Adolescence is the “in-between” stage of life, and therefore psychotherapy with adolescents is something between that with children and that with adults.   It can be rather childlike, centering on the use of modalities addressing inner issues on an outside stage of drawing, clay, sand tray and other expressive techniques.   Or it can be largely inner focused – with thoughtful reflections, introspections and verbal communications.

Regardless of the therapeutic modality, the adolescent developmental stage has several defining properties.   Establishing one’s own identity and developing significant peer relationships outside the family are paramount during adolescence, and therefore a key issue in psychotherapy.

When working with adolescents I pay special attention to identity and peer relationship issues.   With my client as leader, we explore his/her world of likes, dislikes, social circles, strongly held beliefs, hopes for the future, family issues, past traumas, sense of humor, friendships, romances, and much else, in an effort to create a personal sense of importance, meaning, and connection.

Regarding parents, I speak with them much less frequently when working with adolescents than I do with children.   I need to hear about significant events, and need to tell parents about serious issues, but by and large I am developing a trusting adult relationship outside the family, with a privacy contract, and this can be extremely healing for many young people.