Archive for the ‘Adolescents/Teenagers’ Category

Stressed-Out Teens

December 3rd, 2008

Just like adults, stress can have very negative impacts on an adolescent’s mental and emotional health.  Anxiousness, withdrawal, agitation, depression, and the behaviors teens turn to to cope with these feelings are all possible responses.  Teens who aren’t successfully coping can turn to drugs, unsafe sex, anger, and other dangerous behaviors.  When faced with such situations, parents often times feel fearful, irritated, and hopeless. 

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Teens, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity

November 22nd, 2008

Sometimes when adolescents show behaviors and interests that differ from their peers, parents are ecstatic.  A physics genius, an interest in reading and writing rather than Wii!  Things like this excite parents.  When a teen shows affectional and sexual interest in their same-sex or when boys “act like girls” and girls “like boys” – well, this is when parents and caregivers often times get confused or concerned.

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Coming of Age

October 22nd, 2008

I recently facilitated a “Coming of Age” group for adolescent boys, ages 13 and 14.  What a fun experience!  But what a reminder of the influence peers have on our children.

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More Than Teen Angst

October 20th, 2008

Is your teenager or adolescent driving you crazy? Are you finding her or his behavior out-of-control or self-destructive? Do you battle over every little thing? Has your son or daughter changed…becoming depressed, reclusive, or uninterested in activities he or she used to enjoy? Are you concerned about your child?

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