This blog is designed to shed some additonal light on the unique challenges of working with adolescents; in particular teenagers. Teens are an awkward breed stuck between legos and spreadsheets; not a great place to be when their is comfort in childhood and desire but unreadiness to be a grownup. My hope is that a collaborative blog will generate interesting discussion on better helping teens through therapy or through effective parenting.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Group therapy offers the opportunity of a shared experience which extends beyond the feedback of the therapist. Oftentimes group members find it healing to exchange stories that thread their experiences together. This provides a benefit for both the assertive and more reserved individual.
Throughout the course of the year I facilitate various groups depending upon the given needs of the community. Some of the groups that will occur this year will likely include the following:
Sibling group
New father’s group
Father/Daughter group
Tightening the connection with my teen
Discovering the gifts of ADHD
Discovering balance in a busy world
Groups will be kept intimate in size (Between 6 and 8 individuals). Check my website for further information, including registration forms. Personal phone contact will be made with each individual before the onset of a new group. This will allow for appropriate group pairings and an opportunity to know a bit about your personal needs. Groups will often occur in the evenings on Friday or Sunday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
Bryon Remo adolescent therapist, teen therapist, family therapist, fix me therapist, psychology today, AAMFT locator, couples therapist, Newtown High School, 37, Middlebury, Middletown, Southbury
Posted by Bryon Remo at 12:06 PM 0 comments
Couples Therapy
Working with couples has taught me that each individual truly has something invaluable to offer the process of change in relationships. Typically one member of a couple is more motivated to seek support and feels the relationship is no longer tolerable without intervention. However, creating effective and lasting change requires the commitment of both individuals. The starting point for this change is a desire for a different way of relating; a craving to rewrite the script of communication that has not allowed the kind of closeness that people seek. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am uniquely trained to track patterns of relating that have caused couples to become “stuck” in repetitive and useless patterns of communicating. I challenge couples to become more authentic with one another and to take risks toward a deeper and more intimate connection. Through the use of couples assessment tools, interactive dialogue, solution-focused problem-solving and experiential activities, I incorporate a caring, empathetic presence with creative interventions while working in the “present” more than the past.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
Posted by Bryon Remo at 12:04 PM 0 comments
Family Therapy
Each family has its own distinctive way of communicating. The particular style of relating is often what contributes toward family closeness. However, as families move through life transitions, individuals often discover new ways of communicating that is not always comfortable for those still relating in their family’s traditional manner. This can cause tension between family members, not because of the issue at hand, but due more to the contrast in the approach to problem solving. As a Family Therapist, I work experientially with all family members in shedding light on individual styles of communicating, helping families recognize strengths in others, encouraging risk taking and holding each other accountable for family well-being. I believe it is essential for family members to create a sense of safety for others family members to share thoughts and feelings that may be unpopular. My goal is to help family members become more aware of the interconnectedness of the family unit and to promote the motivation to desire change. This often occurs when family members are “sick and tired” of being “sick and tired.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
Posted by Bryon Remo at 12:04 PM 0 comments
Teen Therapy
As a specialist in adolescent issues, I have worked with adolescents and families for the past eleven years in various capacities.
I have developed my clinical skills within schools, hospitals, residential facilities and private practice. In addition, I have extensive experience working with special needs students struggling with emotional, behavioral and learning difficulties.
My fondness for the teenage population stems from a strong understanding of the unique challenges facing today’s youth. Teens today are inundated with conflicting messages from the media, changing family dynamics, dangerous club drugs, high stakes testing, online distress, cell phone madness and self-supervision. Even the most protected adolescents are exposed to many of these elements. My work with teens addresses these and other difficult issues and challenges young people to stretch the boundaries of communication with their parents.
I distinguish myself from other therapists in my ability to connect quickly, effectively and mutually respectfully with teens. I strive to continuously assist young people in exploring their inner world and simultaneously challenging them to take greater responsibility for their decision-making.
