TEENS

Teens are at a stage in their life where they are experiencing increasing self awareness and changes in hormone activity as the body and mind are maturing towards adulthood.   and are much more self conscious of themselves in relation to their peers.  Fears and insecurities and embarrassment and judgement by fellow peers can generate anxiety as well as depression.  It is not uncommon for a teen to “turn on themselves” feeling less than their peers.  In therapy a teen is allowed increasing confidentiality from parents to express themselves and their steps toward independence which involves a pushing away from parents and caretakers, a normal outcome as they begin to get their own footing in life. With teens talking through their issues gradually replaces time spent in play although the expressive arts are usually still employed along with talk.  I incorporate body based mindfulness, using standing and sitting yoga poses, grounding and breathing while aware of the moment, often practiced outdoors in the sounds of nature.