It is often common that the relationship between the parent and adolescent needs attention. Instead of focusing solely on parenting techniques or solely on adolescent's problems, parent-teen therapy focuses on the interactions between the parent and teenager, with the psychologist as a particpant and observer to offer corrective opportunities. Parent-Teen Psychotherapy is different than consultation.

Parent-Teen Psychotherapy can be a relatively short-term treatment or longer-term, depending on the needs and goals. The mother-teen, father-teen and even mother-father/co-parenting partners meet with the adolescent in weekly meetings with Dr. Julie Hartman in her office. In some circumstances, it may be useful to conduct a session in the family's home.

The psychologist acts as a 'participant-observer'. This means that Dr. Hartman often participates with the parent(s) and child in an activity or discussion, while also applying therapeutic techniques to faciliate the development of new relationship skills.

Parent-Teen Psychotherapy often explicitly conveys to the adolescent that the parent has a unique role to be respected and validated. Helpful discipline, boundaries, structuring, and collaboration skills are identified, taught, and practiced together in the session. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques are used, such as ''homework' to further work outside of sessions.

The Parent-Teen Psychotherapy approach is also used as an evaluation tool to help develop an action plan of recommendations for improvement.

Parent-Teen Psychotherapy differs from Family Therapy - the latter is a more in depth re-organization of family dynamics and involves a Family Therapy speciality. Dr. Hartman will refer to a family therapist if clinically indicated.

For further inquires about Parent-Teen Psychotherapy, please contact Dr. Hartman.