Shows
Today's Teenager115: Managing Cooped Up TeensIn this episode, Roy offers insight and strategies into caring for and managing teens during the COVID19 epidemic. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information.
2020-03-2523 minToday's Teenager114: Teens And Trauma, Part 3In the final installment of a three-part series on teens and trauma, Roy offers practical and effective strategies adults can use to help teens who have been traumatized. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information.
2020-03-1130 minToday's Teenager113: Teens And Trauma, Part 2In the second installment of a three-part series on teens and trauma, Roy focuses on the variety of ways that trauma affects the adolescent brain. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information.
2020-03-0920 minToday's Teenager112: Teens And Trauma, Part 1In this first of a three-part series on teens and trauma, Roy defines and explains trauma, how it effects teens, and how adults can identify and help traumatized teens. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information.
2020-03-0618 minToday's Teenager112: Teens And Trauma, Part 1In this first of a three-part series on teens and trauma, Roy defines and explains trauma, how it effects teens, and how adults can identify and help traumatized teens. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information.
2020-03-0618 minToday's Teenager111: Helping Teens Set And Respect Boundaries, Part 3In this third of a three - part series of micro episodes, Roy offers strategies and insights that will help you to discuss the importance of setting and respecting boundaries with teens. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information.
2020-02-1813 minToday's Teenager109: Helping Teens Set And Respect Boundaries, Part 1In this first of a three - part series of micro episodes, Roy defines and explores what the term "boundaries" means for relationships and its importance to adolescent growth. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information.
2020-02-1210 minToday's Teenager108: Talking Concussions with Dr. Josh CouvillonIn this episode, Roy discusses the dangers teen athletes faced when suffering a concussion and the best practices for treatment. Dr. Joshua Couvillon is a licensed Chiropractor in Texas and Louisiana. He currently practices in Lafayette, Louisiana at Clark Integrated Medical Clinics. Josh holds degrees in Biology, chemistry, human biology, and Chiropractic. He received 2 bachelors degrees from university of Louisiana in the fields of biology and chemistry. He also holds a bachelors degree in human biology and a Doctorate in chiropractic which he received from Texas Chiropractic College. Josh is a chiropractor who works with n...
2020-02-1136 minToday's Teenager110: Helping Teens Set And Respect Boundaries, Part 2In the second part of Roy's three-part look at the importance of helping teens set and respect boundaries, he explores the reasons helping teens with boundaries is so often a difficult process. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information.
2020-02-1112 minToday's Teenager107: Helping Teens To Emotionally ForecastIn this episode, Roy explains the phenomenon of emotional forecasting, its importance in emotional and psychological development, and how adults can help teens learn how to employ emotional forecasting in their lives. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information.
2019-12-2006 minToday's Teenager106: Teens And Romantic RelationshipsIn this episode, Roy explores the psychological and emotional dynamics of teen romantic relationships and offers strategies for discussing them with young people. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information.
2019-11-2220 minToday's Teenager105: Helping Teens Problem SolveIn this episode, Roy offers insight into the difficulty teens face when solving problems due to age and inexperience. Roy provides tips useful in helping teenagers re-frame what they consider to be threats not as dangers to be survived but rather challenges to be addressed and resolved. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information. Dr. Dore and her staff embrace their o...
2019-11-0410 minToday's Teenager104: Interview with Stacey SumereauRoy welcomes former professional Broadway actress, Stacey Sumerau. Stacey shares her experiences as a teen struggling to be the smartest, prettiest, and most talented performer she could be, how that struggle led to an eating disorder and ultimately, a spiritual transformation that informs her current work as a speaker who inspires teens to give their lives over to God's plan. Visit Stacey's official website for more on her speaking and experiences as a member of the Lifetime TV series, Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the ex...
2019-10-0132 minToday's Teenager103: Dr. Michael Reichert Talks Raising Healthy BoysIn this episode, Roy welcomes Dr. Michael Reichert, a psychologist and author whose new book, "How To Raise A Boy: The Power of Connection To Build Good Men" is receiving widespread acclaim. Dr. Reichert drew on his decades of experience working to counter societal conventions of how boys become men. Roy and Dr. Reichert discuss ways that those who work with boys and young men can help create compassionate, self - aware, and healthy men. Click here for more information "How To Raise A Boy" at Amazon.com. Dr. Reichert's interview on CBS This Morning.
2019-08-0733 minToday's Teenager102: Placeholder ConversationsIn this episode, Roy explains how to employ the skill of placeholder conversations, brief exchanges with teens that help prime them for more in-depth discussions on important topics at a future date. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information. Dr. Dore and her staff embrace their orthodontic patients like family. In addition to traditional metal and ceramic braces Dr. Dore enjoys u...
2019-07-3105 minToday's Teenager101: The Power Of ReminiscingIn this episode, Roy discusses how looking back with teens on their progress in healing and personal achievement can encourage their continued growth and success. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information. Dr. Dore and her staff embrace their orthodontic patients like family. In addition to traditional metal and ceramic braces Dr. Dore enjoys using Invisalign clear aligners, and she is a...
2019-07-2905 minToday's Teenager100: Good Vs. Bad StressIn the 100th episode of Today's Teenager, Roy again addresses the importance of recognizing how impacting stress is for young people today. Roy illustrates the differences between positive and negative sources of stress and offers insight into helping teens to recognize these differences and how to manage both in their lives. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information. Dr. Dore and h...
