[humanser] What's a psychotherapist to do?

[Christina Moore]

Hi Paulette,
I am younger than quite a few on this list I believe (no hurt 
intended).  So hopefully I can help being that I am very close to 
my years as a teen and I was similar in high school to the girl 
you describe minus the sports.  : (continuation indicator) 
It would help !know what resources you have available to you and 
what type of setting you are in but I can suggest some ideas from 
my own recent experiences with having therapists.  Also, is this 
the first time you are seeing her? If so, try asking her if she 
has any interests beyond that of homework and sports.
When I have met with therapists they have been about teaching me 
breathing techniques and such.  They ask me my interests and 
depending on how depressed at the time I was/am, I give them 
feedback of a few things or not really any.
If she has no interests at all put out suggestations that are not 
too overwhelming like suggesting she go on walks, write in a 
journal, do a form of art for relaxation purposes (such as 
drawing).
You could also suggest things that the family could do together 
such as a game night and explain that the activity is meant for 
fun not -petative or perfectionistic purposes.
I hope this helps in some way.  The internet could be a great 
resource as well.
--Christina Moore
 ----- Original Message -----
From: Paulette Vickery via humanser <humanser at nfbnet.org
To: "'Human Services Division Mailing List'" <humanser at nfbnet.org
Date sent: Thu, 24 Sep 2015 23:38:25 -0400
Subject: [humanser] What's a psychotherapist to do?

Hi all,



I am seeing a 15 year old girl on Saturday afternoon.  She is a 
very serious
girl.  She goes to school, plays sports, does homework at home, 
then goes to
bed.  Her mother and slightly older sister argue a lot and are 
both quite
volatile and controlling.  With out going further into the 
matter, the girl
doesn't know how to relax and just have fun.  I want to break her 
pattern of
seriousness by doing something unexpected and fun.  However, I 
have not
worked with adolescents for quite a while.  I can think of 
several things I
could do with younger children, but I am stumpt about  what to do 
with her.
Any ideas would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance for your help.



Paulette

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