The second phase of the scientific study of adolescence, more familiar to a therapist in New York, from the 1970’s forward was more focused on studying adolescent development within the broader course of life span development (Lerner and Steinberg, 2004). In 1981, Herschel Thornburg began the meetings of the Conference on Adolescent Research where the Society for Research on Adolescence (SRA) was begun. In 1980, the first handbook for the field was published and in 1991, the SRA then launched its own scholarly journal, the Journal of Research on Adolescence. As a New York psychologist working with teens, I am very familiar with this journal. The focus is on understanding how development at any point across the life span, including adolescence, involves the reciprocity and interrelatedness of individuals and their diverse, multiple systems (Brofenbrenner, 1979; Lerner and Steinberg, 2004).

New York psychologists should know that the field now examines the relationship of individuals with their biological, social, cultural, and historical systems, as well as the plasticity of individuals (Lerner and Steinberg, 2004). Research began to show that the majority of adolescents did not experience significant psychological difficulties, and those who did often also experienced difficulties in adulthood (Peterson, 1988). This indicated that turmoil was not necessarily the norm for adolescents. The field has shifted its focus from examining only problems during adolescence and increased attention is being given to positive development (Peterson, 1988; Lerner and Steinberg, 2004). This focus on positive development is important when you are searching for a therapist in New York for your adolescent.

Defining adolescence. Adolescence is typically described in the literature as occurring in three developmental phases: early adolescence from 11- to 13-years-old, middle adolescence from 14- to 16-years-old and late adolescence from 17- to 19-years-old (Micucci, 1998). As a New York psychologist, I will work with all ages of children and adolescents. Each phase presents with different developmental challenges regarding biological changes, cognitive changes, and changes in one’s identity and peer relationships. As a New York psychologist, I am aware of each of these phases.

Early adolescence typically involves beginning pubertal changes and adjusting to these biological changes, learning to use new cognitive capacities such as abstract reasoning, relative thinking, and metacognition. Early adolescence often involves increased self-consciousness, finding a place among peers and identifying with peers and groups, and dealing with the intensification of gender-roles during this developmental stage. Middle adolescence typically involves navigating one’s sexuality, learning to make moral decisions, developing new relationships with peers as groups change and coupling increases, and learning to balance growing autonomy with growing accountability.

Finally, late adolescence typically involves further developing one’s identity and planning for the future, and an increased interest and capacity for intimacy in relationships. Each of these phases presents unique challenges and a New York therapist can help address your concerns. Overall, adolescence is thought of as the period within the life span when the most biological, cognitive, psychological, and social changes occur (Lerner and Galambos, 2001). Therapists in New York are aware that these multiple changes occur simultaneously, placing adolescents at greater risk for developmental difficulties than other age groups. This is why it is important to seek out a psychologist in New York when you have any concerns about your adolescent.

Written by Dr. Cortney Weissglass as part of Clinical Research Project submitted to the Faculty of the American School of Professional Psychology of Argosy University, Washington, DC Campus, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology. Dissertation chair: Ann Womack, PhD and Member: Jennifer McEwan, PhD. August, 2010.

For a full list of references, contact Dr. Weissglass.

Resource Box: In September 2012, Dr. Weissglass will be a licensed http://www.drcortneyweissglass.com therapist in New York. As a licensed http://www.drcortneyweissglass.com New York psychologist, she will specializing in child, adolescent, and family services.