Creating Choices
Short-term therapy for teenagers and families
The teenage years are challenging times for parents and teens alike. A
teen perceives his or her parents as controlling and demanding. A parent
perceives his or her teen as out of control and argumentative. Never the
twain shall meet.
The teenager may resort to such coping behaviors as drug or alcohol
use, eating disorders, poor school performance and self-destructive
behavior. A parent may feel like "giving up" or may escalate his or her
attempt to control which often leads to feelings of hopelessness and
guilt. Through a structured counseling program, parents and teens can
learn to reconnect and find a common boundary.
The Creating Choices program is designed to empower teens to take
responsibility for their lives and to create choices that are in their own
best interests. It empowers parents to be more effective in dealing with
their teenage children.
The goals of the Creating Choices Program are to help the teenager:
For parents the goal is to:
The purpose of the first assessment interview is to identify the nature of
the problem or difficulty which the family or teenager is facing. It is an
opportunity to hear from all sides how each perceives the problem and to
realize that all points of view and feelings are valid. We will discuss the
history of the problem and attempt to identify some of the underlying
issues and feelings. Finally, we will identify goals that each member of
the family has for the program.
The program is approximately 12 sessions in length including a
combination of individual sessions with the teenager, individual sessions
with the parents, and family sessions with parents and teenager
together. After the first assessment interview we will decide together on
the best way to proceed as far as how we will structure the sessions.
Taking the First Step
If you would like to set an appointment or if you have any questions call
(877-372-8784) or email me. The next step will be to download the
Intake Questionnaire which will give me an overview of your situation
and background. We will go over this information in more detail during
our first session, which is primarily meant for information gathering and
to establish goals for therapy.
Short-term therapy for teenagers and families
The teenage years are challenging times for parents and teens alike. A
teen perceives his or her parents as controlling and demanding. A parent
perceives his or her teen as out of control and argumentative. Never the
twain shall meet.
The teenager may resort to such coping behaviors as drug or alcohol
use, eating disorders, poor school performance and self-destructive
behavior. A parent may feel like "giving up" or may escalate his or her
attempt to control which often leads to feelings of hopelessness and
guilt. Through a structured counseling program, parents and teens can
learn to reconnect and find a common boundary.
The Creating Choices program is designed to empower teens to take
responsibility for their lives and to create choices that are in their own
best interests. It empowers parents to be more effective in dealing with
their teenage children.
The goals of the Creating Choices Program are to help the teenager:
- Develop positive social activity
- Develop positive peer relationships
- Develop open communication with parents and siblings
- Develop effective means of coping and dealing with life situations
- Develop a capacity to deal with intense and unpleasant emotions
- Develop problem-solving skills
For parents the goal is to:
- Develop your capacity to deliver clear communication
- Develop your confidence as a parent
- Distinguish "old baggage" you may carry from the past and how it
impacts your relationship with your children - Understand how conflict in your marriage impacts your relationship
with your children.
The purpose of the first assessment interview is to identify the nature of
the problem or difficulty which the family or teenager is facing. It is an
opportunity to hear from all sides how each perceives the problem and to
realize that all points of view and feelings are valid. We will discuss the
history of the problem and attempt to identify some of the underlying
issues and feelings. Finally, we will identify goals that each member of
the family has for the program.
The program is approximately 12 sessions in length including a
combination of individual sessions with the teenager, individual sessions
with the parents, and family sessions with parents and teenager
together. After the first assessment interview we will decide together on
the best way to proceed as far as how we will structure the sessions.
Taking the First Step
If you would like to set an appointment or if you have any questions call
(877-372-8784) or email me. The next step will be to download the
Intake Questionnaire which will give me an overview of your situation
and background. We will go over this information in more detail during
our first session, which is primarily meant for information gathering and
to establish goals for therapy.
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