Anxious & Ambitious Teens

Teen Counseling in St. Louis | Perfectionism Therapy

Is perfectionism getting in the way of your teen’s self discovery?

Your teen is doing it all- rigorous coursework, extracurricular activities, exploring their identity as they navigate new friendships- it’s no wonder the stress of ‘getting it right’ is leaving them overwhelmed & second guessing their every move. Maybe they’ve started searching outside themselves for direction, acceptance, & approval- looking and comparing to social media and peers rather than trusting their gut. Or perhaps their fear of failure leaves them with decision paralysis. They may be competing with & comparing themselves to others, or simply measuring their self worth based on unattainable standards in an effort to achieve more & please everyone, no matter the sacrifice. 

Whatever it is that they’re experiencing, you’re beginning to notice the impact of this in every facet of their lives:

  • Exams, assignments, & school responsibilities are increasingly overwhelming & stressful, even when your teen is doing well.

  • Social media influence is starting to impact your teen’s friendships, time management, & self worth.

  • They’ve lost some of the spark & confidence they had when they were younger & you want to reignite their confidence, passion, & zest for life.

Therapy with teens can help.

Being a teen, & the parent of a teen, is hard work, but during this period of adolescence is the potential for self discovery, exploration, & joy. Your teen can learn from & grow through hard experiences. Your teen can develop healthy coping skills that set a foundation for them to build a life they love. And they don’t have to do it alone.

Therapy helps teens do three things:

  • Identify Patterns

    Identify patterns of thoughts & behaviors around perfectionism & anxiety that keep them feeling trapped in an exhausting, self-perpetuating cycle.

  • Examine the Function

    Examine the function of perfectionism & stress-related behaviors (i.e. sense of control, protecting them from failure), while disrupting any habits that do not serve them.

  • Challenge & Change

    Challenge cultural messages that emphasize perfection & place pressure on teens to succeed at everything, so they can embrace the adult they’re becoming without fear of failure.

Approach

My approach to working with teens is laid back, sometimes even fun, cultivating a space where your teen feels heard & respected. Together, we work through difficult emotions, empowering teens to explore what matters to them, what they believe in, & what they want for their futures.

Perfectionism & anxiety don’t have to co-author your teen’s story. There is so much more to explore when they turn the page.

 

FAQs - Therapy with Teens

 

What are therapy sessions like with teens?

50 minute sessions with me are always collaborative, non judgemental, laid back, & compassionate. In our first few sessions, we’ll spend time getting to know each other & establishing a relationship based on trust. We’ll explore your teen’s interests, close relationships, & identify the values that drive them. Next, we’ll examine the thoughts, behaviors, & life events that have fueled their perfectionism & anxiety, & identify the reasons they feel stuck. As we work together, we will slowly work to push through limiting beliefs, challenge compulsive habits, develop self compassion, & unpack the societal messages & standards that have influenced the ways we show up in the world, & how we view ourselves.

How long do I need to be in therapy & how often do we meet?

The length of therapy will vary depending on a variety of factors & is specific to each individual & their unique situation. Meaningful & lasting change happens over time, & the length of therapy will reflect the needs of each individual I work with, rather than sticking to a predetermined timeline.

In my experience, I have found that meeting weekly for 50 minute sessions is most clinically appropriate & ensures we are making progress towards their goals. We will reassess & adjust the frequency as needed throughout our work together.

Isn’t perfectionism kind of a good thing? Why would my teen need therapy for that?

Many people experience an inner drive for excellence, taking genuine pleasure in working hard to meet high standards. Perfectionism, on the other hand, may result in struggles with self doubt, anxiety, & an intense fear of failure. For teens, disciplined behavior can cross the line into perfectionism when it interferes with social, emotional, &/or academic functioning. The idea of being perfect can actually prevent teens from reaching their goals- rather than concentrating on the process of accomplishing a task, perfectionists focus exclusively on the outcome, which can hinder their efforts.

How much does therapy cost?

My session fee is $170 for 50 minutes with limited openings reserved for sliding scale/scholarship pricing. I am an out-of-network provider with most insurance companies. If you have an insurance plan that includes out-of-network benefits, you may be able to use it for reimbursement for my fees of service. Each month, I provide a “superbill” (billing statement) that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. The best way to determine your out-of-network benefits is to call the number on the back of your insurance card.

Do you take my insurance?

I am not in-network with any specific insurance company. I am an out-of-network (OON) provider meaning that if your plan has OON benefits, you may be able to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement for some or all of session costs. After making payments to me for therapy services, I provide you with a monthly “superbill” that includes all necessary information for you to submit claims to your insurance company. This is different from a regular invoice due to the additional claim information that is included such as a diagnosis code, CPT codes, my provider number, etc. You may then be reimbursed by your insurance company depending on your plan’s specific benefits.

Do you offer in person &/or virtual sessions?

I provide both virtual & in-person sessions. Many clients I work with prefer a combination of both depending on circumstances, health concerns, or simply convenience. If meeting virtually, a secure link to my “virtual appointment room” is sent via email about 10-15 minutes before each appointment (using HIPAA compliant Zoom as a back up if there are connectivity issues).

What is your availability?

I see clients Monday-Thursday. I am exclusively virtual on Mondays & Thursdays and see clients in my CWE office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I have a limited number of evening spots available for teens & young adults that are unable to be excused from school during the day & those with conflicting work schedules.

Where is your office located?

Emily Lombardo Counseling is located in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis City at 408 N Euclid Ave Suite 208 Saint Louis, MO 63108 in the Lorraine Building above the former Pi Pizza. There is paid off street parking available via app & free street parking is available further down the block in either direction on McPherson.

How do we get started?

Click the button below to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll discuss any questions you have & see if working together feels like a good fit. I can’t wait to hear from you!