“And I can’t be running back and fourth forever between grief and high delight.” J.D. Salinger
The search for identity, self-esteem, autonomy and peer acceptance are some of the themes adolescents struggle with. This profoundly intense developmental stage is challenging to both parents and adolescents alike. At times communication is good and there is mutual understanding. Then suddenly parents will find themselves feeling shut out and teens isolated and angry. Often this stage of life feels like a roller coaster for both adolescent and parent.
- Depression and anxiety can often plague the teen who is struggling with these major life themes.
- Feeling alienated from a parent is common no matter how supportive the parent may be.
- Creating a power struggle is a natural outcome in the search for independence.
- Experimenting with drugs and alcohol is not uncommon. Careful evaluation is needed to determine possible addiction.
Adolescent Therapy Treatment Needs
- Adolescents respond well to honest, direct discussion with a caring therapist who does not patronize them.
- Goal-oriented, cognitive/behavioral therapy which is often short term is normally the treatment of choice.
- In some instances family therapy helps resolve anger, disappointment and misunderstandings between teens and their parents.
