As I have written in my short bibliography, I have done intensive work with adolescents. At a middle school level I worked along side a fellow therapist to maintain a “girls group” to speak about issues arising in the pre-adolescent period.  At a local high school I counseled individuals working through violent histories and home lives. I also maintained a “guys group” to work with developing sexual identities and pressures of growing up male. We also formed a female group to discuss similar issues, and another co-ed group to increase positive social interactions and respectful behaviors.

I think the years of teen-hood are precious years, as they often set the stage with ideas of identity. On one side, there is the excitement of an up-coming adulthood (AKA freedom). But on the other, it can be a time of turmoil in the family and social stresses on the youth.  My history of adolescent care has granted me experience working with teen depression, anxieties, insecurities, suicide ideations, cutting, eating disorders, aggression, fears, and unclear personal directions.

When working with a teen I do like to work with the family when it is beneficial to the teen. There are times the teen prefers to keep the sessions and conversations between them and I, and I respect the teen’s right to privacy. I require parental consent and financial responsibly to be given and taken by the parent unless the teen is seeking counseling for abuse, pregnancies, or drug related issues.