Adolescence is a very complicated time in one’s life.  Teens are in the developmental phase of moving their focus from family to peers in preparation for what is called launching, which is leaving the home to make their own way in the world.  Adolescents are dealing with trying to fit in with peers, developing their identity, hormones, body changes, body image issues, often increased conflict with parents, and pressure at school.  Due to all of these adjustments and stressors, it is often a time when people seek professional help.  At Whitson Family Therapy, we offer a variety of services to meet the needs of adolescents and help them and their families transition through this difficult and complicated stage of life.

Many teenagers who were diagnosed with ADD / ADHD as children still exhibit symptoms through adolescence and into adulthood.  Sometimes the mechanism in which the behaviors present themselves can change, which can lead parents to believe they have “outgrown” the diagnosis.  It is important to have an understanding of how ADD / ADHD can present itself in adolescents and to seek treatment to help the teen develop a positive self-esteem and good coping skills to deal with the challenges of this diagnosis.  Psychological testing can be very effective in helping diagnosis or rule out ADD / ADHD in adolescents.

• Psychological Testing / Neuropsychological Assessment: 
  Are you worried your teen may have ADHD?
  Do you suspect an anxiety related problem? (Tourettes, Tics, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, etc)
  Do you have concerns that your adolescent may have Autism or Asperger’s?
  If so, psychological testing may be the answer…
• Individual Therapy:  Often teenagers need a place where they can work things out without the emotions that are attached with trying to talk with a friend, parent, or other family member.  Having a confidential setting in which to talk can often make a huge difference in a teenagers ability to cope with all of the pressure that goes along with being an adolescent.  We have several therapists who specialize in treating adolescents and are able to connect well with this population.
• Family Therapy:  The stress that having a teenager in the home can cause often creates a need for family therapy.  Increased conflict between an adolescent and parent is normal, but when it becomes overwhelming or very frequent, it may be time to seek professional help.
• Group Therapy:  Group therapy can be very helpful to teenagers, who value the input of their peers so much.  It can give them the opportunity to process their feelings, provide them with a sense that what they are going through is normal, and help them develop better problem solving skills and coping mechanisms.
• Eating Disorders:  Unfortunately, eating disorders are a very big problem in adolescents.  Teenagers have bodies that are changing, they are dealing with a lot of different stressors, and the need for control can often exhibit itself in an eating disorder.  If this is the case, seek treatment as soon as possible.  It is important not to ignore the signs or believe the adolescent who says they are fine if you suspect an eating disorder.  One of the things that gives this issue power is secrecy and lack of communication.  If you suspect an eating disorder, talk with your teenager and seek professional help immediately, as this issue can quickly spiral out of control.
• Substance Abuse:  Substance abuse with teenagers offers it’s own set of unique concerns and challenges.  It is important that these underlying issues be addressed and resolved for long-term change to occur.  We have a substance abuse professional on staff with over 20 years experience that understands the unique needs of this population.
• ADD / ADHD:  Many teenagers who were diagnosed with ADD as children still exhibit symptoms through adolescence and into adulthood.  Sometimes the mechanism in which the behaviors present themselves can change, which can lead parents to believe they have “outgrown” the diagnosis.  It is important to have an understanding of how ADD can present itself in adolescents and to seek treatment for individuals dealing with it to help them develop a positive self esteem and good coping skills to deal with the challenges of this diagnosis.  Psychological testing can be very effective in helping diagnosis ADD in adolescents.
• Parenting Classes:  While this service is offered to parents, not teens, the impact it can have in the life of a family with a teenager can be profound.  In “old school” thought, parenting classes were for incompetent parents.  What Whitson Family Therapy offers is very different than that.  It is for EVERY parent.  The program is called Becoming a Love and Logic Parent®.  The program has been around since 1977.  It offers parents not only a philosophy on parenting, but many specific techniques to choose from when your teen is simply “driving you crazy.”  It allows you to be a calmer, more effective parent and to truly enjoy parenting.