Adolescent Counseling
Developmental Challenges of Adolescence
Adolescence can be a very challenging time in life, both for the teenager and their family. Teenagers may sometimes behave in impulsive, irrational, or harmful ways without even thinking through the consequences of their actions.
This is because the teenage brain isn't completely developed yet, but continues to develop well into the 20s. Yet, teens want to make their own decisions, often causing stress in the family.
How I Help Teens
I help teens figure out what they want and effectively talk to their parents. I teach healthy negotiation skills between teens and parents so that calm can be restored to the family. Young adults often need help from a non-judgemental person to manage the intensity of their own feelings and reactions. I support teenagers in learning language to describe their "inner" experience so they can have greater self-control.
Parents and teenagers both want to have trusting relationships and through counseling, I help families re-discover how to trust each other again. Adolescents have wisdom and a strong desire to be influential. I help teens to get their lives on track and to work well with their family again.
I have helped teens and families with many problems such as:
• drug/alcohol issues
• depression/anxiety
• academic challenges that often go along with ADD/ADHD
• relationship problems.