Teenage years can be challenging.  It is a time of transition on many levels- physically, emotionally, and intellectually.  Along with the psychic-somatic changes are environmental  challenges- decisions regarding school, career, relationship, and friendships.   Decisions at this time are particularly life altering laying the path to our identity as an adult and future lifestyle.  Yet the frontal lobe, which is the decision-making center of the brain, has not completed its development.

A good psychologist can be extremely useful to teens in helping them navigate through their decision-making process, support them in solidifying their values, and fashioning their lives to match those values.  Teens struggle with this in between stage where they want and need to exert their independence yet can use guidance.  The relationship between a teen and parent may become strained and the help of a psychotherapist may be a useful mediation.