I’ve been working with teens for decades. Sadly, the one story I hear over and over is one of adults in positions of power belittling, provoking, or dismissing the legitimate and valid behaviors of emotionally sensitive young people. We are […]
Continue ReadingYou meet a new client in the waiting room for the first time and extend your hand, he just looks at you and doesn’t reciprocate. When you settle into the office and begin to talk he states, “all therapists suck, […]
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It seems the phrase “be careful what you wish for” may be in order here. The March WWWT newsletter spoke to re-entry hesitancy and the anxiety of reconnecting socially. Now that summer is here, more and more teens are vaccinated, […]
Continue ReadingOne of the more heartbreaking experiences as a therapist is hearing teenagers describe what they believe to be their flaws. I could list them here but there’s simply not enough space. Aspects of personality, physical appearance, athletics, social… tragically there’s […]
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Forgive the pun. I couldn’t help the opportunity as we celebrate our progress with vaccinations and greater leniency to more fully engage in our lives. All teens are now eligible for vaccinations. As we reconnect with those close to us, […]
Continue ReadingWhat’s going on? What will be the impact of the lost year? Let’s take a look at factors that we notice are weighing on youth the most: Lack of day-to-day social interaction. When you ask kids what they like most […]
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Emerging from the darkness into the light is hard on the eyes. We cautiously shield our sensitive retinas with sunglasses, a visor or the cover of a hand, squinting until our biology adjusts to the increasing brightness. When we look […]
Continue ReadingTeens are struggling. Suicide rates among young people are up. Therapists are stretched thin. Many teens receive formal supports at school yet most of those have been suspended. Others benefit from the social interaction at school and structure of the […]
Continue ReadingSo much has ailed us over the past year and just in the past 5 days. Name your poison: illness, loss (of too much to list), injustices, and most recently, violence on our democracy. It has been overwhelming to our […]
Continue ReadingQ. What is one of the most powerful tools to change behavior in teenagers? Punishment Reinforcement Critical feedback Encouragement The answer is reinforcement, or reward. Its power is often overlooked by parents, teachers, friends and coaches. Let’s look […]
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