Why Therapy?



Children and teenagers come to therapy for a variety of reasons, but the first visit is almost always initiated by a parent. Often parents are hoping for more peace at home, improved adherence to household rules, or better school performance and study habits from their children. Some parents are also looking for advice on how to deal with school personnel, or someone objective to listen and talk to their kids about difficult topics, such as divorce, family illness or loss, sex, or alcohol and other drugs.

Adolescents often discover that therapy is a good place for finding answers to questions about who they are and want to be. Therapy can also help teens learn how to cope with stressors such as peer pressure, or trouble getting along with parents or teachers. It can be comforting to have a private place to explore fears, feelings, and behaviors and to learn that you and your struggles are “normal” and understandable. Once teens are comfortable with themselves, things often smooth out at home and school. Frequently, after I’ve known a family for a while, the teen or parent will ask me to help them talk to each other. That, too, can be a bridge to a renewed relationship and to greater health.