adolescent therapy
How Attachment Styles Shape Our Therapy Experience
By Dr. Elizabeth Carr, Kentlands Psychotherapy Have you ever wondered why opening up in therapy seems so easy for some and so complicated for others? Why do some people form a deep connection with their therapist quickly, while others struggle to trust or stay engaged? Often, these patterns aren’t random. They reflect something meaningful about…
Importance of Parental Presence at Initial Appointments for Minors
Ensuring the well-being of our young clients is paramount, and the presence of their parents during initial appointments plays a crucial role in achieving this objective. Here’s why: Comprehensive Information Sharing Parents are vital sources of extensive background information on a child’s medical history, behavioral patterns, and any pertinent personal experiences. This data is crucial…
Tackling Low Self-Esteem and Body Image Issues in Teens
Addressing self-esteem and body image concerns among teenagers is crucial for their mental health and development. Here’s how parents and caregivers can help: Encourage Open Communication Foster Dialogue: Create a safe space for teens to express their thoughts and feelings. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more. Listen Actively: Pay attention to their…
How Teens Can Overcome Anxiety, Fear, Phobia, and OCD
Navigating through the challenges of teenage years can be overwhelming, especially when anxiety, fear, phobia, or OCD are part of the equation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help teens manage and overcome these hurdles: 1. Understand the Root Causes Identify Triggers: Encourage teens to keep a journal to pinpoint situations or thoughts that trigger anxiety…
Navigating Severe Oppositional Defiance in Teens
When oppositional defiance in teens escalates beyond what parents consider acceptable, it can be concerning and challenging. Here’s a guide to effectively address and manage such situations: 1. Seek Professional Guidance Consult a Therapist: Engage with a licensed child psychologist or counselor who specializes in adolescent behavior. They can offer insights into underlying issues and…
Supporting Your College Freshman Using EFFT
Q: My daughter just started college and calls me every night, upset because she hasn’t made friends yet. I love supporting her, but it’s taking up all my evenings. My husband thinks I’m enabling her. How can we help her adjust while balancing our own needs? A: It’s common for parents to feel torn…
Respecting Rules and Fostering Independence During Summer Break
Question: Our daughter is home from Cornell University, and we are struggling. She says she doesn’t need to follow our rules because she’s an “adult,” but she’s still under our roof. Plus, it’s rude to come home at 3 AM when we will be worried and sleeping poorly while waiting for her. What can we…
Valentine’s Day Expectations Too High?
Q: Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and my son is struggling to come up with ideas for celebrating with his girlfriend. His younger sister says all his ideas are “lame” and won’t satisfy his girlfriend and her social media audience when she reports what he did. This is very upsetting to me. It seems…
Badger or Back Off My Child about Taking Their ADHD Medications
Q: My 10th grader has ADHD. He’s pretty inconsistent about taking his medications. He doesn’t mind them; he just forgets. He gets annoyed when I remind him and feels “babied.” But if he’s not consistent, it really impacts his school performance. We’re about to go into his junior year. The stakes are high for him…
Is My College Freshmen Depressed?
Q: Our oldest is in his first semester of college. In many ways, it appears to be, “So far, so good.” At least academically, that is. But we’re worried. He doesn’t seem to be making friends. When we ask him how things are going, he just talks about classes and band practice, which are “fine.”….
It's not an easy time to be a kid. Perhaps it never is, but now it's especially true. Let us help you understand and support your child's needs.
Is your teen struggling with school, in their relationships with friends, with you? Do they seem irritable, withdrawn, unmotivated, sad? Our therapist know how to help.
Are you looking to make some aspect of your otherwise good relationship better? Maybe you’ve tried all the strategies that make sense to you.