Peer Relationships
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About Peer Relationships
Teen Peer Relationship Therapy in Santa Monica & Los Angeles
Peer relationships are central to adolescent development — and when they go wrong, the impact on a teenager’s mental health, self-esteem, and daily wellbeing can be profound. Social exclusion, bullying, loneliness, intense peer pressure, and the social complexity amplified by social media are among the most painful experiences teenagers face.
Dr. Sally Hackman, PhD, MFT, helps teenagers in Santa Monica and Los Angeles navigate peer relationships with greater social confidence, emotional intelligence, and resilience — addressing both the immediate difficulties and the deeper patterns that may be contributing to them.
Key Points
Building Social Confidence in Teens.
Empowering Resilience
Help your teen understand their own social patterns, develop genuine confidence, and build the skills to form and maintain meaningful friendships.
Healing Space
A private, confidential space where teenagers can speak honestly about their social experiences — including things they would never tell a parent or teacher.
Transformative Support
Dr. Hackman works at the intersection of individual therapy and social skill development — addressing both the emotional roots of social difficulty and the practical skills that support healthy peer relationships.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Your Teen's Wellbeing Is Our Priority.
Peer difficulties in adolescence are not just painful in the moment — they can shape a teenager’s beliefs about themselves and their social world for years. Early therapeutic support helps teens interrupt negative patterns before they become entrenched.
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Years of Teen Therapy Experience
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Serving Santa Monica Continuously
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Confidential — Always
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First Session Free If You Don't Return
FAQ
Common Questions
Yes. Therapy helps teens process the emotional impact of bullying, build resilience and self-confidence, and develop strategies for managing difficult social situations. Dr. Hackman can also consult with parents on how to support their teen and when to involve the school.
Not necessarily — but it is worth exploring. Social isolation in teenagers can reflect shyness, social anxiety, depression, or simply a mismatch between a teen's personality and their social environment. A consultation with Dr. Hackman will help clarify what is going on.