Brianna Darcey Acupuncture: Helping Teens Manage Stress & Advocate for Their Health

Helping Teens Manage Stress & Advocate for Their Health

As a practitioner, one of my primary goals is to help adolescents and teens find their voice when it comes to their health. During a time in their lives when they’re often overwhelmed by changes—both physical and emotional—it’s crucial that they feel comfortable communicating with healthcare providers. Many young people struggle to express their needs or concerns, particularly in a medical setting where they may not feel empowered to speak up. I’m here to change that.

With 15 years of experience as an RN, much of it working in hospital environments, I’ve seen firsthand how the hierarchical structure of Western medicine can unintentionally suppress self-advocacy. In many settings, providers hold most of the authority, and patients, especially young ones, may not feel encouraged to ask questions or share how they’re feeling. This can lead to a passive approach to care, where decisions are made for them, rather than with them.

Offering Alternatives to Prescription Medications

In Western medicine, the typical response to many of the challenges adolescents face—like hormonal imbalances, acne, and mood swings—often involves prescription medications. Hormonal birth control, for instance, is commonly prescribed to manage period-related symptoms, sometimes at a very young age. I remember being put on oral contraception shortly after starting my period to control my acne and staying on it for years. Looking back, I wish I had known there were other options that might have helped me avoid long-term medication use. And I know my mom wished she had other options to help me too.

As an acupuncturist, I now have the opportunity to offer those alternatives. East Asian Medicine, including acupuncture, herbal support, and bodywork, provides gentle but powerful ways to address these issues without relying solely on medications. I focus on creating individualized care plans that take the whole person into account, addressing the root causes of their symptoms rather than just suppressing them.

Listening to Adolescents: Empowering Them to Speak Up

In my practice, I aim to be the provider who listens—to both you and your kiddo. I start each treatment by inviting the person I’m treating, no matter their age, to let me know when something doesn’t feel good or when something does. It’s so important to help adolescents feel comfortable communicating with healthcare providers and to ensure they know their voice matters. By creating a collaborative and supportive environment, I help them build the confidence to be advocates for their health, laying the foundation for lifelong wellness.

A New Model of Care

My goal is to create an environment where adolescents and teens feel respected and safe, and where their health is something they’re actively involved in. When they come in for a session, I explain each step of the process and encourage them to ask questions or tell me when something doesn’t feel right. This not only helps them feel more comfortable in the moment but also teaches them how to advocate for their needs.

Learning how to advocate for oneself in healthcare is so important, especially for young people. When adolescents understand that their input is valuable, it builds their confidence—not just in medical settings, but in life. It teaches them that their voice matters and that they can take charge of their health in a way that feels good to them.

By providing a space where adolescents feel heard and understood, my goal is to empower them on their journey toward health, setting them up for a lifetime of body autonomy and confidence.

Book a Free Consultation Today

If you have questions or you’re curious about how acupuncture might help, you don’t need to commit to an appointment right away. You can book a free phone consultation with me to explore your options. I offer afternoon and evening availability, with some flexibility around weekends to work around the school schedule, so we can find a time that works for you and your family.