Adolescent Development

Adolescence is a very confusing period during development where youth are attempting to make sense of who they are, who they would like to become, and establishing some sense of control over their lives. How they adjust to stress, peer pressure, mental and emotional anguish are most often done through exploration, experimentation, and risk taking.

Having the right support systems around them who understand what they are facing daily is paramount to their growth. With self-image and esteem being the major focus during these formative years, a non-judgmental approach is used to learn about their experiences, and treatment is tailored specifically to assist them with developing a skill-set that can support them as they encounter different challenges and phases in adulthood.

Common Areas of Focus

  • Academic Challenges

    Fluctuating academic performance or low academic motivation that may present itself in truancy, frequent classroom disruptions, and disciplinary referrals.

  • Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorder

    Difficulty maintaining focus with completing tasks due to being easily distracted or having high levels of energy. Other key indicators are difficulty following directions that are not concrete, disorganization, impulsive actions, and forgetfulness.

  • Behavior and Conduct

    Often disruptive actions that can present on a spectrum of antisocial behaviors to include but not limited to lying, defiance, challenging authority figures, disregard for others, vengeful, aggression, and delinquent behaviors.

  • Emotion & Mood Disorders

    Fluctuation in emotion expression, personal disposition, self-esteem, thinking, and how they engage with others and the world around them. The changes can be temporary, persistent, or situational based on the individual.

  • Relationship Challenges

    Struggles with maintaining healthy and stable interpersonal relationships with peers, parents or other adult figures within their lives. There is often conflict, poor communication, and a lack of empathy and understanding shown towards others.

  • Alcohol & Substance Use

    Experimenting with mood and mind-altering substances. These substances can also be used as a coping skills for mental health related issues and circumstances that are not within their control.