Creating Conditions for Change

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Re: Creating Conditions for Change

From: Ellen-Marie Silverman
Date: 22 Oct 2007
Time: 11:09:51 -0500
Remote Name: 64.12.117.69

Comments

[[" . . .While it is evident that young children are very impressionable, I often wonder about speech-language therapy in adolescence. What are some signs to watch for when determining whether or not an adolescent is really ready to make a change? Do you have any suggestions for assessing adolescents who are more reserved and not as willing to share their share their true feelings, possibly because they feel their parents are ashamed of the way they speak. Thank you for your time."]] >>> Adolescents, even pre-teens, want to believe that they are capable of making the right decisions for themselves, yet, harbor a concern, based on their grasp of reality, that they sometimes need adult direction to do that. Asking for that help from an adult can be more or less difficult depending on the quality of communication that has been developed up to that point. So, a good step to take to establish honest, open verbal communication with a pre-teen or adolescent is regularly sharing time by hanging out together and, perhaps, doing things that are mutually satisfying but not emotionally "heavy." When pre-teens and teens feel comfortable communicating with us in such "simple" circumstances, they will be more likely to be willing to talk with us about "deeper" matters. Of course, there are times when we adults must intercede without being verbally asked to do so for the teen or pre-teen's own safety and well-being. Even then, we need to show respect for them and their capacity for learning to make good decisions for themselves along with firmness as we follow-through on a course of action we believe to be in their best interest. >>> A lot more can be said, Elizabeth. Perhaps, reading some books on adult-teen communication may be helpful. Best. Ellen-Marie Silverman


Last changed: 10/22/07