Therapy for Pre-Teens, Teens, and College Students with Learning Disabilities

Therapy for Pre-Teens, Teens, and College Students with Learning Disabilities in Buckhead and Online Across Georgia

Building Self-Esteem, Emotional Resilience, and a Stronger Sense of Identity

When your child has a learning disability—like dyslexia, a processing disorder, ADHD, or a combination of differences—it can affect more than just schoolwork. Over time, struggling in an academic setting can begin to shape how they see themselves. Even when they’re trying their hardest, many kids start to believe they’re not smart, not capable, or not good enough.

You might hear your child say heartbreaking things like “I’m dumb” or “Everyone else gets it but me.” You may notice frustration, anxiety, sensitivity to failure, or a growing reluctance to try. Even if your child has clear strengths, they may have trouble recognizing or trusting in them.

Therapy can help your child or teen understand themselves in a deeper way. Not just in terms of their learning profile, but as a whole person with strengths, creativity, emotional depth, and the ability to grow.

How Learning Differences Can Affect Mental Health

Kids and teens with learning disabilities are often bright, insightful, and intuitive. But when school feels like a constant uphill battle, or when they start to compare themselves to peers, it’s easy for self-esteem to take a hit. Some of the emotional challenges I commonly see include:

  • Harsh self-criticism or low self-worth

  • Anxiety about school, performance, or being “found out”

  • Avoidance of challenging tasks or fear of failure

  • Perfectionism or shutting down after small mistakes

  • Difficulty regulating emotions, especially around academic tasks

  • Sensitivity to feedback or perceived rejection

  • Feeling “different” in social settings

  • Internalized shame or frustration

Even with loving and supportive parents, kids can begin to carry a narrative that they’re falling short. Therapy can help shift that story.

My Approach

As a psychodynamic therapist, I help kids and teens explore the beliefs they’ve developed about themselves through their life experiences. Together, we look at the deeper layers of frustration, shame, or fear and begin to rewrite those internal narratives with more understanding and compassion.

At the same time, I take a strengths-based, affirming approach that encourages your child to connect with what’s working. We focus on building confidence, identifying areas of resilience, and helping them see the many ways they are capable, talented, and worthy.

We might explore questions like:

  • What makes you feel confident and alive?

  • When do you feel most like yourself?

  • What do you believe about asking for help or making mistakes?

  • What would it be like to give yourself a little more kindness?

For some kids, I also integrate practical tools from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to support emotional regulation, self-talk, and problem-solving.

A Team Effort

While therapy is a space for your child to feel seen and supported, I also welcome parent collaboration. That might look like occasional check-ins, sharing ideas for at-home support, or simply being part of a team that believes in your child’s potential. You don’t have to carry this all on your own!

In-Person and Online Therapy for Kids and Teens Across Georgia

I offer in-person sessions in Buckhead, as well as virtual therapy for kids and teens throughout Georgia. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or has been navigating learning differences for years, therapy can be a space where they begin to reconnect with their confidence and inner strength.

If your child is ready to feel more confident, capable, and grounded in who they are, reach out today for a free consultation.