Teen/Adolescent Therapy

Do you know a teenager who is in pain?

• Have you noticed a recent emotional or behavioral change in your teenager?
• Is your teen engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse or cutting?
• Has your teen pulled away or started acting out in anger?
• Is your teenager feeling depressed, confused, or overwhelmed by a transition, traumatic event, or life stress?
• Are you worried about what the future may hold if things continue the way they have been for you or your family?
• Would you like support in your parenting?

Figuring out the teen years can be challenging for parents and youth.  On average, an adolescents experience more recurrent and more dramatic emotional swings than do people of other ages. Studies show that one in eight teenagers report experiencing depressed mood.

Negative life events (parents’ divorce, doing poorly in algebra, not making the volleyball team, etc.) as well as hormonal changes play a significant part in teenager’s mood.  In addition, adolescents’ moods can fluctuate based on teen’s positive or negative view of self, body image, pressure to achieve, parental expectations, and other factors.  The emotional rollercoaster partly relates to teenager’s journey in discovering his/her identity and answering such monumental questions as “Who am I? Where I am going? What is my place in this world?”

There are situations where it can be helpful for a skilled therapist to come alongside and assist youth in negotiating adolescence and encourage their worried parents in their changing parenting roles.  Through an objective, supportive counseling relationship teens can work to define who they are and develop the skills needed to move in a positive direction. Through expressing their hidden worries, concerns and fears in therapy, parents can experience more positive communication and a closer connection with their teens.

I have been privileged to be a part of many wonderful transformations in families through providing counseling during the past 8 years. I will be honored to contribute to positive changes in your family as well.

Here are some of the things you may gain from family counseling with me:

Teens/Adolescents

• Increased feelings of self-worth and appreciation of individual strengths
• Improved communication (negotiation and conflict resolution skills)
• Enhanced self-awareness, motivation, courage, and joy
• Reduced feelings of anger, sadness, and anxiety
• Learned stress-reduction techniques

Parents

• Renewed feelings of support and connection to your teen
• Broader repertoire of responses to your adolescent’s social-emotional needs
• Improved ability to create and agree on realistic goals related to your teen
• Renewed confidence in your enhanced and effective parenting skills
• Improved skills in working through issues of trust, responsibility, and independence with your adolescent

Are you ready to start family therapy for your teen?

I encourage you to give me a call!

Olya Pavlishina, LMFT
360. 356. 8756
olya@integrity-counseling.com