Adolescence is often recognized as a turbulent period of human development. Along with physical changes of puberty, adolescents undergo significant transformations in the way they think, act, feel, and perceive the world. Sometimes this can manifest behaviors that are upsetting and often incomprehensible to the adults surrounding them. It is a unique stage of development that often expresses itself through overwhelming moods and feelings; unsatisfying or difficult peer relationships; social uncertainty; identity confusion; pressure to perform in school, sports, or extracurricular activities; use of drugs or alcohol; questions of sexual identity; divorce or family conflict; and the family dynamics that often result from any number of these issues. Parents regularly struggle to both understand and connect with their teenager in an effort to help ease their pain and suffering, but sometimes utilizing outside support can a beneficial approach for all parties.
Therapy can be an extremely helpful space for teenagers that find this developmental process too overwhelming to handle by themselves. They are in need of a safe space where they can use the help of a nonjudgmental other to contain, support, digest, question, and share their uniquely personal experience in the world. Therapy can often help an adolescent learn to make sense of a confusing inner world, learn how to better express themselves, and consequently, they are often more adept at expressing themselves to their parents and friends. I have been inspired and amazed with the power of the therapeutic process in my work with adolescents, not to mention the fact that I truly enjoy working them.They often learn life-long skills that allow them to lighten up, become more creative problem solvers, become more comfortable in their own skin, become more authentic individuals, learn how to struggle with more grace and ease, and ultimately, improve their relationships with themselves and those around them.
