For Parents
When a child or teenager is struggling, it can be difficult to know how best to help. You may notice changes in mood, behaviour, friendships, motivation, eating habits, or confidence, but feel unsure about what is driving them or what to do next.
I am a clinical psychologist with a doctorate from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and experience working with children, teenagers, and families in both the United States and Copenhagen’s international school community. I work with young people across a wide range of emotional and behavioural concerns and have particular experience helping those who are hesitant or reluctant to engage in therapy.
My approach is warm, patient, and practical. Rather than focusing on labels, I aim to understand each young person’s experience and help them develop the skills, insight, and confidence needed to navigate challenges more effectively.
For Teenagers
Most young people end up in therapy because a parent suggested it, not because they asked for it. That can feel strange, and you do not need to pretend it does not.
I am not here to report back to your parents on everything you say, or to tell you what to do. The sessions are yours. You can say what is actually going on without being judged, interrupted, or told you are making too much of things.
It is a space where you can talk honestly about what is going on in your life, at your own pace. You do not have to know exactly what to say, and you do not need to have everything figured out before you arrive.
Who I Work With
Sessions are available in person in Copenhagen and online, and available in English, French, and Danish.
Ages
- Children aged approximately 8 to 11
- Teenagers aged 12 to 18
- Parents and families
For younger children, parent-focused work may sometimes be the most effective starting point. If so, I will explain my reasoning and discuss the options with you.
Common Concerns
- Anxiety, including social and school-related anxiety
- Low mood and depression
- Behavioural difficulties
- School challenges, motivation, and peer relationships
- Eating disorder concerns
- Self-harming behaviours
- Life transitions and family difficulties
How I Work
Building trust is an important first step. Some young people begin talking easily, while others need more time to feel comfortable. I adapt to each individual, meeting them where they are rather than pushing them into conversations before they are ready.
With children and teenagers, I primarily use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that helps young people understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Therapy focuses on developing greater self-awareness, learning practical coping strategies, and finding new ways to respond to difficult situations.
CBT focuses on:
- The link between thoughts, feelings, and behavior
- Identifying fixed or distorted thinking
- Practising different responses to difficult situations
- Building self-awareness gradually
Practical tools I use:
- Thought journals between sessions
- Whiteboard exercises in session
- Light between-session tasks, not heavy homework
- Play-based and conversational approaches for younger children
Sessions are adapted to the age, personality, and needs of each young person. With younger children, this may involve games, drawing, or whiteboard activities. With teenagers, sessions are often more conversational while still remaining practical and goal-oriented.
The overall aim is to help young people better understand themselves, manage challenges more effectively, and feel more confident in their daily lives.
Working with Parents
Parents play an important role throughout the therapeutic process.
Before therapy begins, I typically meet with parents to understand the background and current concerns. Throughout treatment, parents are welcome to raise questions or share observations when needed.
At the same time, I ask parents to give the young person some space in the therapy room. Under Danish law, parents of minors are entitled to be informed about their child’s treatment, and I honor that. I will always share anything of genuine concern. But in practice, a young person who believes everything they say will be passed straight to a parent tends to hold back, which limits what therapy can achieve.
Parents are partners in the process, not excluded from it. The therapy room itself belongs to the young person.
I ask parents to respect the child or young person's boundaries, because I find therapy just works better that way. If a young person thinks I am going to tell the parents everything, it is not so efficient.
Qualifications
Education and Training
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- Specialisation: psychoanalytic psychotherapy
- CBT training, OCD-specialized treatment center in Los Angeles
- Over two years working with international school children in Copenhagen
Experience with Young People
- Children aged 8 to 11
- Pre-teens and teenagers, particularly ages 12 to 15
- International school population in Copenhagen
- Girls presenting with anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm
- Resistant and reluctant young clients
Frequently Asked Questions
My child really does not want to come. Is it worth trying?
Many young people are hesitant at first. This is especially common in early adolescence. I have considerable experience working with reluctant clients and understand that trust often takes time to develop.
In some situations, beginning with parent consultations may be the more effective approach. If that seems appropriate, I will discuss it openly with you.
What if my child is not making progress?
Therapy should be helpful. If progress is limited, I will discuss this directly, adjust the approach where appropriate, and, if necessary, recommend alternative support. My focus is always on what is most likely to benefit the young person.
Getting Started
When a child or teenager is struggling, it can be difficult to know how best to help. You may notice changes in mood, behaviour, friendships, motivation, eating habits, or confidence, but feel unsure about what is driving them or what to do next.
I am a clinical psychologist with a doctorate from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and experience working with children, teenagers, and families in both the United States and Copenhagen’s international school community. I work with young people across a wide range of emotional and behavioural concerns and have particular experience helping those who are hesitant or reluctant to engage in therapy.
My approach is warm, patient, and practical. Rather than focusing on labels, I aim to understand each young person’s experience and help them develop the skills, insight, and confidence needed to navigate challenges more effectively.
