Teen Whisperer Los Angeles

04/26/2022

Encouraging Post-Pandemic Thriving:

As a nation, we are collectively experiencing a crisis of developmental delays, defined as "When a child's progression through predictable developmental phases slows, stops, or reverses." by yalemedicine.org

As the last 6-weeks of school winds down, I am learning a lot about how the pandemic isolation and Zoom classes have affected the social, emotional and academic development of the teens I work with. One thing I'm noticing in numerous young people is that their emotional development remains closer to the age in which they entered pandemic lockdown, rather than development more appropriate to their chronological age. (Meaning, their emotional maturity is significantly lagging ... )

Something else I'm noticing is that young people who were already struggling with the social dynamics of middle and high school have been further left behind, and are in need of assistance to strengthen their social intelligence. Here is powerful TedTalk that describes the importance of "skill-building" in kids who are challenged/ challenging: Rethinking Challenging Kids

Academically, even the strongest students may have struggled to learn the concepts taught over emergency Zoom classes, which impacts both their grades, and their ability to utilize those concepts going forward as foundations for learning more advanced concepts. It's not enough to just assume everything is fine, or label a teen as "lazy," or simply hope the next school year will be better. Your teen needs your to check in with them and find out if they need assistance in any way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuoPZkFcLVs

Note: In this video, Dr. Stuart Ablon, Director of the Think:Kids program in the Department of Psychiatry at MGH, describes the general tenets of a model of ...

11/02/2021

We have collectively survived one of the most unusual times in U.S. (and world) history. And yet the challenges persist, and will continue to persist for years to come.

Every one of our lives have been impacted in a myriad of ways, and will continue to be impacted as we attempt to adjust to our new “normal.”

Kid’s educations have been interrupted, and we have only just begun to understand what that means for them going forward.

Jobs have been lost. Businesses closed. Families have been traumatized in monumental ways. And through it all, our family's mental health has suffered.

One helpful thing that came out of the pandemic was that mental health services became readily available online. Folks in areas with few mental health resources could actually find therapists to talk to over Zoom and Skype.

For teens who are suffering and ready to turn a corner on their emotional well-being, it's time to reach out for assistance.

How does one go about finding a qualified therapist who offers therapy services? PsychologyToday.com is one resource that allows you to put in your zip code and read about specialists in your area.

Here is an article describing the process and what to expect: Tips for starting therapy for mental health
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/10/18/therapy-for-mental-health-tips/

If you, or a loved one is struggling, a therapeutic discussion may help turn things around, bringing hope, understanding, and a plan for implementing greater self-care.

In some communities and traditions, seeking counseling was misinterpreted as something shameful. Fortunately, in modern times, we’ve come to understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of self-love, and a longing for a greater sense of balance.

This is a public service message reminding you it’s time to take inventory on how your teen is doing.

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LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents
Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.
Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:
* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills
Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678
I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

06/28/2021

Many of the teens I see in my practice are gentle souls. For some of them, the sheltering at home mandate brought relief. No more bullying. No more social anxiety triggers. No more overwhelm from all the expectations from a very full schedule. For these young people, engaging in the world is a taller order than for others.

It is for this reason that I suggest there may be benefit in anticipating returning to school in the fall, and making a plan on how to ready these young people for the transition. A year has passed since they were among classmates. Their bodies and maturity levels have changed in a myriad of ways. They may have gotten used to quieter schedules and more down time, and may be anticipating a return to school with trepidation.

I offer a Free Initial Consultation for parents in order to think together with them about any concerns they may have about their teen. Allow me to demonstrate the support I can offer to you and your family.
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LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents
Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.
Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678
I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.
Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

10/07/2020

"Ambiguous loss elicits the same experiences of grief as a more tangible loss — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance — but managing it often requires a bit of creativity."

I can help your teen cope with the ever-changing landscape caused by Covid-19.

