Our clients typically range from ages 10-25 and are seeking support for a variety of challenges, including:
- ADHD & impulsivity
- Concerning substance use
- Video game addiction
- Social media misuse
- Family conflict
- Withdrawal, isolating, lack of motivation
- Learning disabilities & differences
- School refusal
- Lack of confidence or low self-esteem
- Anger & defiance
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Autism spectrum disorders & their complexity
- Failure to launch
- Gender & sexuality questioning
Here are some of the typical phrases we hear from families when they reach out. If any of these seem familiar, understand that you are not alone and there is hope for change.
“My son used to be a good student and had a circle of nice friends. Now he doesn’t want to do anything except hang out with people that are not a good influence. I’ve tried everything I can think of and nothing changes.”
“Our son has Autism and we’ve tried to provide every opportunity for him. We’ve changed schools, had therapists and psychiatrists support us for years, and I’ve even given up my job to be available to him. It’s not sustainable and we need to try something new.”
“Our daughter has a high IQ and did well in school until middle school when she started to complain about having no friends and being bullied. She started cutting herself, being rude to everyone, and spending hours on social media. She eats junk food or nothing at all. There are angry outbursts over nothing, she lies constantly and blames us for everything.”
“Our child has been hospitalized three times—the last time because of a suicide attempt. It’s the same every time. They come home and things go better for a little while and then they slide right back.”
“Our son is 23 and ever since COVID, he hasn’t been able to complete a semester of classes or keep a job for more than a month or so. We had an apartment for him at school, but it was pointless. He put $1,000 on my credit card for food delivery last month so we’ve moved him back home. Now he’s more depressed than ever and we’re worried about him.”
Handling Crisis Situations
If your family is in a crisis, we immediately go to work to place the young person in a safe, therapeutic setting outside the home. As the immediate turmoil passes, we help parents develop a long-range plan. The need to intervene may arise from one or more serious issues:
- Running away
- Suicide attempt or threat
- Illegal behavior
- Threat of violence to others
- Overdose or other substance use emergency
If there is not an immediate crisis, we can also help explore your concerns, create and set boundaries, and implement support for the future (such as coaching, therapy, residential or outpatient treatment, or other options). We will devote the time and care to ensure your family has the support and resources you need as you decide on your next steps.
Partnering with Other Professionals
In addition to our direct work with families, we welcome collaboration with therapists, psychiatrists, school administrators, family lawyers, and clergy.
“I always trust that Jesse and Alyson’s clients will be held in a professional, thorough and heartfelt manner. With years of experience working with youth and families struggling to find their way, they have unique insight into clinical, developmental and learning needs, as well as extensive knowledge regarding programs and systems that support families either at home or in residential placements. With Alyson and Jesse on your team, you can be sure that there will be a warm welcome and orientation, a thorough assessment and outline of plan, and attentive support through the process of working with your family.”—Erica, therapist
Header photo credit: Wes Hicks via Unsplash