2019-07-0513 minToday's Teenager099: Should I Drug Test My Teen?In this micro episode, Roy offers his thoughts on a questions he's often asked by parents of teens: 'should I drug test my teen?' Roy discusses the positive and negative aspects of the issue and provides insight into making the best decision for your teen and your family. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information. Dr. Dore and her staff e...
2019-04-2407 minToday's Teenager098: Teens And Stress AvoidanceIn this episode, Roy examines a growing trend among today's youth to avoid the stress that results from awkwardness. As Roy explains, this phenomenon is not exclusive to teens who suffer from social anxiety. Roy offers details and examples from his work with teens and strategies parents and those who work with teens can use to challenge teens to properly engage and cope with awkwardness and stress. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be u...
2019-04-0130 minToday's Teenager097: Getting Teens To Do What They Don't Want To DoIn this episode, Roy responds to a question from a parent: "How do I get my teen to do what they don't want to do?" Roy explores the various factors involved in both the parent(s)' asking of the question and the teenager's refusal to do something the parent wants them to do. Roy examines the value of the adage "choose your battles" and how it applies to raising teens not as older children but as young adults. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and o...
2019-02-2614 minToday's Teenager096: Dealing With Teen DramaEven those who don't work with teens are familiar with the term "teen drama." Despite the stereotypes and caricatures associated with the term, teens experience emotional and mental stressors that are more intense given their age and state in life. Roy explains the causes and signs of these stressors and offers strategies parents and adults who work with young people can use to help teens to cope and overcome. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would...
2019-02-2225 minToday's Teenager094: Dr. Lisa Damour And Anxiety In Teen GirlsIn this special episode of Today's Teenager, Roy discusses the effects of the rising anxiety epidemic on teen girls with Dr. Lisa Damour, PhD. Dr. Damour is a clinical psychologist, regular writer for The New York Times and contributor to CBS News. She has witnessed the rising tide of stress and anxiety in her own research, in private practice, and in the all-girls' school where she consults. Dr. Damour and Roy discuss how the epidemic of teenage anxiety is especially difficult for girls and young women, the benefits of stress and anxiety on healthy adolescent development, and s...
2019-02-1246 minToday's Teenager095: Talking Tech Addiction with Marissa Verson HarrisonRoy welcomes Marissa Verson Harrison to discuss the realities of tech addiction, especially prevalent among today's young people. Marissa has developed ScreenAge Bootcamp, a program designed to help parents guide children in learning to use technology as a means of enhancing their lives instead of being dominated by it. She talks her philosophy and offers helpful strategies for parents and those working with young people in what she calls "The ScreenAge." Click here for more about Marissa and ScreenAge Bootcamp. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of th...
2019-02-0843 minToday's Teenager093: How To Stop Being A Perfect ParentIn this episode, Roy addresses how anxiety and fear manifest themselves in a parent's desire to be 'the perfect parent.' Roy illustrates how damaging this can be to both parents and young people alike and offers strategies to cope with the anxiety and worry that leads to perfectionism. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information. Dr. Dore and her staff e...
2019-01-2123 minToday's Teenager092: How To Stop Nagging Your TeenIn this micro episode, Roy offers strategies for approaching the young people in your life about responsibilities and expectations in ways that will not feel like nagging to them. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information. Dr. Dore and her staff embrace their orthodontic patients like family. In addition to traditional metal and ceramic braces Dr. Dore enjoys using Invisalign clear a...
2019-01-0413 minToday's Teenager091: Raising Adult Children with Jan RisherIn this episode, Roy talks with Jan Risher about the challenges and joys of parenting adult children. Jan is an award - winning journalist, investigative reporter, and former managing editor of The Times of Acadiana. Roy and Jan also discuss Jan's new book, Looking to the Stars from Old Algiers and Other Long Stories Short, a collection of her columns written over fifteen years. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford t...
2019-01-0237 minToday's Teenager090: Small Talk For Teens with Debra FineIn this episode, Roy discusses the importance of learning conversational skills with Debra Fine. A nationally recognized keynote speaker, bestselling author and conversation expert, and author of The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start A Conversation, Keep it Going, Build Rapport – And Leave a Positive Impression. Debra shares insightful and invaluable tips in aiding young people to build solid conversational skills that are especially helpful to teens struggling with anxiety and social interaction. Click here to visit Debra's site and learn more about her books and work in the field of communication skills. Roy h...
2018-12-2828 minToday's Teenager089: Tips For Becoming More Approachable To TeensIn this episode, Roy talks about how adults can be more approachable to the teens and young people in their lives. Roy acknowledges that some people are naturally approachable in general but believes that approachability is a skill set that can be learned. Roy offers seven tips for being more approachable to teens, including the importance and effectiveness of smiling and learning to truly listen to teens instead of being preoccupied with advice to give when approached by a teen. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy...
2018-11-0520 minToday's Teenager088: Sexual Abuse And Assault Of Teens With Laurie Degatto-WhittenRoy discusses sexual abuse and assault of teens with Laurie Delgatto-Whitten. For close to thirty years, Laurie has served in the field of youth ministry. She has been involved in various local, regional, and national youth ministry training programs and conferences. She has a longstanding interest in the spirituality of adolescents, and is an outspoken advocate for teen involvement in the Church. She has written and edited dozens of ministry and educational books and resources. As a survivor of sexual assault herself, Laurie offers powerful and authentic insight into the experiences of sexual assault survivors and how to discuss t...
2018-10-2936 minToday's Teenager087: A Conversation About Young People And Failure with Jessica LaheyIn this episode, Roy talks with New York Times best-selling author Jessica Lahey. Roy and Jessica discuss her groundbreaking and controversial book, The Gift of Failure: How The Best Parents Learn To Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed. Jessica's experience as an educator led her to write a book about how perfectionism and the desire to be everything to everyone leads young people to become more anxious and apathetic about learning. Jessica and Roy also discuss how young people see success and the damage adults do when predicating love of children on school performance. Jessica offers c...
