Adolescent Counseling

What’s happening to my teen?

The changes are subtle at first, hardly noticeable. A bit withdrawn and irritable, not your usual bright-eyed, happy daughter. Then the drop in grades and a loss of interest in extra-curricular activities. You try to talk but are met with silence. You push and get either anger or tears.

You get a call from the principal. You’re surprised. Your teen has never been in trouble before. The principal tells you that she’s concerned. Your son is “different,” and students have been bullying him. Today he fought back.

In the middle of the semester, your perfect daughter loses it. She sobs as she tells you that she can’t take the pressure anymore. You’re bewildered as she’s always been a straight-A student and a top achiever in sports, student government, clubs, and church. Then she shows you the fresh cuts and old scars on her legs and arms.

You need help, and you need it now.

The adolescent years aren’t easy. It’s a time of identity development and questioning beliefs and values. It can be a difficult, confusing period of life.

Teens can put tremendous stress on themselves. Moreover, many parents may be putting excessive pressure on their teen but don’t realize they’re doing it.

Trauma, bullying, sexuality, peer pressure can add additional stress.

My experience can help you and your teen.

I’ve worked with adolescents for over 15 years in both school and mental health settings. I can usually see a client within 48 hours.

I have extensive experience with intellectually and creatively gifted teens. Gifted teens are often highly sensitive and react to the world in ways that are different from their non-gifted counterparts.

I emphasize treatment that focuses on both the individual and family. Family therapy is often important in addressing adolescent issues.

For some adolescents, we will focus on perfectionism, worry, and anxiety. We may dig deep and find the adolescent is experiencing sadness, grief or depression.

You have probably witnessed anger in your adolescent. We can address that and develop a stress management plan.

Abuse, neglect, and trauma are more severe issues and will take time to determine what level your adolescent is suffering. The effects of these issues are far-reaching.

Your adolescent may be experiencing low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and social anxiety. We can set goals to move toward recovering self-confidence and building self-esteem as we work through social anxiety.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and other severe mental illnesses require in-depth approaches over a longer period. And I may refer you and your adolescent to a psychiatrist to receive a prescription to help as we uncover a treatment plan.

I do not work with drug and alcohol abuse/dependence, eating disorders, nor clients in the court system.

It would be my pleasure to help your adolescent move in a more positive direction.

Please call me at (662) 435-0050, email me, or complete the contact form below to schedule a free consultation.