Teens
Teens
I truly enjoy working with teens- this is a special developmental period that provides so much opportunity for growth and has an incredible impact on their adult futures.
Adolescence is a time of transition, transitioning from childhood to a young adult. Teens undergo rapid growth and development- hormonal, and cognitive changes occur. All these changes coupled with social pressures and emerging independence, can bring about normal and common distress, feelings of isolation, and a need to solidify an identity. Some teens even experience more severe distress and can develop mental health disorders.
I see teens age 14 and up. I do not see younger children. I utilize evidenced-based approaches; CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, along with a true passion for working with this age group. Many times when a parent feels challenged by a teens behavior, they can develop a judgement about that behavior or child. But what I have found through counseling teens, is the presence of something deeper they are struggling with underneath. Kids and teens are not inherently rude, lazy, defiant, or bad. Many times these teens are depressed, being bullied, lacking coping/social skills, or dealing with executive functioning issues such as ADHD.
Some of the issues teens come in to my office with are:
Anger
Executive Functioning Issues (ADHD)
Low Self-Esteem
Lack of developmentally appropriate social skills
Divorce in the family
Identity
Anxiety
Depression
School Problems
Substance Abuse
Relationships