2018-10-0943 minToday's Teenager086: Getting Things Done For Teens with Mike WilliamsIn this episode, Roy talks with Mike Williams, co - writer of "Getting Things Done For Teens," based on the original book written by David Allen. The purpose of the book, from its back cover: "Very little time, focus, or education is being spent teaching and coaching this generation how to navigate this unprecedented amount of "stuff" entering their lives each day. How do we help the overloaded and distracted next generation deal with increasing complexity and help them not only survive, but thrive? How do we help them experience stress-free productivity and gain momentum and confidence? H...
2018-09-2433 minToday's Teenager085: Talking Challenges And Opportunities For Hispanic Youth with Dr. Hosffman OpinoIn this episode, Roy discusses the challenges and opportunities experienced by Hispanic youth today with Dr. Hosffman Opino. Dr. Opino was born in Colombia where he pursued undergraduate studies in Philosophy. He taught philosophy and religion at various academic levels and worked for the National Confederation of Catholic Education of Colombia. He currently holds an M.A. in theology with concentration in Church History and a Ph.D. in Theology and Education from Boston College. "In an attempt to promote collaboration, I suggested that Dr. Ospino reach out to Lifeteen. In my ignorance, I said, "Clearly hispanic m...
2018-09-1448 minToday's Teenager084: Interview iwth John Hodges DavisIn this episode, Roy interviews young adult, John Hodges Davis. John shares his journey as a child and a teen pursuing a golf scholarship and a professional golf career. In his Junior year, John and his family discovered that he was born with hip dysplaysia, ultimately leading to two major surgeries which forced him out of competition and into a search for a new dream. John shares what was helpful to him during a bout of depression and how his faith opened the door for a new direction in his life. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a...
2018-08-2929 minToday's Teenager083: Advanced Communications Tips For Talking With TeensIt's common for teens to say things to us or about us that provoke strong emotions in us. In this episode, Roy offers strategies to avoid inflicting your emotional reaction on your teen while also acknowledging the incident instead of pretending it didn't happen. Among the strategies Roy suggests are using the phrase "when you (teen behavior) I feel (your vulnerable emotion)," along with the question "tell me more" when talking with teens. These tips and others will enable you to engage in meaningful and successful communication with teens that will sustain trust and build a foundation for...
2018-08-0313 minToday's TeenagerEpisode 082:Explaining Vs. Excusing BehaviorIn this episode, Roy discusses the difference between letting teens know that we understand their reasons (or lack thereof) for explaining their behavior and giving them a pass for their behavior, thereby excusing it. Roy suggests that as caring adults, we do teens no favors by excusing their choices and behavior and offers suggestions for communicating this concept to teens. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot c...
2018-08-0206 minToday's Teenager081: How Much Screen Time Is Too Much? In this episode, Roy addresses one the questions he's most frequently asked by parents: how do you know how much screen time is enough for kids and how do you know when they're spending too much time on their devices? Roy believes that while there are no exact formulas for just how much screen time is best, Roy does believe that the issue of screen time should not be avoided or ignored. Roy offers principles and tips to have conversations with spouses and young people about the importance of regulating screen time. Roy has established Today's Teenager as...
2018-06-2526 minToday's Teenager080: 13 Reasons Why Season 2In this episode, Roy addresses the second season of the controversial Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why. Roy begins by detailing the plot of the first and second seasons and then explores the positive and negative elements of the series. Roy offers strategies and talking points for adults who wish to discuss the show's themes with teens. Today's Teenager on season one of 13 Reasons Why: Part 1. Part 2. Roy encourages adults working with young people to take advantage of the resources offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or AFSP. The AFSP's website can be found here and...
2018-06-0249 minToday's Teenager079: Dealing With Teenage Apathy It's easy to see how one could assume that today's youth doesn't care as much as teens once did. Over the years, Roy has discovered several, at times overlapping, reasons teens become apathetic. Many parents and other adults will comment or complain that teens don't care about school, church, or their future as much as they believe they should. In this episode, Roy explains that the truth is that today's teens are disenchanted with the world today. At the root of much of this apathy is disappointment and disenchantment with people, institutions, God, and even themselves...
2018-04-2324 minToday's Teenager078: Helping Teens Regulate EmotionsAs Roy explains in this episode, more and more teens are having difficulty regulating their emotions. Being "emotional" and having a roller coaster of feelings is a normal part of being a teenager. Yet many teens experience this intensity at unhealthy levels and for extended lengths of time. Roy explores how teen's inability to "cap", regulate or de-escalate their feelings puts them at risk for more serious emotional problems such as anxiety and depression. Roy offers strategies aimed at helping teens to better manage their emotional lives, including talking with teens when they are calm instead of...
2018-03-3027 minToday's Teenager077: Helping Teens Define SuccessIn this episode, Roy addresses one of the greatest sources of anxiety for teens today: the pursuit of an unhealthy and often unconscious definition of success. Roy uses the example of teens who suffer panic attacks after failing tests to address what grades and performance really mean to some teens. For teens consciously or unconsciouly struggling to live up to a harsh definition of success, a failing grade really represents their belief that they are unable to succeed in school and in the life that follows. These teens have developed a fear of failing to achieve perfect grades, get...
