September 11, 2013

Parents, Do You Listen to Your Teenager?

September 11, 2013/ Miami Teen Counseling/ Miguel Brown

Your teenager starts to explain his perspective and you immediately hear the flaws in his logic. The next natural step is to point out the problems with his reasoning followed by an overwhelming temptation to give advice — even though you know that the conversation will end in frustration and disappointment. Yet, you live with the faint hope that today might be different; today he will listen and understand.

May 20, 2013

Parenting Tips for Teens & Mental Health Report by the CDC

May 20, 2013/ Miguel Brown

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has released its first comprehensive report on the state of mental health in children aged 3 to 17. The report titled, Mental Health Surveillance Among Children – United States, 2005 – 20011, compiles research and statistics from a number of federal agencies such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Institute of Mental Health. This report is an important step in identifying the prevalence of mental health disorders in children and teenagers and is of great use to parents, educators, and health professionals.

February 05, 2013

Tolerating your teen’s intense emotions and overcoming parental guilt and anger

February 05, 2013/ Miguel Brown

Teenagers aren’t easy. They can be demanding, intense and moody. In the normal world of adults you have more control over how difficult people are involved in your life. When it comes to your difficult teenager there’s little choice but to be involved. So what do you do when you notice that your teenager’s words and behavior can provoke out of control and equally intense reactions in you? This is a question that I am often asked in my practice and I always say the same thing. Gain some emotional distance. Don’t take it personally and don’t expect them to behave like mature adults all the time. For me it is helpful to conceptualize your role as a parent in the following way.

October 18, 2012

Miami Counseling : How To Find the Right Adolescent Counselor

October 18, 2012/ Miguel Brown

Choosing a therapist or counselor for your teenager is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Therapy can help teenagers develop problem-solving skills, overcome emotional or behavioral problems, improve self-esteem, cope with stress, and improve communication skills with family members and friends. This report contains professional advice on choosing a therapist compiled from trusted authorities in adolescent mental health such as kidshealth.org, psychologytoday.com, and goodtherapy.org.