Teens
Identity develops throughout our lifetime. For the first time in life adolescents are fully aware of these changes. Meanwhile, self-esteem and self-conceptions are fluctuating for many. They begin to consider not just where they come from but where they are going and who they are in the grand scheme of life.
This new place in life can leave teens feeling anxious and a little lost leading to isolation, moodiness, and fatigue. *Teens naturally pull away from their family of origin and lean on peers for acceptance, personal advice, and emotional support. When teens exclusively turn to their peers’ problem behaviors are more likely to occur. The space I offer allows them to be open and hear a different adult perspective while also working to bridge any gaps between teens and parents.
We work towards creating routines, rituals and habits that bring stillness, social connection, food for fuel, supplements for energy, hydration, and physical activity to keep their bodies moving. These habits are the basic foundation that humans need to thrive. Learning these skills now will pay off big for their future well-being.
We work through challenges at school by rediscovering their connection with their bodies, recognizing feelings, thoughts, and stories that are creating anxiety, and holding them back from fully engaging and connecting with life. We work to write a new story that says, “I’m having these feelings and they may come back, but I can still engage in this behavior regardless of how my body is feeling right now.” That may look like raising their hand in class to ask a question even though they are fearful. Or calling an old friend to hang out even though they may fear rejection. A few successful attempts of putting themselves out there lead to higher self-esteem and self-image. Mindset tools are life skills teens need to prepare for life.
*Steinberg, Laurence. (2017). Adolescence 11th edition. McGraw Hill Education.