Raising teenagers can be one of life’s great journeys. However, like with many adventures you can expect unexpected twists and turns, ups and downs, all the while hoping that your teen successfully negotiates the sometimes-chaotic terrain.
Three weeks later, Natalie reported that her teacher was nicer to the class. She even brought candy on Friday as a reward for her students’ improved behavior. Natalie said that her nail biting had improved somewhat, but that she still bit her nails while she watched television or had nothing better to do.
Natalie was very happy to report a week later that she made the monster spray and it really worked really well. Her mother was even happier to report that Natalie had stayed in her own bedroom all week.
Natalie was an energetic 7-year-old who was nervous about a few things in her life. She was afraid of the dark, receiving immunizations, and being yelled at by her teacher. When she became fearful or when she was bored, she often bit her fingernails.
Charlotte was a 5-year-old who had a very limited diet. She would only eat pasta, one brand of cereal, pancakes, waffles with chocolate chips, a specific brand of applesauce, and yogurt.
Thirteen-year-old Peter told me that he was very afraid of blood tests. He explained that needles caused him a lot of pain. I suggested to Peter that I could teach him self-hypnosis with which he could control his fear and/or pain.
One of my favorite metaphors for the care a clinician, teacher or parent can provide came about during a visit with a young teenager. Trevor had been struggling with anxiety and depression and chronic health problems for years, but had found very little help available to him. Even as he was learning hypnosis, Trevor doubted himself and his ability to find a healthy new normal.
Important subconscious material sometimes can be reached by asking patients to imagine a fictional character, and allowing the patient to imagine an adventure with the character.
Monica, a thin, blond, 9-year-old young lady, came to my Center because of her asthma. Once I finished evaluating her, I recommended that she begin therapy with an inhaled medication. “This medication comes in two flavors,” I explained to her. “Yucky, and mint yucky. Which would you like?”
