We believe the years of
teen-hood are precious years, as they often set the stage for our initial understanding
of our identities. On one side, there is the excitement of an up-coming adulthood.
But on the other, it can be a time of turmoil in the family and social stressors
for the youth. Our team has experience working with teen depression, anxieties,
insecurities, suicidal ideation, cutting, eating disorders, aggression, fears,
and unclear personal directions.
Program founders, Erin and Jessica
worked together with in the San Diego
school systems providing care for both middle school and high school populations. Together they worked for the Open Door
Project providing services to high risk teens. Jessica went on to work with
teens in hospital settings, a transitional program, and also served the role as
a program therapist in a teen-pregnancy program. Erin
also focused her work within the child-welfare system, working with teens in out
of home placements.
When working with a teen, we
will involve the family when it is beneficial to the teen. There are times the
teen prefers to keep the sessions and our conversations between his or herself
and the therapist, and we respect the teen’s right to privacy. We require
parental consent and financial responsibly to be taken by the parent unless the
teen is seeking counseling for abuse, pregnancy, or drug related issues.
Teen Depression
Adolescence can be just as challenging as it is care-free.
Teens are faced with biological changes, peer-pressures, extreme emotions,
questions of identity, changes in their bodies, and changes in relationships in
terms of attraction. These changes can feel overwhelming and often produce a
low mood. Therapy looks at lifestyle and choices that may be in support of
these feelings. Our therapist may also suggest a medication evaluation or
further psychiatric care should the teen need further assistance.
Insecurities and Anxiety
Because teen-hood is very centered around peer approval, insecurities
are easily developed. Counseling may help the teen identify those insecurities
and begin developing a plan to help challenge his or her deficit notions of the
self. Counseling may also help the team develop proper social skills and
boundaries as a way to continue to build confidence within their peer
groups.
Eating Disorders and Body Image
Adolescence is a period that has a higher risk for the
development of eating disorders and body image issues. Because of the
seriousness of disordered eating, our team will help the family connect with
medical providers in the area to provide a more holistic and collaborative
treatment plan. Therapy will focus on the development of healthy body standards
and self acceptance.
Direction and Identity Development
Our team of counselors may play the role of a coach as the
teen discovers his or her identity and hopes for the future. Sexual, social,
occupational, and relational identities may be the focus of these sessions.
Teens often enjoy the freedom of discussing these notions with out parental
input and persuasions.
Teen Pregnancy
When teens discover they are pregnant, life can drastically
change directions. Along with the complicated emotions the teen will experience,
questions around abortion, possible marriage, and adoption may surface. Therapy
may be focused on providing community resources, determining a child care plan,
grieving the loss of freedom and childhood, making decisions about the child,
or managing the life change and stress of the new parental role.
