Help for your teen
It can be hard to know how well our sons and daughters are really doing as they rush from one activity to the next. What they’re willing to show on the outside doesn’t always reflect what’s going on inside.
Your daughter may be comfortable talking about big life issues with friends, but not with you, the loving parent. At home, your son may be very good at hiding his emotions by retreating into his rooms, plugged into music or a computer. While these budding adults are in constant search of autonomy and greater freedom, a big part of them still needs security, emotional dependence, and adult guidance. For some teens, having the support of an experienced therapist/coach can help them safely navigate the choppy waters of adolescence. I am happy to help. I have over 23 years of experience working with adolescents. I have worked in residential drug-rehabs and an eating disorder recovery home. I have helped teens through coping behaviors such as cutting, and other forms of self-harm. The bottom-line, teens hide their struggles very well. I will help your teen learn strategies to better manage relationships and external pressures, communicate concerns and feelings, make effective decisions, and make choices that increase confidence and self-esteem. I can be your teens "Coach" to help guide him or her develop the life skills and confidence needed to be successful adults. In order to help your teen feel more comfortable with the idea of getting extra support, I refer to myself as a Teen Coach, |
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Is your teen in need of extra help?
Signs your teen may be going through a challenging time:
Of course, explore these issues with your teen. If you have deeper concerns, trust your gut, your child may be in need of extra help.
- Does your child have problems sleeping? Or is your child sleeping too much?
- Is your child avoiding you, not coming to the table for family meals?
- Is your child chronically behind in schoolwork?
- Does you child swear at you and call you names?
- Does you child have a change in appearance and a new set of friends you don’t know?
- Have you found disturbing journal/diary entries?
- Is your child unable to pay attention?
- Does your child say self-defeating and negative things about him/herself?
- Have you noticed changes in eating patterns, over- or under-eating?
Of course, explore these issues with your teen. If you have deeper concerns, trust your gut, your child may be in need of extra help.
I understand teens and enjoy helping them.
In a positive and supportive environment, I will help your teen learn strategies to better manage relationships and external pressures, communicate concerns and feelings, make effective decisions, and make choices that increase confidence and self-esteem.
Common issues your teen and I will focus on:
Common issues your teen and I will focus on:
- Time management
- Effective communication skills with parents, friends and teachers
- Healthy dating and boundaries
- Self-care and self-compassion
- Body acceptance and body care
- Mood management skills
- Bullying
- Positive activities that improve self-esteem and confidence
We were referred to Dr. Pilar through a friend who's daughter had worked with her. Our sixteen year-old son, Jason, was really having a hard time, he was in his room a lot playing video games. We thought he was okay because the games were with a community of other players, but we were wrong. One day, he came to us and said he felt like ending his life and was scared of these thoughts. My wife and I were shocked! Jason had been falling behind in school, but he always seemed so cheerful. We were horrified that we hadn't noticed his internal pain. At the first session Dr. Pilar made it very clear that this is not uncommon, children, especially boys, hide there struggles and try to deal with them alone. She said how lucky we were that Jason came to us. Nine months later our son is doing everything adolescents do, he has a bigger circle of friends outside of the computer game world. As a family we talk more, and we do things together that keep us connected. All is well now . . .thank goodness.
-Johnathon
We are so grateful we found Dr. Placone! We were confused as parents and worried if our daughter’s problems were just teen angst or something more. Pilar helped our daughter and us work through her issues, and we have total trust and confidence in Dr. Placone. After therapy with Dr. Placone , our daughter is back to her ‘old self!’ We can’t tell you how thankful we are!!
-Glenda, mom of two
Coach Pilar helped our daughter tremendously. We sought out Pilar for her reputation working with teens. Our daughter seemed depressed, she constantly complained about her body, negatively compared herself to others girls, she avoided social events with her peers. We were concerned that she would miss out on important high school experiences and not be prepared for college. Today, she is a sophomore at a University away from home and she is thriving. She has friends, is in clubs and we are so proud of her! We are so grateful for Pilar's patient gudiance and ability to connect with our daughter.-Loretta and Jake
Ask Dr. Pilar |
Contact Dr. Pilar
Feel free to contact me or make an appointment now.
I am happy to provide a free 30-minute interview in my office at a time convenient for both of us. Tel: (619) 884-1966
721 North Vulcan, Ste 110 Encinitas, CA 92024 & 3356 Second Avenue, Ste E San Diego, CA 92103 |
