Teen Therapy
(Ages 14–22)
with Emily Fiedtkou, LMFT
Is your teen’s stress spilling over into breakdowns, shutdowns, or constant tension at home?
Is your teen more anxious, overwhelmed, overly self-critical, or just... not quite themselves? Maybe they shut down during conversations, spiral after social interactions, or hold themselves to impossible standards.
You’ve tried to help, but things still feel tense.
My therapy gives your teen that safe place that isn’t school or home, an independent 3rd party without pressure or judgment, just their best interests, so they can learn how to navigate big emotions and start building confidence from the inside out.
Parents Reach Out to Me When
Their teen feels everything and
can’t to turn it off
Emotions go from 0 to 100
Self-criticism is taking over
They’re overwhelmed by pressures
(academic, social, internal)Social struggles are causing distress
Their help isn’t helping
“Therapy can help your teen build lifelong tools
for confidence, balance, and resilience.”
How I Work With Teens
Therapy looks different for teens than adults. Most don’t want to sit face-to-face and talk directly about their feelings.
That’s why I approach therapy flexibly—meeting them where they are through:
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Help teens make sense of what they’re feeling and why, giving them language, and tools to manage tough emotions.
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Teens learn how to handle emotional intensity, build self-acceptance, and navigate friendships more confidently.
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Walking, listening to music, or coloring create a more relaxed, non-intimidating space for teens to open up at their own pace.
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Aligned support outside the therapy room helps teens feel understood by the people who care about them most.
I help your teen build trust in the process and take ownership of their growth without making it feel like another thing they have to perform.
Their teen is more open to sharing
(even the hard stuff)Kinder self-talk and more emotional awareness
After therapy parents report:
Asking for help, not shutting down
Less volatility
More emotional resilience
And teens themselves say they:
Feel more confident in who they are
Can handle emotions without feeling controlled by them
Feel prepared for entering into college
Know how to bounce back when things go wrong
Are willing to step outside their comfort zone
About Me
Hi, I’m Emily Fiedtkou.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I work extensively with teens 1:1 who are struggling to manage big emotions, social pressure, and self-doubt. I know from my own niece and nephew how overwhelming these years can feel—and how important it is for them to have supportive space to sort through it all.
I love being a therapist for this age group because they’re insightful, funny, and deeply motivated once they feel like you “get them”. My goal isn’t “to fix” your teen—it’s to help them feel confident, more understood, and more in control of how they show up in their life.
Availability: In-person in Santa Barbara and virtually throughout California
Masters in Counseling Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute
Bachelors in Psychology, UCSB
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #151943)
Teen Therapy DBT Group Leader (year-long DBT program for teens)
Training in DBT, Mindfulness, Parts Work, and Trauma-Informed Care
Gottman Method & Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for relational work
Education, Trainings, & Credentials
Get Started in 4 Steps
Your teen doesn’t have to figure this out alone.
Let’s work together and support them.
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Reach out via the form. Share a bit about what’s going on and we’ll take it from there.
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A 15-minute call where we talk about what your teen is struggling with, and how I can help.
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This includes an optional parent intake and a separate session with your teen to start building trust.
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Weekly or bi-weekly sessions with regular updates, check-ins, and collaboration centered around your teen’s growth and needs.