MILIKA CENTER FOR THERAPY & RESILIENCE

Teen Therapy

Empowering Teens to Overcome Challenges and Thrive.  

In-office sessions in Encino and Brentwood CA, and online across California.

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Navigating Adolescence with Confidence: Discover Support and Healing at MILIKA

Navigating adolescence can be a challenging journey, filled with ups and downs as teens face unique stressors and emotional hurdles. Whether your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, peer relationships, academic pressure, or family conflict, our clinicians are here to help.

At MILIKA, we are committed to supporting teens in cultivating resilience, coping skills, and emotional well-being.

Now offering in-office sessions in Encino, Brentwood, and online across California.

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Signs That Your Teenager Is Struggling

While each teen is unique, common indicators of mental health challenges include:

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Persistent Mood Changes: Fluctuations in mood, such as prolonged sadness, irritability, or mood swings, may signal underlying emotional distress.

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Withdrawal or Isolation: Teens may withdraw from social interactions, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, or isolate themselves from friends and family

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Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia, excessive sleeping, or changes in sleep patterns can be indicative of underlying mental health issues.

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Academic Decline: Struggling academically, poor concentration, or a decline in school performance may suggest psychological distress affecting teens' ability to focus and learn.

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Engagement in Risky Behaviors: Teens may engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse, self-harm, or reckless driving as a way to cope with emotional pain or seek relief from distress.

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Physical Complaints: Unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue may be manifestations of underlying mental health concerns.

How Can Therapy Help With My Teen's Mental Health?

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Through empathetic listening and validation, clinicians help teens feel understood, accepted, and supported, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Addressing Social Media Challenges in Teen Therapy

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Today's teens live in an interconnected world where social media plays a significant role in their daily lives. While these platforms offer unique opportunities for connection and self-expression, they can also present complex challenges that impact mental well-being. At Milika Center, we understand these modern pressures and offer targeted support to help teens thrive both online and offline.

The Rise of Social Media Challenges

Many teens grapple with various issues stemming from social media use, including:

  • Social Comparison & Body Image: The curated "highlight reels" on platforms can lead to unrealistic comparisons, fueling feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and negative body image.
  • Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Constantly seeing what others are doing can create intense anxiety about being left out or not living up to perceived social standards.
  • Cyberbullying & Online Harassment: Digital spaces can, unfortunately, become arenas for bullying, rumors, and unkind interactions, which can have profound and lasting emotional impacts.
  • Sleep Disruption & Decreased Focus: Excessive screen time, especially before bed, can interfere with crucial sleep patterns and attention span, affecting academic performance and overall health.
  • Addictive Patterns: The "likes" and notifications can trigger dopamine rushes, making it difficult for teens to disengage, sometimes leading to compulsive usage that interferes with real-life activities and relationships.

How Therapy Helps: Gaining Perspective and Building Healthy Boundaries

We help teens recognize how their social media usage might be impacting their mood, self-esteem, sleep, and relationships, fostering self-awareness.

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Empowering Parents with Tools

We recognize that parents also play a critical role in navigating the digital landscape. Our approach includes guidance for parents on:

  • Open Communication: Fostering dialogue with your teen about their online experiences and challenges.
  • Setting Family Boundaries: Collaboratively establishing screen time limits, device-free zones, and modeling healthy digital habits as a family.
  • Understanding Digital Citizenship: Providing psychoeducation to parents on online safety, privacy settings, and how to support their teen through cyber issues.

At Milika Center, our goal is to empower teens to use social media mindfully, fostering a balanced relationship with their digital lives so they can thrive emotionally and socially.

Stress & Anxiety

Depression

Anger Management

Academic Stress

Adjustment to Life Changes

Social Challenges

Grief & Loss

Trauma | PTSD

Assertiveness

Self Esteem & Body Image

Medical Illness | Procedures

Peer & Family Conflict

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ABOUT US

Why Work With Milika Center For Therapy & Resilience

Here at Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we understand that seeking help for ​mental health concerns is a courageous and transformative step.

Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, significant life changes, or are on a ​quest for personal growth, know that you are not alone. Our team is here to offer support ​and expert guidance every step of the way. Together, we can work towards building ​unshakable resilience, fostering self-awareness, and unlocking the potential for positive ​change.

As the MILIKA Founder and Clinical Director, I am committed to fostering a safe and ​nurturing environment where individuals can embark on their journey towards healing ​and personal growth.

Thank you for choosing us as your partner in your mental wellness journey. We are so ​honored and excited to be here for you and help you unleash your inner resilience!

 

Warmest Regards,
Dr. Kanchi

Meet The Team

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Clinical Director
Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D.

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Clinical Psychologist
Venus Mirbod, Psy.D.

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Clinical Therapist
Shilloy Sanchez-Lomeli, Ph.D., LMFT

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Care Coordinator
Hailee Strong, M.A.

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Therapy for Teens: Help your teen overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Begin their supportive journey today.

Get in Touch

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Ready to get started?

Ready to get started? Start your journey towards resilience and mental well-being today by contacting us to schedule a consultation.