:

Supporting Teens and Their Parents

In the teen years, we solidify our sense of self and negotiate the winding path to becoming young adults. During this time, it is vital that parents understand their teen’s behavior rather than merely react to it. I help parents get the whole picture of what’s going on in their child’s mind, including the neurological changes that occur during adolescence.

Schedule a FREE Parent Consultation, and begin the process of healing your child’s pain and creating a better future for your family.

Sensitive and Artistic Individuals

Some teens are academically oriented, and can thrive in the classroom. But others perceive life through colors, sound, images and movement. Sensitive and artistic teenagers sometimes find themselves struggling to fit in with their peers. Rather than label a presenting problem, I prefer to use my relationship with the client to model alternative responses and ways of thinking about the situation.

Along with 50 minute individual adolescent sessions, I also offer weekly Teen Support Groups.

Diverse Multi-Cultural Clientele

It’s not uncommon for parents, particularly those born in another culture, to find their teenager’s behavior confusing and even disturbing. While respecting the belief systems of each family, I help parents bridge the cultural (and generational) divide by gaining an understanding of how their beliefs are impacting their choices.

To improve your parent-child relationship during the challenges of adolescence, I offer a private 7-week Effective Parenting of Teenagers class series, which includes personalized parent coaching.

I can help with any Adolescent Phase of Life Issues, including:

• Anxiety
• Bullying
• Depression
• Impulse control
• Low self esteem
• Substance abuse
• Learning challenges
• Acculturation difficulties
• Self-destructive behavior
• Parent-child relationship problems

I am a special kind of therapist. I help teens approach life’s challenges with confidence and success. I help parents to understand the issues teens face today, and to support their child in successfully navigating the adolescent years. .

Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Education
• Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor
• Advanced training in Adolescent Psychology and Mental Development
• 7 years experience as a practicing counselor for teens and their families
• Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Child Specialization Studies
• Advanced training in assimilation into American culture, treatment of drug abuse, insecure-attachment issues, personality disorders, anger management and child custody mediation

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One family’s story:

“We came to Sandra Dupont with concerns about our fifteen year-old daughter whose risky behavior was escalating. It became apparent that we needed help, as my husband and I were not equipped to resolve the situation alone.

Sandra was an incredible resource in our time of need. She was very responsive and proved to be extremely knowledgeable about families in crisis. She helped us coordinate a plan of action that brought our family to a healthier place.

Without Sandra’s assistance we would not be where we are today. We are forever thankful to Sandra and are so fortunate to have had her knowledge and assistance. ” .

For more information, please visit my website:

www.SandraDupontMFT.com

A Note From The Santa Monica Teen Therapist

Welcome to my office… a sanctuary where teenagers can come to explore their feelings, discuss what’s on their mind, and discover their authentic expression. – Sandra

“Beyond ideas of

right and wrong, there is a field…

I’ll meet you there.” – Rumi

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Teenagers, although no longer children, are also not yet independent adults. Sometimes, the road to adulthood can be a rocky one. An Adolescent Phase of Life Coach can support teenagers in navigating the teen years, helping them to avoid common risks and pitfalls on their way to becoming young adults.

Benefits of Working with a Teen Life Coach Include:

•    Understanding and Changing Self-defeating Behaviors

•    Discovering One’s Authentic Self-expression

•    Enhancing Family Relationships

•    Mastering Social Interactions

•    Clarifying Dreams and Goals

•    Improving Grades

Signs and Symptoms

Some children begin to show symptoms of mental or emotional problems during adolescence.  If not addressed these symptoms can follow them into adulthood, leaving them emotionally immature and unable to choose healthy relationships.

The Stigma of Therapy

Some parents are hesitant to take their child to a therapist to address these emotional issues, afraid that they will be labeled problem kids or learning disabled. Seeking the assistance of an Adolescent Phase of Life Coach can offer families another opportunity to remedy these problems.

Life Coaching versus Therapy

Coaching can be a fun and uplifting experience for teenagers. In contrast to therapy, where the therapist is seen as the expert, coaching is a collaborative effort between coach and client. The focus is on helping the teen create a vision of the life they would like, and supporting them in their journey towards that goal.

Creating a Sanctuary for Teens

My training as a Teen Therapist has paved the way for developing more creative and positive ways for working with teens and their families. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space for teens to explore their obstacles, ask their questions and express their feelings.

“It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child”

Unfortunately, parents sometimes get caught up in their own life’s challenges, and may not have the time or energy to be as available to their child as they would wish. It has been said that “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” It is helpful to know that there are caring professionals available, should you want or need them.

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Weekly Teen Support Groups

in Santa Monica

. Call now to reserve your space in one of three Support and Discussion Groups:

• Pre-teens – ages 12-14 
• Teens – ages 15-17
• Post-teens – ages 18-22

**Note: Each group will be limited to 8 members and will be one hour in length.

For times and availability:

Contact Sandra – 310.951.5678

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• Free Initial Consultation with Parents
• Groups meet weekly
• 1421 Santa Monica, Suite 108, Santa Monica
• The fee is $100 per month per person

Reserve Your Space Today!

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. Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.