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LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents
Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.
Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:
* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills
Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678
I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

Here’s how to pull yourself out of despair and live your life

06/30/2020

The health and safety of my clients continues to be my top priority in responding to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. – Sandra

* Temperatures taken with non-touch infared thermometer
* Masks worn throughout session (provided if client doesn’t have)
* Screening clients for Covid-19 symptoms prior to visit
* Free-standing hand-sanitizer for clients and their families
* HEPA air-sanitizer always running to constantly clean the air
* Frequently sanitizing all surfaces that are touched
* Sterilizing room with a UVC Germicidal Ultra-violet light
* Remote sessions for clients sneezing or coughing
* Large office space easily allows for 6-feet distancing between us
* High ceilings/open windows offer cross ventilation ocean breeze

***
LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

05/23/2020

The face behind the mask.

It's a new and sometimes uncomfortable experience meeting a therapist for the first time. Now, with masks covering our faces, it's a bit more complex to get a read on the person behind the mask. So much of our social intelligence depends on our ability to interpret facial expressions, along with body language and tone.

For families with kids on the spectrum this can present an added challenge.

I just wanted to introduce myself, and let you know that I work well with masks. I have been able to help the young clients in my practice understand safety measures, how to adapt to the changes brought by Covid-19, and find a new rhythm in these unusual times.

***
LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

03/17/2020

**Note: My counseling office remains open to see clients. I have a large office space that easily allows social distancing, with a standing hand-sanitizer just inside the door.

***
LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

02/09/2020

In choosing a therapist for your teenager, you want someone with experience in working with complex teenage issues and family dynamics.

It is important to choose a therapist who not only has an understanding of adolescent phase of life challenges, but can work masterfully with families in conflict, and support the parents in setting limits. Try to find a therapist with whom you, the parent, feel comfortable and well understood, as you will be trusting them to guide you in the care of your child.

Learn how the therapist will handle keeping you updated about your teen’s process and progress. As your child’s advocate their job is to join with your teen, that they might learn about and advise you on your child’s needs. Ideally, they act as a bridge between the two of you.

Although therapists “in training” are required to spend 500 hours working with children and families, not all therapists have experience working directly with the teen population. Because teens have a developmental journey all their own, that differs significantly from a small child or young adult, it is important that the therapist you choose has a thorough understanding of this phase of life, and it’s associated risks and challenges.

It is important to examine your readiness to embrace the changes that may be necessary for you, your teen, and your family to make, for Teen Therapy is a collaborative relationship. Since you, the parent, will need to reinforce the therapist’s work in your home, additional parent coaching work may be indicated to support you in setting and maintaining firm boundaries, as well as helping to heal the relationship between you and your teen.

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LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

02/01/2020

It can be challenging to keep your teen on course with all they need to learn in order to become an independent young adult. http://ow.ly/vK4u50ujP27

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LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

01/28/2020

What if teen depression is a form of grief ... for their lives not turning out as they'd hoped, and for connections they have lost. Maybe medication isn't the answer.
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LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

12/28/2019

Has your teen ever felt blue for no obvious reason?
Do they ever do things on impulse that they later regret?
Have they ever overreacted to a situation and later wondered why? https://losangelesteentherapist.com/parent-advice-support-articles/experiencing-mood-swings/
***
LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

Here is some important information that describes the developmental changes that occur in teenager's brains.

12/17/2019

A "must watch" TedTalk if you, or a loved one has ever suffered from anxiety or depression.

"Every human being has natural psychological needs. You need to feel you belong. You need to feel your life has meaning and purpose. You need to feel that people see you and value you. You need to feel you've got a future that makes sense."
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LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

In a moving talk, journalist Johann Hari shares fresh insights on the causes of depression and anxiety from experts around the world -- as well as some exciting emerging solutions. "If you're depressed or anxious, you're not weak and you're not crazy -- you're a human being with unmet needs," Hari s...

12/04/2019

Tantrums and meltdowns add an enormous amount of stress in even the most loving of families. I can help your teen learn to expand their coping skills and better communicate their needs. I can also support you in learning to manage and diminish their out of control behavior.
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LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

11/19/2019

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), is a diagnosis that describes a group of symptoms. This is a common label being attached to emotionally intense people.

