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Teens and Social Media: What Parents Need to Know Part I

 

Ever feel like your teen spends more time typing into their digital device than actually talking with — or spending time with — actual, live people? If you do, you’re not alone. The use of social media has boomed over the past few years, leaving many parents shaking their heads and wondering what’s normal — and what’s healthy — when it comes to teen’s digital lives.

When you were a teen, you probably communicated with your peers by talking face-to-face, giving them a call on the phone, or by using a pen and a pencil. Today’s teens live in a very different world; advances in technology and the advent of social media mean that youth are just as likely to be texting, tweeting or communicating through online platforms like Facebook. For some teens, voice mail — and even e-mail — is obsolete!

In fact, a 2012 study from Common Sense Media found that 90% of teens in the U.S. use social media in one form or another. Seventy-five percent have their own profile on at least one social networking site, and one-third of teens visit that site a few times a day… or more.

Given the pervasive nature of social media and technologies such as texting, it’s not hard to see how technology has transformed the ways that teens communicate, as well as how they view the world and themselves. And it’s also easy for parents to wonder exactly how social media affects their child.

Social media’s impact isn’t easily classified as black or white. While some sing its praises, noting the potential for increased creativity and educational applications, others worry about the potential for negative effects on social development and well-being, from online bullying to victimization — and even the fear that kids will transform into texting machines, unable to carry on a normal, face-to-face conversation.

The answers lie somewhere in the middle, and while parents must stay on top of their child’s social media use, it’s also important to accept that this new technology is simply another facet of life for today’s youth. In my next post, I’ll discuss warning signs that social media may be negatively affecting your child.

Dealing with parenting issues such as technology use can be a challenge; professional intervention can help. If you’re seeking a licensed teen psychologist, Littleton therapist Dr. Steven Lazarus is a child psychologist in Littleton, Colorado who can help your family work through these issues together.

Be sure to read part two:

Teens and Social Media: Warning Signs Part 2

 

Source:

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/socialmediasociallife-final-061812.pdf

 

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Is Your Teen Suffering From Senioritis? How Parents Can Help

Every spring, it’s the same story: Graduating seniors at high schools around the country come down with a case of “senioritis.” While it may not sound all that serious, senioritis poses enough of a problem to make universities sit up and take notice. In fact, a 2012 article in The New York Times notes that an increasing number of colleges are reviewing students’ grades during their final semesters — and some schools are even reducing financial aid availability, placing would-be students on academic probation or, worst case, rescinding admission offers if performance drops too much!

If your teen is displaying signs of senioritis, such as plummeting grades, laziness, a dismissive attitude, or missing days of school, it may be time to step in. Here’s how you can help.

Scheduling

Seniors typically have a lot going on, from dances and sporting events to studying and after-school jobs. All of these activities can be overwhelming, and a teen with senioritis may be tempted to just let their responsibilities slide.

Provide your teen with the tools to keep on track by helping them set up a scheduling system. Whether it’s a dayplanner, calendar or digital device, organizational tools will help reduce stress during senior year, and teach valuable skills for the years to come.

Performance Check

Though its best to try and refrain from nagging or yelling at your teen — most likely, it won’t help and it might even backfire — you’re still their parent and it’s your job to ensure that they’re still pulling their weight, academically speaking. Even if they’ve already gotten that college acceptance letter, academic performance still matters.

The study habits they develop now will carry over to college, and if they’re procrastinating, cutting corners and letting their grades drop, they’re much more likely to run into trouble during their freshman year. Remind your child that the strong skills and habits they’re developing this year will make a huge difference when they’re out on their own; have them think of the extra effort as an investment in their future success.

Talk to Them

The transitional stage between the end of high school and the start of college is fraught with uncertainty. On one hand, kids are excited to end their childhood, leave home, and go off into the world. On the other hand, they feel anxious about leaving their friends, families and the regular routines they’ve followed for years. These conflicting emotions of grief, loss and exhilaration may lead to distraction, lack of academic focus, restlessness, and a tendency to simply “let it slide.”

Help your child work through these feelings by talking to them. Let them know that what they’re experiencing is very normal. Most kids experience some sort of senioritis, and a bit of acting out is to be expected.

However, if your child’s behavior seems as if it’s veering out of control or you suspect substance abuse issues, depression or anxiety, it may be time to seek professional help.

Dr. Steven Lazarus is a licensed teen psychologist and child psychologist in Littleton, Colorado. He can help your family work through issues like senioritis together.

Sources:

http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/articles/Pages/Senioritis.aspx http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/classroom-resources/four-strategies-teachers- can-use-to-prevent-senioritis/

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201301/finishing-high-school-and-senioritis-academic-letdown http://www.drmarlo.com/?page_id=837 http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/18/university-sends-fear-of-god-letter-to-students-with-senioritis/

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The Furry Therapist: How Dogs Aid Psychotherapy

Therapy DogResearch and my personal observations show that a well-trained therapy dog often is a patient’s best friend during counseling sessions. Brief interactions with therapy dogs can decrease production of the stress hormone epinephrine, reduce blood pressure and decrease anxiety.

Dogs can be ideal healers if they themselves are loved, treated well and properly trained for animal assisted therapy (AAT). They excel at therapeutic interactions — such as cuddling up against a withdrawn child — and give love unconditionally. Friendly, non-judgmental and well behaved, an animal assisted therapy dog helps put a patient at ease.

That’s a good description for my furry co-therapist, Zeke.

A Seeing Heart Dog
Zeke quickly tunes in to the moods of young children, teens and adults troubled by a wide range of problems including autism, child abuse and neglect, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Not only is he one of my most loyal and trusted friends but also one of my best resources for relaxing patients. Zeke helps patients reduce their anxiety and feel comfortable.