2018-03-0922 minToday's Teenager076: Existential Depression In TeensIn this episode, Roy explores a form of depression that many adults are unaware young people are experiencing: existential depression. This type of depression is often a of psychological and spiritual experiences in which matters of life and death, freedom, intimacy, and ultimate meaning weigh heavily on a teen. As Roy explains, existential depression was believed to only be experienced by 'gifted' teens who are creatively or artistically talented. Roy shares his belief that the label 'gifted and talented' is a misnomer as all teens possess gifts and talents, some of which are not as easily recognized...
2018-02-2628 minToday's Teenager075: Helping Perfectionist TeensIn this episode, Roy explores the surprising way that anxiety manifests among many teens today: perfectionism. The teen who has to do most things absolutely perfectly, like homework with little point value or getting upset when not making a perfect score on a test are teens struggling with anxiety-driven perfectionism. Roy explains that while these many not seem to be related to anxiety, they very much are and result from increasing demands on teens from almost countless social and personal pressures, many of which are tied to our Western society's concept of perfection. Roy suggests th...
2018-02-0627 minToday's Teenager074: Teens And The Holiday BluesFor many, the holidays are "the most wonderful time of the years," but for others it can feel like the worst. Adults are often unaware that teens also feel "the holiday blues." In this episode, Roy explores the warnings signs that indicate the young person or people in your life are experiencing those blues. Roy then offers simple and effective strategies that will aid you in shepherding teens through their holiday sadness and also determine if a teen may need more intensive help from a mental health professional. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization de...
2017-12-2613 minToday's Teenager073: Responding Instead Of Reacting To TeensIn this episode, Roy discusses the struggle many adults have when working with teens: reacting instead of responding to their behavior. Roy builds on Dr. Steven Covey's observation that humans have a gap between a stimulus and response and that this gap can be widened through forethought and awareness of behavioral triggers. Roy suggests techniques that can aid in responding instead of reacting, including prayer and processing triggers and difficulties with a trusted person. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for t...
2017-12-1509 minToday's Teenager072: Why Are Some Teens Delaying Getting Their Driver's License?In this episode, Roy addresses the surprising phenomenon of teens putting off getting their driver's licenses. Roy shares from his own experience working with teens as a counselor and from his interaction with teens and adult through speaking. The prevailing trend is that more and more teens avoiding the acquisition of their driver's license, for reasons varying from anxiety over taking the driving test to feeling that having a driver's license is not necessary. Roy breaks down the findings of research into this trend over the last few decades, illustrating that there are both valid and invalid r...
2017-11-2816 minToday's Teenager071: Helping Teens With AnxietyIn this episode, Roy further addresses how anxiety affects young people, especially their spiritual life. Roy offers tips for helping teens who struggle with anxiety, including less technology, more social interaction with friends and family, and avoiding transferring anxiety to teens. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information. Dr. Dore and her staff embrace their orthodontic patients like family. In addition t...
2017-11-1409 minToday's Teenager070: Social Media And Teen Mental HealthIn this micro episode, Roy addresses how social media impacts the mental health of today's teenagers. Roy focuses on how social media apps like Snapchat and Instagram affect dopamine production and dependence in the brain. Roy also discusses how social media curbs proficiency in recognizing verbal and non - verbal social cues and how some teens are robbing themselves of a rich social life by spending time on social media instead. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families t...
2017-11-0710 minToday's Teenager069: Teens And Unhealthy RelationshipsIn this episode, Roy explores traits of unhealthy relationships that today's teens find themselves in. These may include overprotective and obsessive behavior like one partner requiring the other to disclose social media passwords or more seriously, sexual and other types of abuse. Roy also offers tips for assisting teens in avoiding unhealthy relationships or to recognize and then leave unhealthy relationships. Roy strongly encourages parents to discuss relationship issues with teens, even those issues that adults may find most uncomfortable. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of th...
2017-11-0319 minToday's Teenager068: Teens And Sexting, Part 2In this second episode on teens and sexting, Roy offers practical strategies for helping young people who are texting and attempt to dissuade those who are not from the behavior. Roy's strategies include acknowledging the reality of sexting and setting consequences for teens who have use multiple social media accounts in addition to those parents already know about. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot c...
2017-10-2318 minToday's Teenager067: Teens And Sexting Part 1In this first of a two - part episode, Roy addresses an alarming epidemic among today's teens: sexting. Roy defines sexting as the electronic transmission of sexually suggestive or explicit text or images, including nude photos of the self or others. Roy then discusses the texting statistics and why the trend is increasing in recent years. Roy also explains the dangers of texting and what motivates teens to participate in this behavior. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for te...
2017-10-1718 minToday's Teenager066: Tips For Disciplining TeensIn this first of a series of micro episodes designed to offer quickly - digestible insight on a range of topics, Roy offers tips for effectively and compassionately disciplining teens. Roy's strategies include asking teens what they feel are appropriate disciplinary actions and making sure that correctional techniques correspond to the offense committed. Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information. Dr. D...
2017-09-2908 minToday's Teenager065: Helping Teens Help Their FriendsWhen struggling adolescents seek support, they go first to their friends. Many of these struggling teens are dealing with mental health and other serious issues. This places a great deal of pressure on those teens in helping roles who want to help their friends without compromising the trust of those friends. In this episode, Roy addresses this growing issue by offering tips for adults who work with young people struggling to help their struggling friends. These tips include asking teens if they are in this position with one or more friends, validating the role of helper they're i...
