adolescents
Adolescence can be the beginning of a great journey of independence. It can also be a time of tumult--parental divorce, bullying, depression, anxiety. School stress, parental conflict and peer pressure can be landmarks in an unfamiliar landscape.
Understanding the world view of these newly independent beings, in addition to the stressors that are present in their lives, is essential to navigating this time. There are endless changes--hormones and body changes; moving from parental restrictions and boundaries to exerting influence and shaping their own lives; decision making capabilities that are not fully formed in their developing brains.
Depending on individual circumstance, I may work one on one with adolescents or I might also recommend family counseling. I try to help parents understand the reality that adolescents are experiencing. I might suggest resources to explain, for example, their developing frontal lobe and its impact on decision making.
Conversely, I help adolescents identify and regulate emotions, address sleep disturbances, and develop coping skills such as mindfulness and exercise.
Understanding the world view of these newly independent beings, in addition to the stressors that are present in their lives, is essential to navigating this time. There are endless changes--hormones and body changes; moving from parental restrictions and boundaries to exerting influence and shaping their own lives; decision making capabilities that are not fully formed in their developing brains.
Depending on individual circumstance, I may work one on one with adolescents or I might also recommend family counseling. I try to help parents understand the reality that adolescents are experiencing. I might suggest resources to explain, for example, their developing frontal lobe and its impact on decision making.
Conversely, I help adolescents identify and regulate emotions, address sleep disturbances, and develop coping skills such as mindfulness and exercise.