by Christine Lawler LMFT | May 9, 2025
As a parent, few things are more difficult than watching your child struggle or suffer. When your teenager is showing signs of depression, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening. You may find yourself questioning if it’s “just a phase,” wondering what you did wrong, or simply just feeling helpless. If you’re reading this because you suspect your teen is depressed, or they’ve already been diagnosed, know that you are not alone, and there is hope.
Keep reading to learn more about teenage depression and how you can help.
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | Feb 19, 2025
Being a parent to a teenager can be tricky, and some may have the opinion that a teenage girl is even trickier (but also pretty magical, right?) Self esteem is a fundamental aspect of any persons growth. Self esteem in a teenage girl shapes their mental health, physical health, friendships, and aspirations. According to the CDC, teenage girls are experiencing higher levels of sadness, alcohol use, and violence compared to teenage boys.
Navigating the world of social media, peer expectations, and societal norms can be pretty tough when you don’t even have a fully developed prefrontal lobe yet.
Strengthening self esteem is key to helping teen girls make it through adolescence with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth. Keep reading to learn more.
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | Dec 4, 2024
The primitive teenage years are often a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. This sensitive time is filled with academic pressures, social challenges, and personal growth. While some anxiety is a normal part of development, persistent or overwhelming anxiety can interfere with a teen’s ability to thrive. It can be distressing to see your teenager struggling with anxiety- but don’t worry too much! There is hope, and help is available.
Understanding how to identify and effectively address anxiety in teens is essential for parents, teachers, and other caregivers. Keep reading to learn more about how to deal with anxiety in teenagers.
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | Oct 16, 2024
During the teenage years, life can feel particularly overwhelming and confusing. Teens are faced with changes in hormones, new social pressures, peer pressure, academic pressures, and the process of figuring out their personal identity.
During these emotional, formative years, it makes sense that anger could often build up and bubble over. The prefrontal cortex is simple not fully developed in teenagers, making it harder to process emotions effectively. However, when it gets serious and is left unmanaged, it can lead to damaged relationships, harmful behaviors, and even long term emotional and physical problems.
In this post, we’ll explore anger management for teens and how you can help.
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | Sep 19, 2024
Ah, the blissful teenage years. You remember being one, don’t you? It’s time full of identity crisis, emotional rollercoasters, physical and physiological changes.
For some, raising teenagers can be one of the more challenging phases of parenthood. Since adolescents go through so many changes at this time, it’s not uncommon to feel like your child is “acting out” as they navigate their shifting identity and growing independence.
By understanding the root causes of your teen’s behavior and employing thoughtful strategies, you can better support your teen through this turbulent time. Keep reading to learn a few tips.
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