2017-09-2626 minToday's Teenager064: Bullying, Part 2In this second episode on bullying, Roy offers insight into the signs that a young person is bullying or that a young person is being bullied. Roy offers strategies for engaging teens in both circumstances as well as tips for recognizing and addressing bullying behavior among adults. Finally, Roy provides resources for adults and organizations involved with young people that can be used to foster a safe environment for teens and adults. Resources: CDC Tip Sheet Books on bullying: Dr. Rosalind Wiseman's Queen Bees and Wannabes and Masterminds and Wingmen. Tod...
2017-09-1925 minToday's Teenager063: Bullying - Part 1In this first of a two - part series on bullying, Roy explains what bullying is and what is isn't and the prevalence of bullying among school - age children and adults. Roy also explores the various types of bullying and the warning signs indicating that a young person is either being bullied or is bullying others themselves. Today's Teenager podcast is produced for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to nor should it be used as a replacement for professional counseling Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit or...
2017-09-1226 minToday's Teenager062: To The Bone - The Good, The Bad, & The UglyIn this episode of Today's Teenager, Roy addresses the Netflix movie To The Bone, which has gained both popularity and notoriety for its treatment of eating disorders. Roy first offers a synopsis of To The Bone before addressing what he see as its positive qualities, like accurately portraying that eating disorders are not about food, the role family plays in the life of someone with an eating disorder, and the lethal nature of untreated eating disorders. Next, Roy addresses his concerns regarding To The Bone, especially its potential to be highly triggering for someone struggling with an e...
2017-08-2331 minToday's Teenager061: Youth On The MarginsIn this episode, Roy addresses the problem of youth who, for various reasons, continue to struggle with mental health issues without receiving acknowledgement or adequate care. Roy shares the alarming statistic that the second leading cause of death among adolescents today is suicide, a result of an epidemic of depression and anxiety. Roy believes that much of this anxiety results from the experience of being disconnected amidst unprecedented access to technology that promises to keep us more connected. Roy believes that religious institutions have a unique opportunity to reach youth who will not access or...
2017-06-3018 minToday's Teenager060: Helping Depressed TeensIn this episode of Today's Teenager, Roy offers four tips that adults can employ in helping depressed teens. The first tip that Roy suggests is understanding that teenage depression is real and to validate that for teens. The second tip Roy recommends is that adults be patient with the seemingly contradictory emotions of teens, which can sometimes cause an adult to believe a young person is not really depressed. Roy believes that perhaps the most important tip to helping depressed teens is to offer non - reactive and non - judgmental listening. Roy stresses that this kind of...
2017-06-2018 minToday's Teenager059: Helping Teens Integrate Their Compartmentalized Selves More and more parents today are saying their kid is one way at school but act a totally different way at home. Parents hear rave reviews from teachers about how kind, respectful and conscientious their teen is at school or in public, but parents are confused because their teen seems to only behave this way at school. In this week's episode, Roy addresses this phenomenon which he says is not at all new. Roy has experienced teens displaying different selves and personas in different aspects or roles of their lives, what Roy calls a "compartmentalization of selves.
2017-06-0921 minToday's Teenager058: Summer Is An Opportunity To Connect With TeensSummer marks the end of what is, for most parents and teens, a grueling academic year filled with a multitude of stressors like studying, school and athletic-related activities, not to mention the busy nature of work and family life. As Roy points out in this week's episode, the temptation to simply leave a teen alone at the end of the school year is very real, offering a seeming break for both teens and parents. While a brief respite is understandable, Roy encourages parents to use the summer break to create opportunities for meaningful connection with teens. Roy s...
2017-06-0612 minToday's Teenager057: 13 Reasons Why: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, Part 2 In this second of a two-part series on the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, Roy examines the concerns he and other mental health professionals have about how suicide and related mental health disorders are portrayed in the series. Roy also discusses the negative depiction of mental health professionals and adults in the series. Finally, Roy offers strategies adults working with teens can use to turn 13 Reasons Why into an opportunity for dialogue not only on the topic of suicide, but also, other sensitive topics like sexual assault and bullying, which are both prominently featured in the series. Today's Te...
2017-05-0522 minToday's Teenager056: 13 Reasons Why: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly, Part 1 In this first of a two-part series, Roy examines the controversial Netflix program, 13 Reasons Why, offering a synopsis of the series and exploring its positive and negative aspects. Part 2 will be released on Friday, May 4th. Today's Teenager podcast is produced for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to nor should it be used as a replacement for professional counseling Roy has established Today's Teenager as a non-profit organization dedicated to covering the expenses of therapy sessions and other mental health services for teens and families that would otherwise be unable to af...
2017-05-0324 minToday's Teenager055: Engaging In Hard Conversations With TeensIn this first episode in a series on having hard conversations with teens, Roy discusses the "anatomy" of a difficult conversation with a young person on a topic that is sensitive, timely, and/or emotionally charged. Various factors can discussing such topics even more difficult, like a history of combative past conversations, unclear religious teaching on the issue, as well as poor timing or an inappropriate setting. Roy offers suggestions for making these difficult exchanges with adolescents easier, including acknowledging the awkwardness of the topic at hand, asking a young person for permission to discuss the issue...
2017-04-0521 minToday's Teenager054: Communicating Vs. Connecting With Teens In this episode of Today's Teenager, Roy explains the differences between communicating and connecting with teens. Roy suggests that when adults who work with teens or parents of teens say they want to learn to better communicate with teens, they're really seeking deeper connection. Roy offers three strategies for connecting with young people, which is the fruit of good communication. Roy illustrates how these strategies can be effective and that the attitude adults must adopt for successful connection is a willingness to leave their own comfort zones to engage teens in their own experiences. Today's Teenager podcast i...
