Each and every one of us adults has been there, and if you’re a teen experiencing this stage in life right now, hang on! It gets easier! And that goes for parents/caregivers too. If that’s you, you’ve probably been dreading this time in your child’s life since they were born, hoping for smooth sailing.
If something has happened to create rough waters in your family life and your teen/adolescent needs help, consider counseling. From seeing my siblings and myself go through our own personal journeys, I was inspired to help other young people get through theirs.
Growing pains weren’t coined that phrase for nothing. Growing up hurts!
Young people are often held to an extremely high standard during a time when relationships change, the future is a regular topic in conversation, and life is generally challenging and confusing! Not easy at all.
There are many circumstances where I meet with adolescents. My goal is to help you or your child learn coping skills for dealing with hard times or difficult memories. I also try to help teens see themselves in a positive light, as a unique individual that is special, awesome and amazing!
Some of the reasons that I often meet with teens are:
- School struggles
- Truancy issues
- Self harming
- Substance use
- Sneaking out
- Communication problems with parents/caregivers
- Stealing
- Suicide struggles
- Disrespect
- Relationship struggles
- Self-esteem issues
- Poor boundaries
- Bullying
- Fitting in
The way a youth is seen or viewed by others, including their parents and/or caregivers may not always be accurate.
Adults or peers may view them or make assumptions that are not true. Parents and/or caregivers may see the black and white photo, when in reality the color photo is what the youth is trying to get everyone to see.
This can go the other way as well, youth may view or make assumptions of adults, peers, teachers, their parents and/or caregivers, other family members that are not true. The youth may see the black and white photo when the adults, peers, teachers, parents and/or caregivers are trying to show them the color photo.
My main goal as a therapist is to help increase the positive communication between youths and parents/and or caregivers, to help everyone speak the same language, to gain a better understanding of each other.
I may see the youth individually and bring in parents or see the parents individually and bring in the youth and at times sit down as a family. Along with increased communication there may be times where changes in the family may also need to take place. It is helpful for the youth and the family to find what is a motivator for change and how to make it sustainable.
Please contact me with any questions or simply schedule your own 30-minute consultation right here. Pick any day or time that is most convenient for you. It’s a great way to see if we are a good fit!
