Being a teenager today
can be stressful. There are so many things to worry about like whether you're in a healthy or unhealthy relationship, break-ups with boyfriends/girlfriends, family,
friendships, drugs/alcohol, school and, of course, will I get into college!?
And, once I’m in college, will I be okay? All of these
struggles are 24/7 because of texting and Facebook. I understand
how stressful all of this can be. I also understand that no matter how close
you are to your parents, there are some things that it is just hard to talk to
them about.
I know you want to feel
less anxious and enjoy middle school and high school. You may be feeling heartache, worry, loneliness, sadness and even anger. You are not alone. There are so many teenagers who feel the same way. I can be somebody that you can trust to help you navigate the
stressors in your life. I love talking with teenagers. I have a lot of experience helping them to let go of their worry, pain, sadness or anger (which, by the way, is often
connected to your worries) so that they can stop fighting with others (including their parents), get
along better with them and enjoy their time with their friends, boyfriends/girlfriends and family. I am
dedicated to helping you to solve the problems that are plaguing you, to embrace your strengths (and I always find them),
to gain your independence (while being there when you need someone to lean on)
and to enjoy your teenage years, even when there are bumps in the road.
I have seen many young adults, too, who are struggling and trying to navigate their paths during or after college. Some young men or women consider transferring or withdrawing from college because they are feeling overwhelmed, depressed or anxious. It is scary to be living away from home. It is surprising to realize that even though you may not have spent a lot of time with your parents before college, you miss their support and guidance. It can be refreshing and scary at the same time to be on your own, to make your own decisions and to do what you want to do. I can help you learn that you can tolerate the stress and live independently while leaning on others to help you through, whether you choose to stay in the same college, to transfer or to return home.
I think being a teenager/young adult is often about making choices for yourself. I can help you, even if sometimes the choices you make or have made lead to situations that are stressful, sad or scary for you. I am an objective, nonjudgmental listener who is committed to helping you on your own path. I look forward to helping you through your journey, and I promise that you will get through it.
Here are some
questions you might have:
1. Will you tell my
parents what I talk to you about?
What you and I talk
about is between you and me. The only time I will share anything with your
parents is if I think you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else or if somebody is going to hurt you. If
I am thinking we need to talk with your parents, I will speak with you about it before I speak to them.
2. Will my parents tell
you things about me?
I do invite your parents
to talk with me and let me know what might be going on at home and what they
might be concerned about. I think that’s really important because parents have
a different perspective on things in your life. I will tell you when I
have spoken to your parents, even if they have contacted me. At the beginning, I tell them that too so there are no secrets. I generally meet with your
parents once at the very beginning just so I am sure that I know what their
worries about you might be. Sometimes, I might suggest that we meet
together with your parents if I think that will be helpful to you, but I would not force you to meet with them if you are not ready.
3. Do I have to see you
every week?
I think it works
best when we see each other every week because then we can really get to know
one another and I can help you deal with whatever current stressors there are
in your life. However, I know you are very busy with school and everything else
that you do, and I do not want coming to see me to be something that adds to
your stress! We will figure that out together and decide what will be most helpful to you.
4. How does it work?
To start, I ask you to
make a commitment to come see me four times. That way, you can understand better what
to expect by coming to talk to me and you can also decide if we are a good
match. I want you to be comfortable talking to me - that is the most important
thing. During those four times, I will also meet with your parents once, but I
want to meet with you once or twice before I meet them. At the end of the four
sessions, you and I will talk about what we think will be most helpful to you
and I will also meet with or talk to your parents to let them know.
"My teenage years
were exactly what they were supposed to be. Everybody has their own path...It's just up to you to walk it."