2017-03-2120 minToday's Teenager053: Learning The Dynamics Of Blended Families With Melissa Lowery In this episode, Roy explores the dynamics of blended families with Mrs. Melissa Lowery, a colleague of Roy's at Pax Renewal Center in Lafayette, LA. Roy and Melissa delve into the struggles and joys unique to blended families. Melissa offers insight and advice to those who are in the midst of navigating the process of creating new families in light of divorce, separation, or the loss of a spouse. Melissa encourages adults in blended families to recognize they don't have all the answers and to admit this vulnerability to their children. She also encourages adults who m...
2017-03-1023 minToday's Teenager052: Religion As A Coping Resource For Teens In this week's episode, Roy explores how the practice of religion, including elements like ritual and community, can enable teenagers to find comfort and encouragement in the ever-changing world in which they are growing up. Roy explains how the predictability and sameness of ritual can provide a sense of stability for young people, despite their attraction to novelty. Religious practice also offers hope for a better future, a sense of relief in the humble realization that there are things we cannot and do not have to change, and the encouragement that comes from belonging to a community o...
2017-02-1722 minToday's Teenager051: Teens And Social MediaIn this episode of Today's Teenager, Roy addresses a topic often brought up in his conversations with parents: "how do we handle our teens and social media?" Roy offers practical tips to parents seeking to regulate the use of social media and electronics by their teens. Roy encourages parents to determine and then communicate their values regarding social media use to teens and then use those values as the basis for setting healthy boundaries. These boundaries include issues like time spent on devices, frequency of use, and what parents feel is appropriate for teens to communicate via social media...
2017-02-0218 minToday's Teenager050: Teens And Psychotropic Medications With Dr. Amy Cavanaugh In this episode, Roy welcomes Dr. Amy Cavanaugh, a licensed clinical and medical psychologist in the Acadiana area. Roy and Dr. Cavanaugh discuss the topic of psychotropic medications and their role in treating teenage mental health issues. Roy and Dr. Cavanaugh address the stigma these medications have in today's culture, the hesitance many parents encounter when this form of treatment is suggested, and that psychotropic medication is most effective when coupled with therapy and other mental health care. Dr. Cavanaugh and Roy also discuss how parents and adults can enable teens and other young people to develop coping and so...
2017-01-2316 minToday's Teenager049: Teen Suicide: What Adults Can Do In this episode, Roy continues discussing the epidemic of teenage suicide by focusing on what adults can do when they recognize the signs that indicate a young person is contemplating suicide. Roy encourages adults to broach the subject with teens by first asking permission to discuss the issue, which allows teens to feel a measure of trust and security with the adult. Even resistant teens will be inclined to at least listen to what an adult has to say about suicide using this method. Roy stresses that adults working with or parenting teens must understand that broaching t...
2017-01-1720 minToday's Teenager048: Teen Suicide: Seeing The Signs To Prevent The SorrowIn the first in a two-part series on teen suicide, Roy confronts the epidemic of teenage suicide in the United States, beginning with a detailed examination of those mental health disorders that are most associated with suicidal tendencies. Roy also addresses the active and passive types of suicidal tendencies and explains the importance of viewing suicide from a mental health perspective instead of a moral one. Finally, Roy shares the warning signs that signal a teen or other young person may be suffering from those mental health disorders that may lead to suicide. Roy also offers practical...
2017-01-1222 minToday's Teenager047: How to Accompany LGBTQ Teens, Part 2 In part two of a 2-part series on understanding teens who identify as being on the LGBTQ spectrum, Roy offers practical strategies for helping these teens on their journey of self-discovery. Roy suggests that adults working with teens who self-identify as LGBTQ serve those teens best when they provide a safe place for teens to discuss their experiences, but also, by admitting their own ignorance and fear of the issue. Roy encourages those who works these teens and especially, those who parent them, to reject condescension and judgment and instead see their role as someone accompanying these young people...
2017-01-0422 minToday's Teenager046: How to Accompany LGBTQ Teens, Part 1 In this first part of a 2-part series, Roy begins an exploration of the sensitive and critical issue of the LGBTQ spectrum. Roy begins the series by detailing what each of the terms in the spectrum (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) means and how these terms relate to the experiences of teens who use them to identify themselves. Drawing from his extensive experience with teens, Roy provides valuable insight into the importance of this issue and always remaining mindful that people are at its center, not labels. Today's Teenager podcast is produced for educational and entertainment p...
2016-12-3018 minToday's Teenager045: Teens and Food: Interview With Yvette Quantz, RDN Roy sits down with Yvette Quantz, a registered dietitian, speaker, and entrepreneur who helps people of all ages to develop a healthy relationship with food through nutrition counseling and other services. Roy and Yvette discuss a variety of topics, including the importance of helping young people build a healthy relationship with food and activity, recognizing the signs of eating disorders, and much more. Click here to learn more about Yvette and the numerous services she provides. Today's Teenager podcast is produced for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to nor should it be used a...
2016-12-2723 minToday's Teenager044: When Teens Ask "Why Does God Allow Bad Things To Happen?"A question all people who work with or know young people will eventually hear is "why does God allow bad things to happen?" As Roy explains in this episode, this question is not an intellectual or theological one, but rather, an overture for a relationship with the person being asked. Roy explains that teens already know adults don't have the answer to this question, but are asking it to know that they are being heard and understood. Roy offers practical tips for addressing this question with teens and expanding upon the question to build a meaningful relationship with those...
