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    Adolescents

    Adolescents must navigate changes in their bodies and changes in their relationships with their families.  For a parent, it can be difficult to guide your teen and help them develop good judgment, while also fostering their independence.  Adolescents often need help in managing peer pressure, self esteem, and the academic pressures unique to New York City schools.  They may have issues around gender, sexuality, body image, impulsive behavior, substance use, and social media.  Parents often benefit from extra support during this time, to best help their teens develop a positive sense of self as they prepare for greater autonomy.

    I begin treatment by conducting a detail assessment with the adolescent, as well as collaborative meetings with parents.  Following the assessment period, individualized treatment recommendations are provided.  I then work with both the adolescent and parents in an ongoing fashion.  While the focus of treatment is individual sessions with the teen, parent meetings are encouraged, as well, to provide parents with skills and support.  Typically, adolescent and parent sessions are conducted separately, although in some situations, family sessions are indicated.

    Therapy can benefit adolescents and families with the following issues:

    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Oppositional behavior
    • Trauma
    • Grief and loss
    • Anger
    • Attention difficulties
    • Learning differences
    • Low self-esteem
    • Suicidality and self-harm
    • Eating and body image problems
    • Academic difficulties
    • Divorce and other family challenges
    • Relocation
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder