Kirsten Beuthin, LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Parenting teenagers does not have to be tough. Families may encounter difficulties in parenting their pre-teens and teenagers due to the changing demands of normal adolescent development. Families can benefit from the support, education and tools offered in counseling. Teens or pre-teens may be seen separately, with their parents, or the entire family as the need arises. In cases where the teenager is seen separately, periodic parent sessions and phone contact are essential and often helpful. Some of the issues that can be addressed in therapy are self-esteem problems, body image, identity issues, sexuality, acting out behaviors (substance abuse, talking back, running away, truancy, etc.), divorce and blended families, peer and family relationships, and school problems. The parenting models we experienced growing up in our own families may not satisfy our visions for ourselves as parents. Therapy can help provide support to parents who are overwhelmed or stressed, or provide a safe place to explore the tremendous opportunity for growth that becoming a parent offers.
Sometimes, it can be helpful to have your teenager(s) see a therapist individually to let them have a separate space in which to talk about their problems. There are a number of questions teens often have about therapy. There is additional information for parents about teen self injury or cutting behavior.
Kirsten offers support and education for parents of adolescents through individual therapy, family therapy, couples counseling, parent consultation sessions, and a support group.