Therapy for Teens, Young Adults, Parents

Empowering Growth Within New Hampshire

Supportive guidance to work through challenges, helping you gain greater peace and confidence

You never expected to be here, needing a therapist

You’ve imagined this phase of your life a thousand times, but you never imagined it like this or that it would be this hard.  All you want is to be happy and feel peace in your life, but instead…

As a parent, you feel worried and sad.  You had visions of spending relaxed, joy-filled times with your family, but now you feel like all you ever do is argue and that there’s constant tension.  You want to have a good relationship, both now and in the future, so you try to talk and connect, but it feels like they’re not even listening and you’re lucky to get more than a one-word answer out of them.  You’re also concerned.  You can see that they’re struggling, and you want to help, but you just don’t know how.

As a teen, you feel like you’re trying your best, but it’s never enough.  You have so many demands on you (school, homework & getting good grades, activities, chores, friends, preparing for your future) and it feels like nobody understands how you feel or what you’re going through.  You feel overwhelmed by other’s expectations of you, caught between who you are and who others want you to be.  You feel like everyone else has it all together, while you’re struggling to find your way.

As a young adult, you’re unsure where you fit-in in the world.  You were so excited “to get your life started”, but it’s been a lot harder than you thought it would.  There’s been so many life changes recently and you just feel overwhelmed and anxious about all of it.  You feel unprepared to navigate the challenges life is throwing at you and scared you’re going to fail.

Hi! I’m Shani, a licensed therapist that specializes in working with teens, young adults, and parents just like you.

Shani Lang, LICSW, clinical therapist specializing in Teens, Young Adults, and Parents at Empowering Growth Counseling Services, PLLC

I know you didn’t expect to be here, but know that you’re not alone!

We all need support at times and asking for it shows courage and strength.  Together, we’ll figure out what your, or your teen’s, specific needs are and tailor a plan that is made specifically for you, helping find the peace, confidence, and joy that you’re looking for in life.  I’m not going to lie, it’s going to take time, effort, and real work on your part, but most things that are worth having do.  I know you can do it.  Sometimes we just need a little guidance in finding our way.  And if you’re a little hesitant, or your teen is a little resistant to the idea of therapy, that’s ok!  That’s part of the process too!

Ways I can help you

Two teenage girls smiling

Counseling for Teens

You’re always hearing how your teen years are the best years of your life.  Really?  The constant stress might have you questioning that.  Maybe you’ve even wondered if there’s something wrong with you because it seems like everyone else is out there living it up, while you're stuck feeling down and alone.  But you don't have to stay stuck. I'm here to help you sort through those feelings, pick up some new skills, uncover your strengths, and empower you to find confidence and joy in your life.

Two young adults laughing together while looking at a cell phone

Counseling for Young Adults

Transitions are a natural part of life, but they can feel scary and overwhelming, especially when they’re coming at you at an unrelenting pace.  Whether you’re in college or you’re getting your first “real job”, between the demands of school or work (or both), finances, relationships, and other responsibilities, it's easy to feel like you're juggling too much at once.  As exciting and wonderful as young adulthood can be, it also means a new level of independence and responsibility.  You may be asking yourself “Am I really ready for this?”, feeling uncertain about your future or even lost right now.  I can help you navigate these transitions by providing a supportive and understanding environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings. Together we can help you identify any underlying patterns or beliefs that may be contributing to your anxiety and work with you to develop coping strategies to manage stress more effectively.  We can figure out together how best to support you and help you feel ready and confident to take on the new worlds you’re entering.

Parents in a kitchen with two young children.  Mom is cooking with Dad standing close behind her touching her arm.  Little girl is on dad's shoulders and young boy is sitting on counter.

Therapy for Parents

Parenting is hard!  One day you feel like “I’ve got this” and the next you feel like you can’t get anything right.  You know life will never be perfect, but you thought there would be more of the “I’ve got this” days.  I can help you get there!  Together, we can explore strategies to manage stress, foster communication with your children, discover your inner resilience, and cultivate a sense of confidence in your parenting abilities. Let's navigate this journey together and bring more "I've got this" moments into your life.

Family walking on a beach talking and laughing

Family Therapy

Families are wonderful… AND challenging!  So often in life we’re looking for simple explanations for what something is “supposed to be”.  Then when our “what is” doesn’t line up with that “supposed to be”, we feel disappointed and lost.  The fact is, every family is different and unique, which is actually really great news.  Imagine how dull life would be if every family was identical.  When families are going through periods of hard challenges or are struggling with unhealthy dynamics though, it places a strain on every member of the family unit.  Family therapy offers an opportunity to address areas of distress, dysfunction, or conflict within the family system. I’ll provide a safe space for family members to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in the context of your relationships. I’ll guide your family in order to gain insight into your communication patterns, roles, and underlying issues that may be contributing to your difficulties.  Together, we’ll find what your “supposed to be” actually is.

Two women talking and holding hands while smiling at a group therapy session

Group Therapy

Sometimes we feel alone in our challenges.  It might seem like no one else really understands what you’re going through.  Whether you’re a teen, young adult, or parent, group therapy can offer a different perspective.  One of the key advantages to group therapy is the sense of belonging and support that comes from sharing experiences with others who may be facing similar challenges and can relate on a level that others can’t.

It provides a safe space for you to express yourself openly, knowing you're among understanding peers. Group therapy also offers diverse perspectives and feedback, allowing you to gain insights you might not have considered on your own. Additionally, it can foster a sense of accountability and motivation as group members work together towards common goals. Overall, group therapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth, developing healthier coping strategies, or even practicing the skills learned in individual therapy sessions.

Group of Young adults laughing joyously while feeling relaxed and carefree

Therapy for Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress can make you feel overwhelmed and feel afraid of the next thing coming around the bend.  You might find yourself saying things like “I just can’t handle all of it.  Everything is too much!” and feeling despair and like you’re at your breaking point.  Maybe your child’s anxiety is causing disruption in your family life and increasing your stress level, so both you and your child need support and guidance.  I can help you figure out where your stress and anxiety are coming from and the areas of your life it’s impacting.  We’ll then create a plan and help you gain needed skills to manage the stress and anxiety better, as well as reduce it. Let's work together to move through these challenges and empower you to overcome them with confidence and strength; finding the joy in your life again.

Starting therapy can feel BIG,

so let’s take it one step at a time!

Reach out and schedule a free 20-minute consultation

We’ll use that free consultation on one of the most important steps… figuring out if we’re a good fit to work together, based both on personalities and the challenges you’re experiencing right now.  I want you to feel comfortable and for you to get the help you want, need, and deserve.  Hopefully, I can be that for you, but if not, I’ll try to refer you to someone who can.

We’ll set-up your first session

Next, if we’re a good fit, we’ll schedule your first session.  This is where we dive-in and start to get to know the real you and create a plan specific to your needs.

We’ll work together towards your goals

Based on your needs, we’ll meet together regularly (usually weekly) for 50-minute sessions either in-person or through a secure telehealth platform in order to accomplish your therapeutic goals.

Your life will start looking the way you’ve been imagining it!

With time and effort, you’ll experience the greater sense of peace and confidence that you’re longing for.

You don’t have to keep feeling anxious, overwhelmed, lost.

I can help you feel confident and in control of your life.