In today’s competitive academic and social environments, many high-achieving teens are quietly burning out. On the surface, they appear motivated, disciplined, and successful—but underneath, they may be exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from themselves.

Adolescence is a powerful yet vulnerable period of development, marked by emotional turbulence, social shifts, and a search for identity. In the midst of this complexity, one of the most protective skills a young person can develop is reflective function: the ability to make sense of their own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

Adolescence is a time of intense emotional growth, but for some teens, the intensity becomes overwhelming. Many struggle with mood swings, impulsivity, and, in some cases, self-harming behaviors that signal deep emotional dysregulation. For families, these moments can feel frightening and confusing, especially when traditional strategies don’t seem to help.

Working with neurodivergent adolescents invites us to stretch beyond traditional therapeutic frameworks and engage with difference—not as disorder, but as variation. In a world that often misunderstands or pathologizes neurodivergent ways of thinking, feeling, and relating, therapy can become a vital space of affirmation, curiosity, and support.