My approach to working with teen is interactive, solution-focused, collaborative and existential. I feel strongly that teens need honest, direct and creative approaches to mobilizing them. There is modest use for traditional psychodynamic approaches for contemporary kids who often have little tolerance for therapy to begin with.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
Posted by Bryon Remo at 12:03 PM 0 comments
Home | About Me | Services | Helpful Links | Contact Me
Areas of Specialization
Features and Benefits
Rates and Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Downloadable Forms
SERVICES
Teen
Family
Couples
Group
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Areas of specialization:
Child or Teen Issues
Parenting Issues
ADHD and Impulsivity
Behavioral and Oppositional Difficulties
Anxiety and Depression
School Related Problems
Self-Esteem
Substance Abuse
Anger Management/Bullying
Divorce and Family Change
Grief and Loss
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
Bryon Remo Bryon Remo Bryon Remo Bryon Remo Bryon Remo
Posted by Bryon Remo at 12:02 PM 0 comments
What can be changed versus what must be tolerated? I’ve often wondered why many feel that change is always possible. In reality, change can evolve within one’s perspective, but circumstances are not always possible to change. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I feel strongly that understanding the diffference between these two ideas is central to the pursuit of contentment. Learning to accept the often unbending parts of our world and simultaneously exercising our power to choose, gives us a stronger balance in navigating through real issues.
I’ve been working with individuals, couples and families for the past ten years in varying capacities. I specialze in working with adolescent issues and have discovered that teenagers often have far more resiliency and desire for change than much of the adult world may realize. Through working in schools, hospitals, family agencies and private practice, I’ve had the privilege of coming to better understand the unique needs of teens, couples and families through my knowledge and experience as a systems trained therapist.
I am most experienced working with adolescents, couples and familes. I specialize in working with teenagers with difficult behaviors, ADHD, school anxiety, self-esteem issues, depression, anger management, parenting issues, divorce and family transitions, substance abuse, internet, cell phone, video game, t.v. and other media saturation problems, bullying, learning disabilities, sibling rivalry and grief and loss issues.
I work in a highly interactive manner, drawing on individual and family strengths to establish attainable goals. I truly believe that each member of a coupleship or family maintains specfic abilities that often go unnoticed by others that can help unlock the “stuck system.” I work primarily through solution-focused and experiential modalities. However, I incorporate narrative therapies and psychoanalytic approaches when appropriate.
I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Cambridge College, where I was trained under some of the most highly qualified systems therapists in the country. In addition, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Bridgewater State College. I have extensive experience working with adolescents with special needs. In addition, I was a member of a panel on a televison broadcast (NECN) entitled, “Educating the community in decoding teenage behavior.” My primary focus of therapy is to develop a relationship with you that is genuine, mutually respectful and focused on possibilities. It is not useful to enter into a therapeutic relationship when one is strictly hoping for external change. If you are committed to your own internal shifts, I would be happy to speak with you to see if we might be a good match.
Be well and be the change you seek.
Bryon Remo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
Posted by Bryon Remo at 12:01 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
“I specialize in working with difficult teenage behaviors. Being stuck between childhood and adulthood is a tricky time period that challenges even the most intelligent and thoughtful parents. I engage teens in their lingo and challenge them to take greater responsibility for their choices. I encourage them to become more authentic with themselves and their parents. Likewise, I invite adults to stretch their parenting imagination and consider new ways of relating to their teen. I encourage kids and parents to risk closeness through holding each other accountable and challenging the barriers that block hidden love.
Working with difficult issues as depression, anxiety, anger, ADHD, substance abuse, bullying, eating disorders and self-esteem problems, I help kids in taking an active role in therapy. Through questioning teens' thought processes and behaviors, I add a necessary humor with wisdom to soften hard talking points for teens.
As a family systems therapist, I have unique training in understanding the interactional patterns of individuals and families. Working from a relational perspective, I maintain an awareness of the needs of all family members. My work is proactive, deliberate and focuses more on present issues than past pain.”
Posted by Bryon Remo at 6:36 PM 0 comments
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Blog Archive
▼ 2010 (20)
▼ February (20)
Group Therapy Group therapy offers the opportunit...
