Adolescents and young adults often need a safe place outside of the family to discuss real world problems. These issues may be related to school, a divorce, death of a loved one, a recent move, being part of a new blended family, anger, attitude, grades, depression, anxiety, drugs, conflict with siblings, bullying or peer pressure, low self-esteem…and the list goes on… I work with teens and young adults to help them build the skills they need to thrive in their lives.
Emotion management
One way I help teens or young adults is to teach them skills for identifying, understanding, and coping with feelings. This work in therapy can protect them from the temptation of unhealthy ways to alter mood such as drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, or sexual activity.
Decision-making
Many adolescents and younger adults also desperately need guidance in the area of decision-making. At such a young age, children are exposed to situations in which they need to make huge, sometimes life-altering decisions. Encouraging reflection concerning the price of a choice aids teens in staying safe, utilizing their developmentally appropriate power, and creating a foundation for their emerging adult personality.
Spiritual Development
Teens and young adults also often do not have fully formed values and need support while developing in this area. I honor the beliefs of each client and help each individual to grow within his or her own framework of beliefs. For those who want to have a faith-based/biblical component of their counseling, I offer support in that area and use Biblical principles to aid in spiritual growth.