2016-12-2016 minToday's Teenager043: Helping Teens Beat The Holiday BluesRoy addresses the unfortunate but common reality that for many people, including teens, the holiday season is not 'the most wonderful time of year.' As Roy illustrates, some teens experience grief, loneliness, frustration, fatigue, and deep sadness. Divorce, family strife, loss of of a loved one, and other factors can keep young people from experiencing the rest, peace, and joy that the holiday season can offer. Roy offers practical strategies and insights into helping adults recognize the signs of a young person's sadness or malaise and how to help them combat those feelings. Today's Teenager podcast i...
2016-12-1616 minToday's Teenager042: The Art Of Listening To Teens In this episode, Roy offers invaluable insight into the art of listening to teens and other young people. As Roy explains, people do not truly become vulnerable unless they feel they are being truly heard. This is especially true of teenagers, who spend most of their time being required to listen to other people during school or other activities. Roy offers practical listening strategies that enable adults to become truly receptive during verbal and non - verbal communication with teens. To get Roy's newest ebook "Little Book of Questions that Really Get Teens Talking" go to todaysteenager.co...
2016-12-1421 minToday's Teenager041: The Anxiety Epidemic, Part 2 In this episode, Roy continues to discuss the epidemic of anxiety among young people and teens today. As Roy stresses again in this episode, 1 in 5 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have a diagnosable anxiety disorder. To help adults help the young people in their lives face and work through anxiety, Roy offers seven strategies that enable young people to cope with and ultimately overcome anxiety. These strategies range from prioritizing and list-making to simple breathing techniques and medication and psychotherapy. Roy encourages adults to take anxiety and its effects seriously and to be open to...
2016-12-0621 minToday's Teenager040: The Anxiety Epidemic, Part 1 In this first of a two-part series, Roy explores the alarming degree of anxiety found in young people and teens today. In addition to defining the kinds of anxiety most prevalent among young people today and their causes, Roy offers insight into how societal expectations and goals affect young people, as well as the role adults can play in teaching young people to cope with anxiety. Today's Teenager podcast is produced for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to nor should it be used as a replacement for professional counseling Roy has es...
2016-12-0223 minToday's Teenager039: Interview With Michelle Hernandez In this week's episode of Today's Teenager, Roy sits down with Michelle Hernandez of Hernandez Group in Lafayette, Louisiana. Michelle is a licensed professional counselor who works with individuals and families struggling with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, anger management, and working with children who are in the spectrum of Aspergers and autism. Roy and Michelle discuss why it's critical for parents and other adults to provide a healthy context for young people to understand, accept, and move beyond failures and personal struggles. Roy and Michelle agree that adults do a disservice to teens when th...
2016-11-1823 minToday's Teenager038: Talking With Teens About Their FuturesIn this episode, Roy shares insight into how parents can effectively broach the subjects of career and future with teens. Roy explains that teens are truly concerned about these issues, despite appearing to parents and other adults as noncommittal or apathetic. Roy explains that today's teens have a vast number of career options to choose from due to social media and other technologies, and that so many options can be overwhelming. Roy encourages parents and adults to use compassion and patience when discussing these issues. To get Roy's newest ebook "Little Book of Questions that Really Get T...
2016-11-0123 minToday's Teenager037: Roy Shares His TEDx JourneyIn this special episode of Today's Teenager, Roy shares his journey towards giving a TEDx presentation last month in Lafayette, Louisiana. Roy offers insight into his own creative processes and how they were challenged and refined by the strictures of a TEDx presentation. Click here to watch Roy's full TEDx presentation. To get Roy's newest ebook "Little Book of Questions that Really Get Teens Talking" go to todaysteenager.com and sign up or email Roy at roy@todaysteenager.com. Today's Teenager podcast is produced for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not inten...
2016-10-2119 minToday's Teenager036: Roy Talks With Catholic Educator And Author, Jared DeesRoy welcomes Catholic educator and author Jared Dees to Today's Teenager to discuss a variety of topics, including Jared's thoughts on how to effectively reach teens as a Catholic educator, the adults who influenced his own development, and what resources he recommends for Catholic educators. Jared is digital publishing specialist at Ave Maria Press and creator of the popular website, The Religion Teacher. The Religion Teacher provides practical resources and effective teaching strategies to religious educators. Jared holds master's degrees in education and theology from Notre Dame and has taught in Catholic schools and parish religious education prog...
2016-10-1023 minToday's Teenager035: Understanding Teen Self-Injurious Behavior, Part 2In this second episode on teen self-injurious behavior, Roy explains the severity of such behavior and why parents and others who work with teens should not ignore it. Roy offers anecdotes from his work with teens that illustrates how important it is to seek professional help for teens who are hurting themselves and strategies that parents and adults can use to broach the subject with teens. To get Roy's newest ebook "Little Book of Questions that Really Get Teens Talking" go to todaysteenager.com and sign up or email Roy at roy@todaysteenager.com.
2016-10-0420 minToday's Teenager034: Understanding Teen Self-Injurious Behavior, Part 1Roy addresses a serious affliction facing many teens today: self-injurious behavior. In this first of a two-part discussion of what is often known as "cutting," Roy explains the root causes of self-injurious behavior and why these actions are taken by young people. Roy discusses the various names and methods teens use to injure themselves, the affect these actions have on the brain, what teens are getting from self-injurious behavior, and finally, how parents and other adults can address this issue with the young people in their lives. To get Roy's newest ebook "Little Book of Q...