Couples Therapy Working with couples has taught m...
Family Therapy Each family has its own distinctiv...
Teen Therapy As a specialist in adolescent issues...
Home | About Me | Services | ...
What can be changed versus what must be tolerated?...
“I specialize in working with difficult teenage be...
Family therapy for adolescents, anger management, ...
Teenager Reluctance to go to Counseling There is n...
Bryon Remo, Bryon Remo, Bryon Remo, Bryon Remo, Br...
Bryon Remo website: bryon@remocounseling.com teen ...
Bryon Remo- What make a Licensed Marriage and Fami...
Bryon Remo- Family Counseling http://ping.fm/fnOeL...
Bryon Remo is an adolescent teen therapist special...
Bryon Remo- Family Counseling http://ping.fm/4D1bb...
Bryon Remo- Family Therapist http://ping.fm/fgRpp
Visit Bryon Remo's website at: www.remocounseling....
For more information contact Bryon Remo @ 203-577-...
Is therapy right for you?
Teenagers Reluctance to go to Counseling
About Me
Bryon Remo
Newtown, Middlebury, Southbury, Connecicut, United States
My name is Bryon Remo and I am a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist specializing in working with difficult teenage behaviors. I have worked with teens and adolescents for the past 13 years and have found them much more reasonable and workable than most adults. Once they feel emotionally accepted they are often motivated to make significant changes that benefit themselves and their families alike.
View my complete profile
Group therapy offers the opportunity of a shared experience which extends beyond the feedback of the therapist. Oftentimes group members find it healing to exchange stories that thread their experiences together. This provides a benefit for both the assertive and more reserved individual.
Throughout the course of the year I facilitate various groups depending upon the given needs of the community. Some of the groups that will occur this year will likely include the following:
Sibling group
New father’s group
Father/Daughter group
Tightening the connection with my teen
Discovering the gifts of ADHD
Discovering balance in a busy world
Groups will be kept intimate in size (Between 6 and 8 individuals). Check my website for further information, including registration forms. Personal phone contact will be made with each individual before the onset of a new group. This will allow for appropriate group pairings and an opportunity to know a bit about your personal needs. Groups will often occur in the evenings on Friday or Sunday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
Bryon Remo adolescent therapist, teen therapist, family therapist, fix me therapist, psychology today, AAMFT locator, couples therapist, Newtown High School, 37, Middlebury, Middletown, Southbury
Working with couples has taught me that each individual truly has something invaluable to offer the process of change in relationships. Typically one member of a couple is more motivated to seek support and feels the relationship is no longer tolerable without intervention. However, creating effective and lasting change requires the commitment of both individuals. The starting point for this change is a desire for a different way of relating; a craving to rewrite the script of communication that has not allowed the kind of closeness that people seek. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am uniquely trained to track patterns of relating that have caused couples to become “stuck” in repetitive and useless patterns of communicating. I challenge couples to become more authentic with one another and to take risks toward a deeper and more intimate connection. Through the use of couples assessment tools, interactive dialogue, solution-focused problem-solving and experiential activities, I incorporate a caring, empathetic presence with creative interventions while working in the “present” more than the past.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
Each family has its own distinctive way of communicating. The particular style of relating is often what contributes toward family closeness. However, as families move through life transitions, individuals often discover new ways of communicating that is not always comfortable for those still relating in their family’s traditional manner. This can cause tension between family members, not because of the issue at hand, but due more to the contrast in the approach to problem solving. As a Family Therapist, I work experientially with all family members in shedding light on individual styles of communicating, helping families recognize strengths in others, encouraging risk taking and holding each other accountable for family well-being. I believe it is essential for family members to create a sense of safety for others family members to share thoughts and feelings that may be unpopular. My goal is to help family members become more aware of the interconnectedness of the family unit and to promote the motivation to desire change. This often occurs when family members are “sick and tired” of being “sick and tired.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
As a specialist in adolescent issues, I have worked with adolescents and families for the past eleven years in various capacities.
