Early Through Late Adolescents

Adolescents experience many physical, emotional and social changes as they grow from childhood to young adulthood.  They develop their own opinions, begin to depend less on their parents, and are increasingly influenced by their peers.  They become more concerned about the way they look and dress and they gain a stronger sense of right and wrong as they develop their own value system.  With so much going on it is quite normal for them to experience sadness, overwhelming feelings or fluctuating moods. However, when these feelings or moods lead to low self-esteem, or a sense of hopeless or helplessness, there are positive ways to help them grow through the change.

Laura works with 12-18 year olds challenged with Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and various concerns related to:

  • Addiction
  • Anxiety
  • Bereavement
  • Grief and loss
  • Daily stressors
  • Depression
  • Familes challenged with ADHD
  • Marriage and Family
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Trauma from:
    • Crime Victimization
    • Natural Disasters
    • PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
    • Childhood abandonment
    • Sexual abuse
    • Domestic violence
    • Neglect
    • Other causes

Counseling begins with a detailed assessment through a collaborative approach with adolescents and their parents (guardians).  Once individual work is in place with the adolescent, their parents (guardians) are included on an “as needed” basis.  “I often find that in connection to individual counseling, many adolescents greatly prosper from additional family counseling to provide ongoing support”.

If your teenager is finding difficulty in any transitional area, give me a call to find out what may be available for him/her.