Q: My 17-year-old son just lost his best friend, who died suddenly at a basketball game. What behavior can I expect from my son and what can I do to help support him through this? A: First, I’d like to comment on your son’s behavior in the wake of his best friend’s death. He has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, loyalty, and emotional maturity. Read more… Q: I’m a teenager desperately seeking help. My mother and I recently moved after living in a small town for 13 years. I think it’s safe to say that I’m having severe emotional problems dealing with the move. A: It sounds to me that you’re feeling overwhelmed not only about school but also about other things in your life. Read more… Q: My 13-year-old son has no social life. He doesn’t talk on the phone at all; the few friends he used to have stopped calling. If someone does call he tells them he can’t do anything. He wants to spend all of his time with his father or myself. I feel like he’s missing so much. How can I help him? A: I think that you do have cause for concern. Your son has dramatically altered his social life. Read more… Q: My grandson was abused by his step-father but has since been removed from that situation. How crucial is it that he receive therapy? Can some children do okay after such an experience without therapy? My ex-daughter-in-law doesn’t seem concerned. A: Unfortunately, most kids who have been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused by family members do not receive professional counseling and they move through their lives deeply affected by this trauma. Read more… Q: My 13-year-old daughter has made a complete turnaround with school. She went from the A/B grade range to the D/F grade range. She is depressed and uncaring about school. A: At this age, between all the hormone changes and the moodiness that accompanies being a teenager and trying to establish a “new identity,” I would say parents shouldn’t be overly concerned with some deviations in school performance and some occasional “blues.” Read more… Q: I’m 18 years old and I have had the same boyfriend for 3 years now. When I was 16, I got pregnant. I told my mother that I didn’t believe in abortion and she agreed. The next thing I knew I was at the doctor’s office getting an abortion. I know I want to get pregnant again so I can finally have the baby that I wish I already had. Please help me understand my feelings and my depression. A: I feel so badly that you had to go through an abortion you didn’t want. I have counseled many girls and young women who feel as you do, that they were rushed and shamed into getting an abortion as the only way to “fix” being pregnant. Read more… Read Carleton Kendrick’s bio.