I have developed my clinical skills within schools, hospitals, residential facilities and private practice. In addition, I have extensive experience working with special needs students struggling with emotional, behavioral and learning difficulties.
My fondness for the teenage population stems from a strong understanding of the unique challenges facing today’s youth. Teens today are inundated with conflicting messages from the media, changing family dynamics, dangerous club drugs, high stakes testing, online distress, cell phone madness and self-supervision. Even the most protected adolescents are exposed to many of these elements. My work with teens addresses these and other difficult issues and challenges young people to stretch the boundaries of communication with their parents.
I distinguish myself from other therapists in my ability to connect quickly, effectively and mutually respectfully with teens. I strive to continuously assist young people in exploring their inner world and simultaneously challenging them to take greater responsibility for their decision-making.
My approach to working with teen is interactive, solution-focused, collaborative and existential. I feel strongly that teens need honest, direct and creative approaches to mobilizing them. There is modest use for traditional psychodynamic approaches for contemporary kids who often have little tolerance for therapy to begin with.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
Areas of Specialization
Features and Benefits
Rates and Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Downloadable Forms
SERVICES
Teen
Family
Couples
Group
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Areas of specialization:
Child or Teen Issues
Parenting Issues
ADHD and Impulsivity
Behavioral and Oppositional Difficulties
Anxiety and Depression
School Related Problems
Self-Esteem
Substance Abuse
Anger Management/Bullying
Divorce and Family Change
Grief and Loss
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
Bryon Remo Bryon Remo Bryon Remo Bryon Remo Bryon Remo
I’ve been working with individuals, couples and families for the past ten years in varying capacities. I specialze in working with adolescent issues and have discovered that teenagers often have far more resiliency and desire for change than much of the adult world may realize. Through working in schools, hospitals, family agencies and private practice, I’ve had the privilege of coming to better understand the unique needs of teens, couples and families through my knowledge and experience as a systems trained therapist.
I am most experienced working with adolescents, couples and familes. I specialize in working with teenagers with difficult behaviors, ADHD, school anxiety, self-esteem issues, depression, anger management, parenting issues, divorce and family transitions, substance abuse, internet, cell phone, video game, t.v. and other media saturation problems, bullying, learning disabilities, sibling rivalry and grief and loss issues.
I work in a highly interactive manner, drawing on individual and family strengths to establish attainable goals. I truly believe that each member of a coupleship or family maintains specfic abilities that often go unnoticed by others that can help unlock the “stuck system.” I work primarily through solution-focused and experiential modalities. However, I incorporate narrative therapies and psychoanalytic approaches when appropriate.
I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Cambridge College, where I was trained under some of the most highly qualified systems therapists in the country. In addition, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Bridgewater State College. I have extensive experience working with adolescents with special needs. In addition, I was a member of a panel on a televison broadcast (NECN) entitled, “Educating the community in decoding teenage behavior.” My primary focus of therapy is to develop a relationship with you that is genuine, mutually respectful and focused on possibilities. It is not useful to enter into a therapeutic relationship when one is strictly hoping for external change. If you are committed to your own internal shifts, I would be happy to speak with you to see if we might be a good match.
Be well and be the change you seek.
Bryon Remo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call (203)577-9194
for a free and confidential phone consultation.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Working with difficult issues as depression, anxiety, anger, ADHD, substance abuse, bullying, eating disorders and self-esteem problems, I help kids in taking an active role in therapy. Through questioning teens' thought processes and behaviors, I add a necessary humor with wisdom to soften hard talking points for teens.
As a family systems therapist, I have unique training in understanding the interactional patterns of individuals and families. Working from a relational perspective, I maintain an awareness of the needs of all family members. My work is proactive, deliberate and focuses more on present issues than past pain.”
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
There is no surprise that teenagers are not big fans of counseling. The teen years are marked by a sense of self-reliance that renders the thought of sharing emotional pain or "luggage" nearly impossible. They closely guard their opinions as well as the opinions of their peers. In many ways, despite their awareness that some of their behavior is destructive, they will nevertheless attempt to defend it with "teen rationale."
