Adolescent Therapy
I have worked in a variety of settings with at-risk adolescents as well as high-functioning teens dealing with academic pressure and environmental stressors. The adolescent presents unique challenges when they begin treatment often requiring significant interventions. Some teens have minor issues that require support and guidance until they get back on track. While others have more serious issues such as anger, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, poor impulse control, identity concerns and many more challenges that leave them feeling lost and confused. During this time of transition the adolescent may experience many changes as a result of fluctuating hormones as the body and brain develops. The adolescent sense of "self" is in turmoil as are significant relationships with others. Their manner of relating to others begins to change and the connections they make internally suddenly shift in ways not seen or noticed previously. Adolescents regularly face academic and social pressures, family difficulties, dating and sexuality conflicts. Teens are discovering their own personal power for the first time and often struggle with how to effectively assert and communicate their needs and resolve conflict in healthy ways. The entire family dynamic shifts as the adolescent develops and strives for autonomy, which can be a challenge to the family unit. Family sessions are often indicated when working with the adolescent in treatment. These growth areas can exceed coping capacities leading to stressors that are more than enough to create functional and relational difficulties for adolescents, parents and the entire family. Engaging the adolescent in a therapeutic alliance is a challenge but issues that arise can significantly improve with intervention. The developing adolescent is able to benefit from communication that is direct and therapy that focuses on developing insight and applying cognitive behavior approaches as needed.
I am able to provide assistance and treatment in the following areas:
- behavior problems
- school problems
- parental separation/divorce
- family issues
- coping with a loss or move
- blended family issues
- social issues
- school pressure
- self esteem issues
- sexual/identity issues
- eating disorders
- depression
- substance use/abuse
- improving judgment