For generations, teens have rebelled against the ways of their parents in an attempt to define themselves as unique individuals – this is nothing new and today’s teens are no exception. Yet in the span of just one generation, our social culture has dramatically changed, leaving many parents at a loss.
Today’s young people are growing up in a fast paced and wildly interactive world of Twitter, Instagram and SnapChat. Bombarded with messages, images and opinions from everyone around them, many kids have little time alone with their families, potentially causing great distance and conflict at home.
WILL YOU TELL ME IF MY TEEN IS USING DRUGS OR HAVING SEX?
Therapy tends to work best when teens know that the details of their sessions will be kept confidential. At the same time, parents need to know about the progress of the therapy and if their child is in danger.
Therefore, my general philosophy is that the older the teen is, the more privacy they should have in therapy, as long as they are safe. If your teen is in danger (suicidal, trouble with the law, self-harming or life threatening behaviors), you will be informed.
How I Can Help
First, I can help you as the parent navigate the rough waters of how to maintain an active and caring connection to your teenager while setting healthy limits. Secondly, I can provide teens with uninterrupted time to slow down and get to know themselves, separate from the influence of friends and culture. In individual sessions, I support, guide and challenge young people to become themselves.
Sometimes this means sorting out the underlying motives for their behavior (i.e. excitement seeking, wanting to fit in, feeling inadequate) and also considering the consequences of their actions. Other times the work is to uncover the thoughts and beliefs that foster low self-esteem and to challenge these as we discover their unique strengths and qualities.
MY KID DOESN'T WANT THERAPY. SHOULD I INSIST?
Therapy tends to work best when teens know that the details of their sessions will be kept confidential. At the same time, parents need to know about the progress of the therapy and if their child is in danger.
Therefore, my general philosophy is that the older the teen is, the more privacy they should have in therapy, as long as they are safe. If your teen is in danger (suicidal, trouble with the law, self-harming or life threatening behaviors), you will be informed.
