Child & Adolescent Therapy   Despite a parent’s best effort, a child may begin to have intolerable feelings of anger, rage, frustration, sadness, guilt or disappointment.  Without intervention at this point, the child becomes a high risk for worrisome and destructive behaviors.  When children are troubled, they generally behave in one of several ways: Acting Out: Abusive, violent, disruptive, aggressive, cruel behaviors. Withdrawal: Fears, depression, refusing to talk, acting younger than their age. Defensiveness: Lying, cheating, manipulating others, avoiding others. Disorganization:  Out of touch, disconnected thinking or irrational behavior. It’s difficult to know for sure when a child is troubled.  Here are a few warning signs to watch for: Loss of interest in activities and relationships Isolating Feelings of hopelessness and despair Changes is eating or sleeping habits Declining performance in schoolwork and/or attendance Angry acting out behavior such as hitting or fighting Suicidal talk or action Lack of respect for authority Adolescent Transitions: The transition from being a kid who goofs off with friends and doesn’t worry about tomorrow to being an adult who pays bills and votes, is huge.  Parents love keeping their kids kids, but what happens when they graduate from high school?  Do they get a job or go off to college?  What college an adolescent goes to, how they study (or don’t!) and how they choose the career their going to embrace as a young adult – it’s all about transitions.   The shift from child to adult may be one parents and kids are not eager for, but it begins when adolescents enter high school.  Many choices lie ahead.  Most kids don’t get this and don’t realize that when they enter high school, their grades start really counting.  This major life transition can be challenging – for parents and teens.  Getting professional help can give teens a clearer view of the choices they are making.     [ Back To Services ]