Parents frequently ask me for support in figuring out how best to set rules and expectations for their teenagers. This can be tough to navigate, especially if the teenager pushes back (which they are wont to do) or the parents aren’t sure how they “should” approach boundary setting (there are no “shoulds”; there is no manual).

I humbly submit, from a therapist’s perspective, thoughts on how to create a safe structure from which teenagers can explore:

Give clear and defined boundaries (and make them as wide as possible).

We want to create a space for teenagers to be able to explore and grow, while insuring that they are ultimately safe. This is tricky business, because it sometimes appears like there are potential land mines everywhere, and we have our own memory banks of near-misses and stupid decisions to contend with. I encourage you to take a deep breath, make contact with your inner teenage self, and think about what kind of rules you might have appreciated from your caregivers. Some of us wish we’d had a longer leash. Others wish there had been more stability and firmer structures. Whatever your point of reference is, start there, and then consider the individual needs of your own teenager (hint: if you don’t know what these are, ask them. They likely have some good ideas).

Make your boundaries firm and defined to prioritize safety, and allow plenty of room for roaming and mistake-making within them. The goal is never to make teenagers into perfect cardboard cutouts. The goal is to support them in discovering and becoming who they are.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

This one is hugely important. For whatever reason, many of us in positions of authority are drawn to making a list of exhaustive rules and regulations, regardless of their actual real-life value or relevance. A good rule of thumb is: set as few rules as possible, and make sure they are necessary. This simplifies the process and keeps everybody sane.

To give an example: if your teenager is on her phone late at night, has difficulty getting up in the morning, and her grades are suffering because she’s not completing homework, it’s a good opportunity to set a boundary around phone use. However, if your teenager is on her phone late at night, gets up on time, is doing well in school, and makes up for the lost sleep with a few naps here or there, I gently suggest that a rule doesn’t need to be set there. She’s learning about her own limits and keeping everything together. Let it be.

Allow the teenager to be part of the process.

If an adolescent is not given room to be part of a decision-making process that direclty impacts them, the process is rarely a success. Moreover, the teenager is robbed of the chance to build trust in, and to begin to consider boundary-setting for, themselves.

If rules are going to be set, it’s important to take the time to hear out what the teenager wants. This does not mean that the teen is setting the rules, simply that they are given room to be heard and taken seriously in the process. Ultimately, the authority figures make the final decision, but taking the time to consider the teenager’s perspective goes a long way in setting the system up for success, and in fostering a trusting and respectful relationship.

Boundary-setting does not have to be agonizing. Approached with intentionality, creativity, and thoughtful consideration for all involved, the process of creating structures and boundaries from which teenagers will operate and explore can be valuable and (relatively) painless.

Originally posted on my blog, Common Humanity, at Psych Central.com. https://blogs.psychcentral.com/common-humanity/

faq's

Useful Information

Some frequently asked questions and useful answers.

What is online therapy?

Online therapy works in the same way as in-office therapy, but is done online, similar to a Skype or FaceTime conversation. Clients are able to have sessions from home, work, or any other convenient location. We meet with clients using a HIPAA-compliant secure platform.

What are the advantages of online therapy?

Online therapy allows you to work with us from the comfort of home, or any private location of your choosing. For some, the screen provides an added layer of comfort that makes the challenging work of being vulnerable in therapy a little easier.

Online therapy also creates the unique opportunity for you to work with us without the constraints of proximity! The practice was born in Keene, New Hampshire, but has since grown to service clients anywhere in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, Florida, and New Hampshire.

Who benefits from online therapy?

Online therapy is a great option for clients that travel for work, for college students that go home during the summertime and do not want a break in their sessions, and for anyone with a challenging or inconsistent day-to-day schedule. It is an excellent choice for clients seeking a therapist with a particular specialty that they are unable to find support for locally. Some of our clients report that online therapy makes the vulnerability element of therapy a bit less intimidating.

Is online therapy for everybody?

No. For some clients with more complex symptoms or safety concerns, having a local therapist that is readily available is important in case of crisis or the need for a higher level of care. Online therapy is also a challenge for clients that do not have access to a private, quiet space to be “in session” for the hour, or for those that do not have adequate internet connectivity.

Why don’t you accept insurance?

There are several reasons why we don’t accept insurance. The most important are:

Confidentiality. Insurance companies require that your information be shared with them in order to pay for services. We prefer that clients’ information is kept as confidential as possible.

The pressure to diagnose. Insurance companies require that clients are given a mental health diagnosis in order to pay for therapy. We have found that many clients benefit from therapy, but do not meet criteria for a diagnosis. Not using insurance allows clients to access therapy without being given a mental health diagnosis.

Flexibility and freedom. Insurance companies dictate the length and number of sessions they will authorize, as well as when a client is no longer eligible for the benefits of therapy. Because we do not work with insurance panels, you and we can collaborate to determine your individual needs regarding session length, frequency of sessions, and when to terminate therapy.

While we do not accept insurance, many clients choose to submit receipts to their insurance companies to receive reimbursement via out-of-network benefits. We are happy to provide these receipts for you! Please check with your insurance company for details on your benefits.

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Read some of our latest testimonials to see why others put their trust in us.

"Dana’s warm, empathetic approach allows people to break down walls. She has a way of creating a safe space that gives people permission to share openly. Her clients have often searched long and hard for a therapist to connect with, and are grateful to have found her."

"Kasey was compassionate, empathetic and supportive of the clients we served in our work together. She demonstrated excellent professional boundaries, and was a natural in making her clients feel comfortable and safe to open up and express themselves.”

“Kasey has been there for me through hardships that I could not have trusted with anyone else. Kasey is warm and empathetic, she has been a cheerleader for my successes, has listened to me when I needed an ear, and has given me sage advice when I needed it most. I would refer my clients to Kasey without hesitation.”

"Sky approaches every client with respect and openness. She takes an integrated approach to the therapeutic interventions she applies. When you work with Skyler you invest in your emotional health."

“Dana is a highly skilled and compassionate therapist. Her curiosity and dedication to continual growth and learning make her stand out. I couldn’t endorse her more as a clinician.”

Sky exudes professionalism in every aspect of her job from working with patients, staff and advocating on behalf of her clients. She develops strong rapport with her clients and their families which allows for most effective client care while maintaining professional boundaries.

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