Some traits include:

* Fearing abandonment and/ or rejection
* Having series of intense and unstable relationships
* Not having a strong sense of self-identity, ‘Who am I?'
* Impulsive self-harming behaviors
* Recurrent suicidal ideation and attempts
* Severe mood swings
* Chronic feelings of emptiness
* Sudden, uncontrollable rage
* Feeling dissociated from reality during stressful times

Sometimes people with BPD seem to view the world in a black-or-white, ‘all good or all bad’ fashion.

Often, the most painful part of this diagnosis is being misunderstood by and feeling isolated from those close to you. It's hard not to push people away in a moment of upset, despite their craving closeness and connection.

People with BPD are NOT ‘bad people’. They are NOT manipulative or attention seekers. They are are often born with a highly responsive nervous system that requires a certain level of care, like a finely tuned sports car. But it may feel like they're driving a Ferrari "with bicycle brakes."

Even with the best intention, a childhood environment where there might not be a ‘temperament fit’ between the parents and the intense child, can result in an emotional gulf. Unless these individuals are supported in learning the tools they need to thrive, their sensitivity and intensity will be perceived as something being grossly wrong with them, and they could end up misdiagnosed and struggling for years.

(acknowledging Imi Lo)

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LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

10/29/2019

The Foundation Of Effective Parenting

Not all teachers are parents, but all parents are teachers. Good character traits like empathy and respect are teachable skills that need to be learned at home — as well as at school. You teach your child how to behave by how they observe you treating them and others.

Rejecting facial expressions, aggressive body language, harsh tone and volume of voice, withholding affection, demeaning words, and physical punishment can negatively impact a child's self-esteem. Encouraging your child should never include a threatening word, act, or deed. Encouraging your child should never cause a loss of dignity, or personal self-respect.

Encouraging is better served by guiding your teen towards a path inspiration, hope, and possibility. The successful navigation of this phase of life involves setting boundaries and enforcing consequences without becoming punitive, angry, or judgmental.

Effective parenting involves viewing the frustrations your teen encounters when pushing against your imposed boundaries as opportunities for them to learn how to exercise the muscles of self control, self-respect, and respect for others.
***
LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

09/19/2019

The school year has begun, and parents and teens are facing the next level of academic, social and emotional challenges that adolescence brings ...

Instead of waiting until things get out of hand, now is the time to put your support team in place. Is a tutor indicated? Would counseling help? Does the student need to learn time-management skills? Could the parent benefit from consulting with a parenting teens expert?

Challenges don't always show up at the same time for every family. Academic, social and emotional challenges can affect each adolescent differently, depending upon the support systems and coping skills already in place. Adolescent development is a winding road that begins as early at 10, and completes around age 25.

It's important to do a thorough assessment when a teen is struggling, instead of making assumptions about what might be underlying challenging behavior. Early interventions can make all the difference in supporting a teen's healthy development.

***
LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

07/31/2019

When we treat children with respect, they learn to treat themselves and others respectfully. Our body language, facial expressions, the tone and volume of our voice, threatening violence, withholding affection, rejecting behavior, using demeaning words or physical punishment definitely impact a child's self-esteem and can teach them aggressive behavior.

***
LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.

The foundation of effective parenting includes leading by example. 

07/30/2019

Lagging developmental skills and unsolved personal problems often lie behind a teen’s challenging behavior.

The good news is that an adolescent’s emotional well-being can be optimized through guidance and education. Emerging science now offers us an inside look at how a positive therapeutic relationship can enhance brain functioning, self-esteem, empathy and the ability to form lasting relationships.

***
LATeenWhisperer.com
For Emotionally Intense Teens & their Parents

Worried About Your Teen? I can provide insight, guidance, and relief.

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist Emphasizing:

* Emotional-regulation
* Executive-functioning
* Language-processing
* Problem-solving
* Social-skills

Schedule a FREE Initial Parent Consultation 310.951.5678

I specialize in working with & young adults–from all cultural backgrounds – whose path of development is a little more complex than others.