Dating is supposed to be a time for teens to explore relationships and learn about themselves. It is supposed to be fun--and safe. But sometimes things go terribly wrong. Too often, teens are resorting to emotional and physical violence to resolve conflicts and manage painful feelings. Teens and their loved ones must be able to recognize abusive behavior in relationships, and know how to safely leave a relationship and get help.
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Hazing is a widespread problem impacting not only colleges and universities, but high schools, as well. Rites of passage and initiation rituals are nothing new, but some of the hazing that goes on is devastating for victims and their families, and even illegal. Both victims and those participating in perpetrating the hazing can experience significant psychological effects including trauma reactions and shame and guilt. Joining any group, team, or club should not mean sacrificing your physical or psychological health and well-being.
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October 20, 2014
by Christie Hunter
Dr. Randall Green, PHD, LMFT, CAP, is not only an octogenarian (80-years-old); he is also 34-years sober. He recently stopped by a South Florida teen drug and alcohol addiction rehab to offer those in recovery eight slogans to live by that can change their life in a positive way.
While the speech was presented at a teen alcohol and substance abuse treatment center and the speaker is a clinical director in the drug and alcohol industry, I thought his points resonate with all teens – whether or not they suffer from alcohol or substance abuse addiction.
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September 12, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
Many children struggle with mental illness. However, unlike adults, the symptoms are different and can be more difficult to recognize. Sometimes parents are unaware of the warning signs of mental illness in children, and if it is recognized, they may not know who to turn to. Mental health issues affect children in school, at home and in the community, and left untreated can cause delays in development in those domains.
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These disorders are very dangerous, and must be taken seriously and treated by a professional. As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to do. You want more than anything to help your child, even while you and your family struggle with conflicting emotions, including fear that your child will seriously harm herself, or even die.
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What is Body Image? Body image is how you view, feel about and experience your body. It refers to whether you like (positive body image) or dislike (negative body image) your looks, height, weight, shape and abilities. Body image also encompasses how you feel inside your skin, the way you move and manage your body.
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April 21, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
For many women, sexual assault is the most frightening experience they can imagine. Sexual assault is being forced or coerced to engage in any unwanted sex act, whether physical, verbal or visual. Sexual assault aka sexual violence includes all forms of rape, incest and sexual abuse of children or teens, domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment and hate crimes. The statistics are staggering.
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April 18, 2014
by Casey Truffo, LMFT
The time when your teenager moves toward adulthood is an important time; however, it can be among the most difficult for a child AND their parents. Books, music, and movies many times refer to the theme of coming of age and relay the challenges associated in the transition. For families, this is a most emotional time because parents often are faced with disappointment and broken hearts as they feel their child no longer needs them, while their teenager is separating from them and developing new social circles. And although most teenagers are excited about this time in their lives, some are saddened or miss the safety that they had in their childhoods.
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January 25, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
Adolescence is a time for learning new things, questioning what you have been taught by parents and authority figures and exploring a wide range of possibilities.
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August 28, 2013
by Cindy Marie Hosszu
Back to School Series:
There goes your child…. And most of your heart
We notice it on that first day of kindergarten, or the first time our kids ride their bike out of our sight, or want to walk to a friend’s house. That sense of pride, and joy mixed with a crushing sense of fear and loss, as we watch our children grow, and experience the normal independence that will eventually bri...
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