A Note From The L.A. Teen Therapist
It’s vital that teenagers understand their world, and not merely react to it. Read on for ideas on how to help them do this. – Sandra
Self-reflection allows teens to determine what about a situation is unpleasant, and then come up with ways of dealing more effectively with similar experiences. They may come to realize that there are certain skills they still need to learn. They might also come to recognize ways to avoid or turn around those situations in the future.
Self-reflection allows teens to figure out more effective ways of being who they want to be in the world.
The world is full of distractions, and many things that appear more exciting to teens than making time out for self-reflection. Yet, self-reflection allows teens to direct their lives instead of feeling ruled by forces outside of their control.
The kind of wisdom and self-control required for teens to become independent young adults doesn’t come all at once. It is gained by learning from their mistakes, and utilizing their experiences to lay a solid foundation for their life.
FACILITATING SELF-AWARENESS:
Try to set aside a portion of time each week to sit down with your teen to check in and discuss how they feel about the direction their life is going in. The best way to approach this is by inviting safe, heartfelt discussions. Ideally, you want to consider setting aside 20 minutes a day where there are no interruptions. Turn off cell phones and try to pick a time when you do not have other things that either of you need to be doing.
Try and stay on one topic during each discussion. Acknowledge your teen when self-awareness is successfully demonstrated and gently facilitate the process with open-ended questions when it is not. Try to make this a positive experience for your child.
Note: If your teen is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it. I invite you take that critical next step, and allow me to demonstrate the support I can offer to you and your family.
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“The best example of Sandra’s work is in my daughter’s renewed enthusiasm and attitude towards life. My daughter now sees every problem as one that can be solved, every uncomfortable experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. Sandra’s work with my daughter has helped her become a more secure, confident and happy individual.”
For more information, please visit my website:
SandraDupont.com
Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor
Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.