I have worked as a psychotherapist for more than 25 years. During those years, I have worked with adolescents and young adults in a variety of settings – hospitals, day treatment facilities, universities, schools, and private practice. My first job out of social work school was at Bellevue Medical Center in New York City with adolescents. The adolescents with whom I worked at Bellevue gave me an education in humor, creativity, and strength. I obtained counseling positions at both UCLA and USC working with students on their academic challenges and the stress that impacts their success. It is fair to say that I have learned how to listen to adolescents, understand how to connect with them, and help them to gain confidence and the strategies to improve themselves and their situation. But I have also grasped the stress of parents have when raising adolescents and provided support, understanding, and tools to manage this important role. I’ve been training my whole life for this. I grew up with a mother who taught children with learning disabilities and a father who always gave back to the community recognizing those less fortunate. I learned early through volunteering at my mother’s school, volunteering at mental health helplines, supporting friends throughout high school, becoming a mom, and throughout my work in social work that providing another person with a patient and listening ear could provide support and understanding. It could be said that all that I have experienced, shared, and studied so far has been training me for the role I cherish that of psychotherapist.