Adolescent Counseling
Adolescent Counseling
I have extensive experience with treating adolescents. In fact, I began my counseling career as a counselor at an adolescent residential substance abuse facility. Although the setting was a substance abuse treatment center, I was able to gain valuable experience with address a long list of adolescent struggles. Some of which include: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger, trauma, abuse, parent and family conflict and more. Read on for more information about the adolescent stage of development.
What is Adolescence?
Adolescence is the time between childhood and adulthood – between the ages of 12 to 18 — that is marked by dramatic growth and change, both physical and emotional.
Why is it so difficult?
The transition period that is adolescence brings up issues of independence and self-identity. In addition, the adolescent brain is going through drastic changes that impact many areas of a teens functioning. Not only is it producing an increased amount of hormones to trigger these physical changes, but it is also increasing its capacity to understand and manage emotions, as well as plan and problem solve. What this means is that developmental period involves a lot of trial and error in practicing these new skills.
When should a parent be concerned?
It can be difficult to tell the difference between symptoms of mental illness and normal problems that all teenagers experience from time to time.
You may notice that your teenager experiences episodes of sadness, anxiety, frustration and feelings of being overwhelmed. These episodes should not last more than a few days at most; if these feelings are continual and your teen is chronically anxious or sad, then you should speak to him or her about your concerns and consult a professional to see if there may be a more serious problem than normal teenage angst.
If you see that your teen is not engaging in other activities or with friends and is chronically disconnected, angry and sad, this is when the behavour becomes abnormal and requires intervention.
Some concerning behaviors to pay attention to:
• Decrease in enjoyment and time spent with friends and family
• Significant decrease in school performance
• Strong resistance to attending school or absenteeism
• Problems with memory, attention or concentration
• Big changes in energy levels, eating or sleeping patterns
• Physical symptoms (stomach aches, headaches, backaches)
• Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, crying often
• Frequent aggression, disobedience or lashing out verbally
• Excessive neglect of personal appearance or hygiene
• Substance abuse
• Dangerous or illegal thrill-seeking behavior
• Is overly suspicious of others
• Sees or hears things that others do not