ADOLESCENTS
Adolescence can be an exciting time of self discovery, and a confusing, stressful period - often both at once. Many teenagers will, at some point, be overwhelmed by anxiety, feelings of low self worth, loss and sometimes clinical depression. Those struggling with learning issues and/or issues of family history (adoption, divorce, loss of a parent, etc.) will often find the added challenge difficult. This is an excellent time to begin therapy.
Therapy helps teenagers sort out what is really important to them, gives them perspective on complicated relationships (peers, siblings, parents, teachers), lessens symptoms of anxiety and depression, and helps them to learn to advocate for themselves at school, in peer relationships and in the family. Speaking to a therapist supports better decision making, both in the decisions they need to make within their peer relationships, and the decisions they make regarding the direction of their future.
Adolescence can be an exciting time of self discovery, and a confusing, stressful period - often both at once. Many teenagers will, at some point, be overwhelmed by anxiety, feelings of low self worth, loss and sometimes clinical depression. Those struggling with learning issues and/or issues of family history (adoption, divorce, loss of a parent, etc.) will often find the added challenge difficult. This is an excellent time to begin therapy.
Therapy helps teenagers sort out what is really important to them, gives them perspective on complicated relationships (peers, siblings, parents, teachers), lessens symptoms of anxiety and depression, and helps them to learn to advocate for themselves at school, in peer relationships and in the family. Speaking to a therapist supports better decision making, both in the decisions they need to make within their peer relationships, and the decisions they make regarding the direction of their future.
Who is an adolescent?
The end of childhood is gradual, but the process can start as early as ten years old. The middle school years require a kind of therapy which is different from the play based therapy appropriate for younger children, and distinct from the purely talk based treatment of older adolescents. Tweens may need something to do with their hands while they talk, to play a game sometimes, or to make or draw something in a session. When I work with tweens, we find the right balance between talk therapy and play therapy.
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ADOLESCENT PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PARENTS
Adolescents are often interested in psychotherapy. They develop a privileged, confidential relationship with the therapist, and use this relationship to support them in their goals of growth and affirmation of an independent identity. On the other hand, the parent has a strong and important need to trust the therapist who is treating their teen. Each situation is different and requires an individual approach, but parent(s), therapist and adolescent should agree on guidelines around communication between therapist and parent(s). I usually prefer to meet with parent(s) for one session before I meet the adolescent. This allows the parent(s) to ascertain for themselves whether they can trust me with their child. In many cases, particularly with younger adolescents and tweens, it may be appropriate for the therapist and parents to meet together with some regularity, with or without the teen. In other cases, particularly with older adolescents, there may be less contact with parents. |
MY BACKGROUND WITH ADOLESCENTS
I have been working with adolescents since 1985. in addition to fifteen years of experience in private practice, I spent over ten years working in New York City high schools, the first six years as a teacher. My teaching background continues to inform my work with children and adolescents. After receiving my MSW, I returned to high schools as a Related Services Counseling Provider, counseling learning disabled students who were provided with the service through the IEP process. As a private practitioner I have enjoyed working with many adolescents with a variety of learning differences, and a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges.
I also worked as a college counselor at Brooklyn School for Collaborative Studies. I continue to work with juniors and seniors in high school to shape and edit college essays, find the right college fit, and help them come to terms with the emotional transition of finishing high school.
I have been working with adolescents since 1985. in addition to fifteen years of experience in private practice, I spent over ten years working in New York City high schools, the first six years as a teacher. My teaching background continues to inform my work with children and adolescents. After receiving my MSW, I returned to high schools as a Related Services Counseling Provider, counseling learning disabled students who were provided with the service through the IEP process. As a private practitioner I have enjoyed working with many adolescents with a variety of learning differences, and a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges.
I also worked as a college counselor at Brooklyn School for Collaborative Studies. I continue to work with juniors and seniors in high school to shape and edit college essays, find the right college fit, and help them come to terms with the emotional transition of finishing high school.
