Single parenting is hard. You want to make sure your adolescent has everything they need, while you are also trying to work, take care of a house or apartment, and have enough energy to climb into bed at the end of the day.
Sometimes you wonder whether your adolescent is really comfortable enough to ask the questions they may have on their mind.
Maybe you sometimes wish that they had a safe place to talk through whatever phase of life they are going through.
If this is you, I want you to know that you are not alone. Many parents just like you have discovered that my office is a safe place for their student to talk through whatever is going on.
Students often don’t want to talk through everything they are thinking with their mom or dad. Remember what that was like for you when you were their age.
Therefore, it can be so helpful to have an adult who can help them learn to navigate whatever phase of life issues they are going through.
I have often heard parents say that they cannot believe how quickly their student opened up to me. They also say that their adolescent feels safe with me.
I believe that every adolescent is a practicing adult. Sometimes, you may see or hear them make a very mature decision or statement in one sentence and then a very childish one the next.
My goal with every adolescent is to give them the safety and respect they need to learn how to make mature decisions about the life they are stepping into.
When working with adolescents, it is imperative to build trust. This is something we do the first moment they step into my office. They need to know that I am here to help them.
Therefore, I will spend time getting to know their loves and dislikes, their hobbies, and what makes them tick. When that trust begins to build, I find it natural for them to start sharing some of their fears and questions.
Next, we begin exploring who they see themselves becoming in their lives. We will talk about their desires and goals, and I will ask questions about what they think will get them there.
Often, adolescents are more willing to accept a challenge to think about the future from a trusted adult who isn’t their mom or dad. I have also found that some single moms whose ex-partner isn’t very involved like to have a safe place for their adolescent to hear the perspective from a “safe male” figure.
This phase of therapy is about helping them launch into this particular part of their lives using building blocks for future phases. Some will practice asking for what they need. Others will work on understanding the messages emotions may be sending them without letting them take over the driver’s seat.
Whatever their struggle is, my goal is to work myself out of a job so that your student can move more confidently into adulthood.
If you’ve been wondering whether there is such a place for your adolescent, you don’t have to wonder anymore.
Imagine another adult who wants to help your child succeed in family, school, and life. I am that adult, and I take my work with your adolescent seriously.
If what I have said is helpful to your adolescent, please call or email me for a free 15-minute consultation.
Whether you’re reaching out for yourself, your relationship, or your teen, support begins with a simple conversation.
A free 15-minute consultation can be the first step toward the steadiness and connection you’ve been hoping for.
Call or message today to get started.