Leslie Snyder PhD
Adolescents
Whether it is commencing middle school or high school, or entering the realm of dating and sexual relationships – “unfamiliar” feelings and body changes that come with normal development can turn the most even keel young person into a rebel with an ever changing cause. My role is to guide young persons and their families through these challenging times.
In particular, I specialize in helping young persons and their families to understand what is happening and to develop strategies that will continually promote understanding and communication: First, I help young persons and their parents to understand that many of an adolescent’s seemingly “extreme” behaviors are actually within normal developmental parameters. By recognizing that adolescent behavior is normal, parents and young persons often stop blaming themselves and each other. Second, I work with families to debunk myths that both parents and young persons often have about adolescent behaviors. One such myth is – “They’re old enough to know better.” By debunking these myths, there are fewer misunderstandings and miscommunications.
Third, I provide families with a user friendly guide to developing brains. This provides them with a better understanding of what to expect in the future and helps to minimize future issues. Fourth, in addition to ensuring that everyone has a better understanding of what is happening and what is likely to happen, I help young persons and their families to formulate strategies that will help them to work together. Ultimately, as discord in the home goes down, the young person’s behavior often levels out.
Some of the specific presenting concerns that I have expertise in include: developmental transitions, academic transitions, anxiety, depression, improve communication with peers, parents, and self.