The parent-child relationship is extremely important to healthy adolescent development.  Unfortunately, in many families, this unique period of adolescence can push teenagers and their parents drastically apart.  Understanding the unique experiences of both parent and child can help families navigate this complicated period of transition.  Working with teens and families in Fort Lauderdale over the years, I have found many problem areas respond exceptionally well to adolescent therapy.

Problems that teens and their parents may need a teen counselor’s help to handle include:

• Changes in family life, like moving, divorce, or a death or serious illness in the family

• The loss of a close friend or girl or boyfriend through death, a breakup of the relationship, or moving

• Developing an illness or disability

• Any kind of substance abuse or addiction

• Bullying or abuse

• Teen pregnancy

• Tragic events in the community or the world

• Gender Identity Issues (Transgender, etc.)

As an adolescent moves towards friends or other interests, the parent may feel a substantial loss in the parent-child relationship.  These feelings will occur even when the parent wants his/her child to grow into a healthy and unique individual.  Young people can often find themselves struggling to effectively meet the challenges of adolescence.  Rather than simply putting a label on a child, I help teens discover alternative ways of thinking about and responding to their challenges.

From a parent’s perspective, it is not uncommon to find their adolescent’s behavior confusing, or even disturbing.  I will help you get the whole picture of what’s going on in your teen’s mind, including the developmental changes that occur during adolescence.

Working through these complicated feelings and finding balance during this period of transition can be hard for both parents and teens.  However, therapy can help promote personal growth, relational connectedness, and healthy development.  Whether it is individual, family or adolescent therapy, support during this time is key. In fact, with a bit of self-reflection and insight, the adolescent years can be a positive experience for the whole family.

Finally, I am an expert in the treatment of adolescent disorders, including substance abuse.  My experience as a drug counselor includes years of working with teens in an inpatient setting, helping teens with many of the above issues.