Teens and Parents

Hang on to your seats! Your kids are teenagers now! This is a exhilarating time!! But it can also be a challenging time for both parents and teens. (I'm a parent myself, and have worked with teenagers for many years, I can empathize!) Adolescents' bodies and minds are in constant change, they're growing up and want to be adults - already!

Parents of teens can feel overwhelmed, and scared about teen experimentation - or get just plain angry with the way they assert their desire to be independent.

Some teens get into a lot of trouble - at school, with law enforcement, or experiment with intoxicating, mind-altering substances, or sexuality.

Need To Call In The Cavalry?

Lets sit down and talk about your concerns. Learn what's normal and to be expected, and what actually IS REALLY dangerous and unhealthy, (sometimes it's hard to tell the difference with teenagers.) and what you can do about it, or at least how you can cope.

Sometimes the teen will be the primary client in counseling, but often parents come in instead to find support.

Often therapy with adolescents involves a mix of individual counseling with the youth and family sessions as well. (Please read the note about TEENS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE under SUPPORT FOR HEALTHY RECOVERY)

If You're A Teen Looking For Counseling

Congratulations for taking an independent and brave step!! Many adolescents seek out help for themselves to cope with a variety of issues, concerns or upheaval in their lives. I welcome teens to contact me if you have questions or want some counseling.

However - If you're not 18 yet - you'll need a parent or guardian's written consent before I can make an appointment with you - (Sorry - it's the law), unless you are an emancipated minor or you are thinking about hurting yourself!!! People ages 14 to 18 CAN receive counseling by their own consent - for sexuality, contraceptive, and pregnancy information (however, Planned Parenthood can provide this free) - or for child abuse related issues, and substance abuse questions.

Teens and Substance Abuse

The best first intervention for teens who have substance abuse issues is a structured program that specializes in chemical dependency treatment. I, or a family doctor can refer you to such a program.

My work begins at discharge from the program. Aftercare is a critical component of drug treatment, and is of the the most neglected part of the process. It is usually good to begin outpatient aftercare counseling as soon as the youth completes the chemical dependency program.

Individual and family therapy is a critical part of overcoming the effects of substance abuse, and making healthy changes in the teens environment to nurture healthy choices and lifestyle.

Keepin' It Real!

Confidentiality For Teenage Clients

Parents, guardians, and court appointed lawyers (minors counsel) have a legal right to access of privileged information regarding minors in their legal charge. All other parities require written consent of the parent or guardian for release of information, (see the confidentiality information on the home page of this site for more specific detail).

For teens in counseling, it is important to understand that in order for a youth to open up and be honest with a therapist, parents are asked to allow for some privacy between the therapist and their teenager. I prefer to not inform parents about every detail discussed in counseling by a teen, however important concepts that arise in our discussion and general related themes will be discussed with parents often, in order to facilitate a plan for change or interventions to help the youth's progress and their relationship with parents.

If the teen believes that the therapist is a spy for the parent, we will get nowhere.