the world of adolescents

The period of adolescence deserves its own section because this phase of life sets itself apart from the troubles experienced by adults and in relationships.  The leap from ‘child’ to ‘adult’ can create such confusion, identity uncertainty and volatility of emotions that it is worthy of its own discussion.

This can be a time of such conflict, confusing emotions and reactions, feeling alone – even isolated – and not understood. It can also be a time when the struggle to decide ‘how to be’ as a person and in the world takes center stage. There is pressure to succeed, both internally and externally, as well as pressure to decide on a course of life, all of which can be seriously overwhelming. Given all this, relationships with parents are often not what one would like. This time of trying to understand just who we are or what we want can be overwhelming. Sometimes the distress one feels at this time is less powerful – worries about peer relationships or how to fit in and belong, how to relate, how to be in a love relationship.

Yet it can also be a time of excitement and fun, a new world opening up, imagining many different futures, planning and imagining.   Therapy addresses both the less-disturbing aspects of this phase of life as well as the more overwhelming. Helping an adolescent to hold steady in the face of change and confusion can lead to a better passage through this period.

adolescent psychologist in chicago

I am Dr. Suraleah Michaels, a licensed clinical psychologist, located in Chicago. I provide adult individual psychotherapy as well as couples, relationship and marital counseling. My specialties include coaching and consulting for entrepreneurs; coaching and consulting to professionals in transition; and a focus on the New Generation of Women 55-Plus.

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