Talking to Teens About Substance Use: Beyond Scare Tactics
As a counselor who has worked with teenagers for nearly a decade, I’ve found that conversations about substance use often follow a familiar pattern. Parents, with the best intentions, try to protect their teens by sharing horror stories or using intimidation tactics. Meanwhile, teens tune out what feels like another lecture, creating a communication gap […]
The Unique Mental Health Challenges of Student Athletes
Working with student athletes throughout my career, particularly in my role with Penn State University’s Athletics Department, has given me a window into the distinctive pressures these young people face. While many see only the highlights—the victories, scholarships, and community recognition—behind every achievement lies a complex mental and emotional landscape that student athletes must navigate […]
Transitioning from High School to College: Mental Preparation Beyond Academics
Throughout my years counseling teens and young adults, I’ve noticed a consistent pattern: we spend countless hours preparing students academically for college—with SAT & test prep, college selection & application process, and major & course selection, but far less time addressing the significant emotional and psychological adjustments they’ll face. This transition represents one of life’s […]