Zeke does this with restraint. He gently approaches patients only when they welcome him and give permission through their words and actions. Of course, as an AAT dog he is also trained to pay close attention to my carefully directed cues. Zeke is what some therapists call a ‘seeing heart dog.’

During these interactions, I read the body language — both of Zeke and patients who may be having trouble sharing — to gain valuable information that helps me understand patient states of mind and what questions to ask to facilitate discussion.

Nothing to Sneeze At
Zeke generally won’t make you sneeze or feel itchy. He is a Labradoodle, which means he is part Labrador and part poodle. As with poodles, Labradoodles are hypoallergenic and usually don’t cause allergic reactions.

Similar to both breeds, Labradoodles are gentle and intelligent. So Zeke is well cut out for care giving and aiding in problem solving. His fur and his loving concern are nothing to sneeze at.

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Animal Assisted Therapy with Dogs

It’s no secret that humans have long shared a special bond with dogs– perhaps even for as long as Homo-sapiens has been around as a species.

But did you know that our association with dogs actually offers a number of mental, emotional and physical benefits?

Anyone who has a pet dog might not be quite as shocked by this news; after all, as a pet owner, you’re probably already well aware of the unconditional love, non-judgmental acceptance, and unquestioning loyalty that dogs offer. You’ve likely also noticed the feelings of calm, peace and safe relaxation that you get when you’re spending time with your pet.

That’s just one of the reasons why animal assisted therapist services are growing in popularity. As the field expands, researchers are exploring the many benefits of pet therapy – and the results of these studies may surprise you!

Psychological Benefits of Pet Therapy and Therapy Dogs

Spending time with therapy dogs produces a number of mental health benefits, from enhanced relaxation to reduced stress and anxiety. Therapy dogs, or carefully selected dogs that undergo intense, individualized training, are used in a range of mental health settings. The animal assisted therapist can help many different issues.

With pet therapy, veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder — or PTSD — learn how to relax, overcome feelings of agitation, and deal with anxiety.

Children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect or who live with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, or attention-deficit-hyperactivity (ADHD) find a warm, loving friend that they can hold and pet – and that helps them to feel calm.

The research agrees; one study found that spending just 12 minutes with a therapy dog lowered anxiety by 24% and reduced levels of the stress hormone epinephrine by 17%.

Other studies indicate that exposure to therapy dogs can:

  • Alleviate stress
  • Promotes self-reliance and altruistic behavior
  • Reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness
  • Create feelings of trust, bonding and rapport
  • Help develop feelings of empathy for others

Physiological Benefits

But the benefits of pet therapy aren’t just psychological – sessions with an animal assisted therapist can actually make you healthier! Studies show that being around therapy dogs results in physiological benefits such as:

  • Lowered blood pressure
  • Decreased heart rate
  • Reduced risk of asthma
  • Eased Alzheimer’s symptoms
  • Lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Pet therapy also makes the therapy process itself more relaxing. Starting therapy can feel awkward or even intimidating, but a warm, furry presence helps you to feel calm and safe. Dr. Steven Lazarus and his therapy dog, Zeke — a hypo-allergenic Labradoodle — provide a unique, friendly, and comfortable approach to dealing with issues.

See also:

15 Reasons Animal Assisted Therapy Works

The Furry Therapist

 

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Therapist vs. Psychologist vs. Counselor

Do you know the difference between a therapist, a counselor, and a psychologist?

Psychologists

  • Have an advanced degree in psychology
  • Provide therapy, research, or are professors at a university
  • Are licensed by a state board at the doctorate level (Ph.D., Psy.D.)
  • Obtain the highest level of education and training
  • Assess and diagnose disorders and mental health conditions
  • Determine treatments based on the most effective evidence based research
  • Adhere to the highest standards of practice

Therapists

  • Can include psychologists, professional counselors (LPC), marriage counselors (LMFT), life coaches and social workers
  • Can have any number of degrees, (MA: Masters Degree in psychology, counseling, social work)

Counselor

  • One does not need a specialization to start practicing as a counselor
  • Instead of the behavioral approach adopted by psychologists, a counselor tries to encourage the patient to direct the treatment session.
  • In a broader sense, both psychologists and counselors are specialists who try to solve personal problems of people though adopting different approaches.

In-Depth Differences

A psychologist is trained to study human behavior and mental processes. Psychology degrees are available at all levels: bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate (PhD or PsyD – Dr. Steven Lazarus completed the PsyD certification). Advanced degrees and licensing are required for those in independent practice or who offer patient care, including clinical, child, counseling, and school psychologists. Dr. Lazarus is a licensed psychologist and a licensed professional counselor.

The PsyD, which was created in the late 1960s to address a shortage of practitioners, emphasizes advanced training in therapy and counseling. Psychologists with this degree can practice therapy but are required to complete several additional years of supervised practice with patients before becoming licensed.

A psychologist will assess and diagnose a problem and determine what’s best for care.

A therapist is a broader umbrella term for professionals who are trained—and often licensed—to provide a variety of treatments for people. Therapists can be licensed professional counselors, psychoanalysts, marriage counselors, social workers and life coaches, among other specialties. A therapist’s goal is to help patients make decisions and clarify their feelings in order to solve problems. Therapists provide support and guidance, while helping patients make effective decisions within the overall structure of support. When selecting a therapist, their education, licensing and professional credentials should be essential considerations.

Counselor is an unregulated term. Some counselors may have undergone extensive training, others may have little or no training.

Bottom Line?

Before you trust your health to a professional, be sure to know their credentials, background, specialties, and training!

Set up a free phone consultation with Dr. Steven Lazarus, Adult Psychologist in Littleton Colorado

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