Relationship challenges, life changes, middle school, high school and college:
These chapters of life are often brushed off as “just a phase.” Yet, they’re the moments when stress, anxiety and self-doubt tend to take root. For many teens, young adults and families, these transitions feel overwhelming, but not always in a way that’s easy to name.
That’s where counseling can make a meaningful difference.
For Alexandra Waugh, a licensed professional counselor, therapy isn’t about fixing something that’s broken; it’s about helping people understand what they’re experiencing, learn how to cope and feel less alone during pivotal seasons of change.
“I really love helping people navigate through those [questions of], ‘What is the best choice for me? How can I handle this situation? I’m having so much anxiety about this; what do I do?’ A lot of times, people really do feel lost, alone or misunderstood,” Waugh said.
Teens and young adults may struggle to express what’s going on internally. Parents may notice changes in behavior or mood, but feel unsure whether it’s serious enough to seek help.
According to Waugh, waiting until emotions escalate can make things harder to untangle. Early support can help clients build tools before stress becomes something more overwhelming.
Therapy offers a space to understand difficult feelings and to learn practical ways to navigate school pressures, social dynamics, family conflict and internal self-talk.
Who she works with
Waugh primarily supports adolescents, young adults and families navigating life transitions and emotional challenges.
- Anxiety and chronic overthinking
- Depression and prolonged sadness
- Eating disorders and body image concerns
- Self-harm behaviors
- School-related stress and performance anxiety
- Life transitions, including middle school, high school and college
- Family communication challenges and parent-child conflict
These concerns often overlap, so a personalized approach is essential.
A flexible, client-centered approach
No two clients process emotions the same way. Waugh tailors sessions based on each person’s needs, personality and comfort level, using a mix of evidence-based techniques and creative tools.
Her therapeutic approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): identifies and shifts unhelpful thought patterns
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed skills: supports emotional regulation and reduces harmful behaviors
- Art and play-based techniques: helps clients express emotions that may be hard to verbalize
- Coaching strategies for parents: focuses on communication, motivation and reducing conflict
For some clients, that flexibility makes therapy feel less intimidating, especially for those unsure what to say in their first session.
Therapy doesn’t require a crisis
One of the most common misconceptions Waugh sees is the idea that therapy is only for major problems. In reality, it can be proactive, supportive and preventative.
“[Therapy can help] maintain personal peace, progress or [aspects of life] that are not working out, [such as] ‘My life feels unmanageable. ... I would like to work with someone who understands and knows how to work with these problems, but also helps me feel heard. These problems feel very overwhelming to me right now, but I don’t have to do this alone,’” Waugh said.
A space just for you
For teens, especially, therapy can offer something they don’t always have elsewhere: a neutral, confidential space to talk freely without fear of judgment or burdening others.
“This is really a space that’s just for them,” Waugh said.
That sense of safety allows clients to open up, reflect and grow at their own pace. At the same time, parents gain insight and tools to better support their child.
By meeting clients where they are emotionally and developmentally, therapy becomes less about labels and more about support, clarity and connection.
For many families, that support can make all the difference.
Click here to learn more about Waugh’s counseling and coaching services, or to schedule a free initial consultation today.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.