
Our independent practitioners recognize that adolescence presents special challenges. The therapists work to foster a relationship with the adolescent, and to help parents, caregivers, and family members to find a way forward together. Special challenges include social anxiety, school performance issues, depression, and crisis of self-identity. A history of trauma can also begin to impact the adolescent in new ways. Our therapists are also sensitive to issues of suicidal ideation. The therapist cannot treat a child of divorce or separation without a copy of divorce or custody paperwork for children of living in single parent for blended families. Therapy is the focus of the therapists of Turning Point Counseling, not going to court or involving legal disputes. None of these therapists offer forensic counseling.
Janet Leavell Jergins
M.MFT., LPC, LMFT
Amy Passmore
M.MFT, LMFT, LPC
Rosie McNee
MSC/MFCT., LMFT
Edwyna Watson
M.Ed., LPC, LCDC
Kay Gillette
M.Ed., LMFT
In the book, She Voice Lessons for Parents by Wendy Mogel, Ph.D., she states at that no other phase of life are conversations between parents and children more difficult. She further points out that nothing a teenager says is personal or predictable.
As a therapist to teens, I try to view them with interest and curiosity. Even though most of them like to blame their parents (always a conversation starter), they need their parents. Their behavior and temperament are not unlike 2 year olds …. except now they drive!
Boys typically withdraw and are often uninterested in anything you as a parent does unless it involves food or transportation or buying things they “need.” Girls tend to treat rules and the word “No” as if they are human rights violations. Mothers are a favorite target!
These characteristics are what I enjoy as their therapist. They are brutally honest except when they aren’t. They are loving and emotional and creative except when they say they hate you or shut down.
I strive to accept teens for who and where they are in life. By listening and acceptance, I can gain their trust and open new ways for them to hear and see. This leads to open exploration of options, possibilities and new strategies for living.
Michelle Overman
M.MFT., LMFT
Jonathan Cogburn
M.MFT., LMFT
Kyle Tillson
M.A, LPC
Stephen Willis
M.MFT., LPC, LMFT