However, once engaged in therapy teenagers are often among the most reflective, motivated and expressive populations to work with. They desperately want to share their stories and be heard in a way that they are not accustomed to. Teens journey through their high-school days constantly being evaluated. From academics (report cards, standardized testing, finals, graduation standards, SAT's), to sports and other school related functions, adolescents need a break from the chronic assessments that are imposed upon them. To be sure, many teens are motivated by performing at a high level. However, there is a built in stress to the constancy of needing to be "on top of one's game" at all times. When the lines of communication involve more than performance an opportunity exists for teens to express themselves around issues that matter most to them (boys, girls, peer pressure, parties, hobbies, movies, video games, texting, facebook, hanging out, and yes even stewardship.
Teens need to know that therapy is a place where confidentiality is protected (with certain safety exceptions) and where they are free to fully be themselves. That is, that they are not entering therapy as a means to simply appease their parents concerns. Instead, they are part of a relationship that will help them deal with whatever issues they are struggling with (depression, anxiety, add, anger management, eating disorders, learning disabilities, drug and alcohol problems, etc.) and to reinvent their way of approaching life's challenges.
Parents' attitude and approach toward counseling often speaks to the willingness or lack of willingness of teens to share their thoughts and feelings in therapy. If a teenager feels that they are being "dumped" in treatment to be "fixed," then they will often resist any kind of help until they feel their concerns are considered and understood. Parents can help teens become more motivated to engage in therapy by acknowledging that they may lack some of the essential knowledge needed to effectively address teen issues. This recognition can be quite meaningful to kids as they will begin to see their parents as emotionally strong and willing to admit a weakness that is not often popular to do among parents.
Is therapy right for you?
People come into therapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.
top
What can I expect in a therapy session?
During sessions you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 50 minutes, but some people request longer sessions. Usually weekly sessions are best. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For therapy to "work," you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.
What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.
Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
Developing skills for improving your relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
Improving communications skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you.
Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and developing new ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?
If you aren't sure what your goals are for therapy, your first task is to figure that out. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of therapy your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work? The first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier to find out how much they will reimburse you for therapy. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
Do I have mental health benefits?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
How much do you pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is there a limitation on how much you will pay per session?
Is primary care physician approval required?
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule.
Exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.
Teenagers Reluctance to go to Counseling
However, once engaged in therapy teenagers are often among the most reflective, motivated and expressive populations to work with. They desperately want to share their stories and be heard in a way that they are not accustomed to. Teens journey through their high-school days constantly being evaluated. From academics (report cards, standardized testing, finals, graduation standards, SAT's), to sports and other school related functions, adolescents need a break from the chronic assessments that are imposed upon them. To be sure, many teens are motivated by performing at a high level. However, there is a built in stress to the constancy of needing to be "on top of one's game" at all times. When the lines of communication involve more than performance an opportunity exists for teens to express themselves around issues that matter most to them (boys, girls, peer pressure, parties, hobbies, movies, video games, texting, facebook, hanging out, and yes even stewardship.
Teens need to know that therapy is a place where confidentiality is protected (with certain safety exceptions) and where they are free to fully be themselves. That is, that they are not entering therapy as a means to simply appease their parents concerns. Instead, they are part of a relationship that will help them deal with whatever issues they are struggling with (depression, anxiety, add, anger management, eating disorders, learning disabilities, drug and alcohol problems, etc.) and to reinvent their way of approaching life's challenges.
Parents' attitude and approach toward counseling often speaks to the willingness or lack of willingness of teens to share their thoughts and feelings in therapy. If a teenager feels that they are being "dumped" in treatment to be "fixed," then they will often resist any kind of help until they feel their concerns are considered and understood. Parents can help teens become more motivated to engage in therapy by acknowledging that they may lack some of the essential knowledge needed to effectively address teen issues. This recognition can be quite meaningful to kids as they will begin to see their parents as emotionally strong and willing to admit a weakness that is not often popular to do among parents.