March 2015

Being A Parent Can Be Hard

by Alison Mezzenga, M.A., L.P. 

 

Parenting a young, middle school aged child or teenager is a very rewarding thing to do; yet this can also be a trying experience for all involved. Through each developmental stage, new and challenging things will arise. Common questions involve when to do homework, what time should bedtime be, how do I get my teen out of his bedroom, and at what age should I buy my child a cell phone. These common parenting dilemmas can be made even more complicated when either the parent or the child is experiencing mental health concerns. Primary care physicians, teachers and school social workers, are often the first people to observe or hear about the struggles.

 

Although participation in mental health services for children is on the rise, and getting children appropriate support is imperative, let's not forget about their parents. Children learn and grow within the context of their relationship with their parent/caregiver, so in order to help the children; we must also provide appropriate mental health services to their parents. Parents who are experiencing symptoms of their own mental health issues or other life events, such as depression, anxiety, marital conflict or divorce, may be more psychologically unavailable, which may be having a negative impact on their ability to be a positive and 'present' parent to their child. This can result in an increase in fighting, negativity, inability to manage emotions and often a dissatisfying relationship and home environment. Therapy for parents is as imperative as it is for the children involved.

 

At Psychology Consultation Specialists we provide quality therapeutic services to parents who want to improve their relationship with their child and the overall atmosphere of the home environment.

Please direct all adult therapy referrals to info@pcsmn.com or (763) 559-7050.
 

Provider Spotlight
Ms. Mezzenga is a licensed psychologist providing individual and family psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults.  She also focuses on supporting parents coordinates care with schools and physicians.  Ms. Mezzenga has extensive experience providing clinical services to children and adults with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, and issues that may arise due to divorce and/or care-giver separations. Past experience at Washburn Center for Children also included work with children and families experiencing abuse, neglect and significant trauma as well as being trained in the DC:0-3 Diagnostic Assessment.

Services Provided

  • Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
  • Adult Psychotherapy
  • Family Psychotherapy

Specializations

  • ADHD
  • Adjustment disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief and loss
  • Divorce and care-giver separations
  • Parenting

In This Issue
ADHD Workshops
6:00-7:30 PM 

  When & Where:

Thursdays:
March 19 &
May 14
PCS Main Office 
 
3300 Fernbrook Lane N
Plymouth, MN 55447 

 Mondays:
April 13 & June 1 
Partners in Pediatrics  
12720 Bass Lake Rd 
Maple Grove, MN 55369
   
Who
Parents and Caregivers

What:  
Get answers to these questions and help your child be successful at home, in school, and in the community.


  • What is ADHD?
  • What are executive functions?
  • Research-validated treatment and interventions
  • How to help at home and school
  • ADHD and Social Interactions

For more Information  

Click here  



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763-559-7050 
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