Adolescence is a time when you feel the need to become more independent, make your own decisions, try new things, become more dependent on your peer group while decreasing dependence on your parents, and often becoming more easily influenced by these peers often in negative ways.

 

Among the issues common among adolescents:

        -   The need to feel like a member of a group;

        -   Sexual identity;

        -   Academic involvement;

        -   The need to have control (of one’s money, social life, friends, dress style, music, etc.);

        -   The need to rebel from the mores of parents, society, etc.

        -   Falling in with “the wrong crowd”;

        -   Testing limits, as with truancy, drugs, alcohol, piercing, tattoos, sexuality, etc.;

        -   Friction with parents and within the family;

        -   The feeling that “no one understands” the teenager.

 

When issues arise, an adolescent may develop depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, suicidal ideation, or other worrisome feelings and behaviors.

 

My treatment model for adolescents includes:

        -   Establishing a rapport and trust with the adolescent;

        -   Diagnosing if any of the above issues are present and need treatment;

        -   Encouraging the adolescent to talk freely and express the issues.

 

If suicidal ideation is present, the degree of danger needs to be assessed and acted upon

 

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

        -   Relaxation exercises;

        -   Guided imagery;

        -   Encouraging physical activity (sports, running, walking, gym workouts);

        -   Encouraging limiting “junk food” and eating healthier;

        -   When alcohol, drugs, piercing, and other rebellious behaviors are present, working with the adolescent to take control and begin a more healthy life-style;

        -   When self-identity issues are present, working with the adolescent on processing the issues in order to arrive at self-acceptance.

 

Social skills training for adolescents

        -   When trauma is present, treating the trauma with Eye Movement Programming and prolonged exposure to the traumatic experience from a safe place;

        -   When appropriate, involving the parents for family therapy;

        -   When appropriate, involving siblings for family therapy;

        -   When appropriate, scheduling meetings with school staff, probation officers, social workers, etc., always in the presence of the adolescent, unless he/she approves of the meeting without his/her presence;

        -   Maintaining maximum confidentiality and transparency with the adolescent;

        -   Informing the adolescent about which behaviors/thoughts/feelings would require mandated reporting to authorities;

        -   Discussing with the adolescent the fact that the issues of adolescence are temporary and end with adulthood. Therefore, (s)he needs to “hold on”.