BARBARA THOLFSEN LCSW 

 

                    IN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS  

                          HAVE MANY WAYS TO COMMUNICATE EMOTIONAL DISTRESS

           

Sometimes children and adolescents:

 

•     feel very unhappy, worried, or frightened for reasons they cannot explain   

•     cling to parents because they are fearful about independence.     

•     cannot channel their energy and creativity in ways that develop their potential.

•     acquire rituals or phobias because they feel helpless when under stress.

•     do not know how to make friends or get along with others at school or at home

•     withdraw from social relationships.

•     act meanly or aggressively because they cannot control their actions and cannot find other ways to express their feelings.

 

 

Sometimes children and adolescents:

 

• can't learn in school because they are preoccupied with thoughts or feelings.

• are restless or cannot concentrate because they have not acquired methods to maintain confidence and calm.

• have negative attitudes toward themselves even though others can observe their obvious talents and abilities.

• have been exposed to overwhelming, stressful situations that tax their ability to cope.

• feel confused about their gender identity

• are not comfortable with the gender identity assigned to them at birth  

 

 

                    Sometimes Adolescents:

 

•  feel confused about their identity and uncertain about their future.

•  turn to drugs or alcohol to feel better because they are depressed.

•  develop eating disorders as a way to manage difficult feelings they cannot verbalize.

 

 

If these problems do not resolve with time and support from parents, teachers, or friends, psychotherapy can be effective 

 

 

Assessment

 

I begin with an evaluation that includes parents and information from other sources as needed. The goal is to determine the nature of the problem and develop an individualized treatment plan based on the child's needs.

 

Psychotherapy

 

is designed to help with immediate crises as well as ongoing emotional or behavioral problems. Therapy sessions may be once or twice a week, in addition to collaborative work with parents.

 

Parent Guidance

 

Some problems may be most effectively addressed through direct work with parents. Focus is on finding parenting strategies that are responsive to the child's needs.

 

Referrals

 

A referral may be made to other resources if your son or daughter needs them. Every effort will be made to find an appropriate referral.