Adolescence has long been regarded as a time of "storm and stress," not only for the adolescent but for parents as well. During this developmental shift, a child awakens to find him or herself on tenuous ground as he or she departs childhood and begins the journey to adulthood, wading through unfamiliar and confusing terrain. Inner turmoil and/or acting out behaviors may arise as a result of such significant changes, including greater responsibility at school, hormonal changes and emerging sexual maturity, peer pressure, questions related to one's own identity, and an increasing need for independence. Teens are left with the monumental task of negotiating his or her place in a world constantly in flux while, at the same time, attempting to find a unique way of being that is separate from parents and the family as a unit. This often leads to confusion and frustration for adolescents and parents alike - along with increased miscommunication and conflict. As the teen attempts to separate from the family system, parents are often viewed in less of a supportive or confidant role than was previously the case. Adolescents frequently become more combative or distant when interacting with parents, which can be confusing.

As a parent, it is important to know that many of these behaviors are developmentally appropriate, although in some cases, changes in the teen's demeanor may be indicative of a more serious problem such as an emerging mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder. A well-trained adolescent therapist can assist parents in teasing apart whether their teen is going through normal developmental changes or more serious intervention is needed. Another key role that the adolescent therapist plays is that of a nonbiased outsider who can assist the teen in articulating and resolving the conflicts that he or she may be experiencing and feels unable to express at home. Specific adolescent issues with which I have had special training include depression, self-esteem issues, academic difficulties, issues of identity, anxiety, parent-child conflict, cutting and other less adaptive coping strategies, and peer/other relationship issues.