ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, ADHD, OCD, SELF HARM, ADDICTION

Teens are significantly impacted by the pandemic, social pressures and stress in sports, college, family work balance.  Individually structured counseling is a place where teens can build life skills in Executive Functioning, Social and Emotional awareness to elevate anxiety.

Debra specializes in clinical counseling using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, Mindfulness techniques for Stress Management.  Continued education taken at Harvard Medical School in child psychology, addiction, mind body medicine.  Debra was a School Counsel for elementary, middle & high school students adding a Certification in Brain Health Coaching to address food and mood issues and the correlation to mental and physical health.

TEEN LEADERSHIP COUNSELING

If  your teen has angst, anxiety or signs of depression that last more than 2 weeks seeking support to assess for lingering symptoms is essential.  The hard-wiring in the brain takes place at this time and future success depends of accurate assessment and skill building.

Empowering teens to make the right choices while learning stress management, social emotional education (life skills) reduce risky behavior while focusing on strengths and strategies to achieve personal success.   Teens get overwhelmed while trying to manage stress, self harm, addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, family divorce and or illness take a toll on them.   Too often, the daily struggles of peer pressure, academics, identity, status among their friends, family life, stress and hormones dominates their world with little skill.

Skills that help shift perspectives, identifying areas of control using smart goals, personal accountability, core values and problem solving in a positive psychology model.

Sports performance, college entrance and concussion care challenges teen identify, social interactions and with therapeutic tools as well as seeking pediatric advice.  Debra has years of experience as a teen advocate, school counselor, health psychology provider.

ADDICTION – TEEN COUNSELING

Dedicated to teen recovery by creating a private, confidential treatment plan in a compassionate therapeutic environment.  Addressing addiction and behaviors with goal centered treatment.   Psychological counseling, mental health assessments, working in conjunction with medical doctors, psychiatrist if needed.    Incorporating weekly or daily psychotherapy, education, stress management, nutrition, meditation.  Debra is a Marriage Family Therapy with continued education at Harvard Medical School in Addiction, Child Psychotherapy, Mind Body Medicine.

Why Seek Therapy:

• learning or attention problems (such as ADHD)
• behavioral problems (such as excessive anger, acting out, bedwetting or eating disorders)
• a significant drop in grades, particularly if your child normally maintains high grades
• episodes of sadness, tearfulness, or depression
• social withdrawal or isolation
• being the victim of bullying or bullying other children
• decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
• sudden changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents)
• insomnia or increased sleepiness
• mood swings (e.g., happy one minute, upset the next)
• development of or an increase in physical complaints (such as headache, stomachache, or not feeling well) despite a normal physical exam by your doctor
• management of a serious, acute, or chronic illness
• signs of alcohol, drug, or other substance use (such as solvents or prescription drug abuse)
• problems in transitions (following separation, divorce, or relocation)
• bereavement issues

Signs of Teenage Depression:

Teenage depression goes far beyond moodiness and a bad attitude. Teen Depression is a serious matter and needs treatment. 2 out of 10 teens will experience depression. Depression can lead to drugs, alcohol, reckless behaviors, violence, self injury, eating disorders, self esteem deterioration, suicidal thoughts.

A healthy view of growing into adulthood with leadership skills and a strong psychological mind is possible. If you are a parent, friend, teacher there are many things you can do to help.

Watch for signs and call for a consultation: