Youth Temperament Counseling consists of providing guidance and advice to youth, generally from the age of 7 through the teenage years. Preteens and teenagers (to varying degrees) are the ones typically experiencing issues with identify formation, individuation (identity separation from parents) and adjustment to huge biological changes. As such, navigating the demands placed upon them that range from home life, family, studying, peer pressure, sexuality, gender identification and self-image can prove confusing and challenging. This is where Youth Temperament Counseling can be very helpful. By understanding a young person’s temperament, a great deal can be learned regarding how their view themselves in relation to their family, friends, and peers. Generally, issues relating to low self-esteem and emotions of inferiority surface. These can engender feelings of hurt, disappointment, regret, anger, even rage. When left untreated such powerful emotions can transform into anxiety, depression, eating disorders, truancy, drug and alcohol use, sexual promiscuity and more.

Temperament Counseling examines not only the youth’s natural traits and needs but also those of their parents and siblings. The reason for this is that it is important to examine the environment surrounding the youngster to see how that in turn might be influencing or exacerbating the issues. This approach can reveal what is troubling the young person and, as such, provide ways to support the entire family so that the youth’s social, emotional, educational, and physical development can be optimally enhanced.

To give an example, sometimes an issue of rebellion in a teenager can be explained by differences in his/her temperament and the temperament of the parents themselves. Believe it or not, understanding simple differences in natural tendencies and expectations can dissolve conflict in the home. It does, however, take both parties to acknowledge their differences and to be willing to arrive at a compromise. Harmony, however, can be restored. Another cause of angst and disorientation for youngsters is divorce. This can turn their world upside down. Often, younger children will believe they are the cause of the breakup. Feelings of guilt and shame can develop. If the divorce is contentious and it creates separation from one parent, this can be traumatic (especially if the relationship has been close). If there was feuding between the parents in front of the child, this can cause psychological damage. Temperament Counseling can uncover the root of the issue for the child. In cases of divorce, it is highly likely that one or both parents will be asked to participate in the Counseling process. Youth Temperament Counseling can help with most emotionally-related issues See below for more specific examples. If what you are looking for is not included here, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

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