2016-09-3018 minToday's Teenager033: Is My Teen Missing Out?In this episode, Roy discusses the fear that parents have about their teens missing out on experiences or opportunities that other teens may have. Roy explains that the number one mental health concern for teens today is anxiety, caused by the stress of being too busy. More importantly, young people are moving from experience to experience without learning how to pause and reflect upon the significance of those experiences and how they relate to their own personal development. Roy suggests that adults can help teens to reflect by providing opportunities for relational connection and intimacy that avoids...
2016-09-2818 minToday's Teenager032: Parenting Through FearThis week, Roy breaks down three of the biggest parenting fears he hears about from other parents and experiences in his own parenting. These fears, Roy says, are those that are not frequently discussed directly among other adults. Fears of our children missing out, rejection by other parents, and judgment from other parents often lead some parents to isolate themselves and burden themselves with heavy and unhealthy shame. Roy stresses the importance of moving past through denial by naming and addressing the fears that a parent faces as they navigate the treacherous waters of their children's teenage...
2016-09-2323 minToday's Teenager031: The Gift Of Your TimeIn this episode, Roy addresses the need that teens have for attention from and the mindful presence of the adults in their lives. Roy shares his own experiences of feeling invisible and unnoticed as a teen and how that has informed his awareness of the dynamics of positive and negative attention in a teen's relationship with the adults in their lives. Roy offers three methods that can help adults be more aware, attentive, and present to the teens in their lives, with a focus on the importance of careful listening to ministering to and loving young people.
2016-09-1620 minToday's Teenager030: Parenting From The Inside Out Part 2In this episode, Roy continues to explore the concept of "parenting from the inside out," which means parenting from a less utilitarian and more introspective place. Roy expands on this idea by illustrating how adults can begin to see not only what they can do for their children but what the gift and journey of parenting can do for their own personal development and relationship with God. Roy explains that this perspective can enlighten those tough times in parenting, especially those involving difficult issues like gender identity and sexuality. To get Roy's newest ebook "Little Book of Q...
2016-09-0917 minToday's Teenager029: Parenting From The Inside OutIn this episode, Roy explores what he calls "parenting from the inside out," a philosophy which means approaching parenting with mindfulness and intent, reflecting on what motivates our actions, reactions, behaviors, and values as parents. Roy says parents can come to learn how God is working on them as adults through their own experience of parenting, and that God may be using parenting as a way of healing and transforming the parent instead of the child. Roy also shares examples of this philosophy through examples from his parenthood and childhood. To get Roy's newest ebook "Litt...
2016-09-0616 minToday's Teenager028: Interview with Chris PadgettIn this episode, Roy talks with Catholic musician, speaker, and author Chris Padgett. Chris uses storytelling, comedy, and music to bring his unique take on the Gospel to an international audience. Chris has written six books on a variety of topics, including marriage, the Eucharist, and Marian spirituality. Chris is also an accomplished musician with a number of albums to his credit. Roy and Chris discuss a range of topics, including how Chris' experiences as a teen influence his ministry today, current trends among young people and in youth ministry, and Chris' message for adults wh...
2016-08-2929 minToday's Teenager027: What's Your Kid's "One Thing?"In this episode, Roy explores how the concept of "the one thing" can enhance working with teens and other young people. The notion of "the one thing" suggests that success can be found by applying greater focus and direction towards a singular goal or aspect of a person's life. This idea has circulated in the popular consciousness for some time, including books on business and success like Gary Keller's "The One Thing." Roy encourages adults who interact with teens to devote themselves to learning what a teen's greatest need or "one thing is" through mindfulness, attention, and...
2016-08-2318 minToday's Teenager026: Riding The Roller Coaster Of Teen Personality DevelopmentIn this episode, Roy explores the sometimes confusing nature of teen personality development. Roy explains that the formative nature of a teenager's personality leads to rapid changes, some of which will seem alarming to adults. At the heart of a teenager's personality is an adaptive quality that is based on various situations and interactions with other people, which Roy says is normal for every teenager and is even something found in adult behavior. Roy also addresses the hesitance and fear that some adults fear in acknowledging some changes in teens. Roy strongly encourages adults to avoid condescension an...
2016-08-1921 minToday's TeenagerEpisode 025: Logical Vs. Relational ConsequencesIn this week's episode, Roy explores the differences between logical and relational consequences in disciplining teenagers. While both types of consequences modify behavior, one is ultimately destructive and leads to shame. This shame and its effects are deep and lasting and can result in emotionally and psychologically damaged teens. Roy explains the differences between healthy guilt and shame, which can deeply affect a young person's sense of value and worth. Roy then offers five tips for administering logical consequences and avoiding emotional and relational consequences. Roy's tips help parents and other adults working with young people to b...
2016-08-1619 minToday's Teenager024: Interivew with Doug TookeIn this episode, Roy welcomes Doug Tooke. Doug is a former youth minister and current international speaker and Executive Director of Reach Youth Ministry. Doug is also the founder of Monarch Ministries, which offers an assortment of areas of youth ministry, family dynamics, and leadership development. Roy and Doug discuss a variety of topics, including the importance of encouraging authentic and healthy communication among teens and young adults, the importance of teaching young people how to pray, and the resources Doug draws from in his ongoing ministry. Click here to learn more about Doug and Mona...
2016-08-1234 minToday's Teenager023: How Do I Find A Counselor For My Teen?In this episode, Roy offers insight into how parents can find a counselor for their teen. Roy first encourages parents to listen to episode 15 of Today's Teeanger or read this blog post, both of which address normal and abnormal teen behavior. These criteria can help assess whether or not a teen's behavior warrants the intervention of a counselor. As Roy explains, finances are an issue for most people looking for mental health care, so he recommends beginning with counselors on one's insurance plan and what mental health services are also covered. Roy then explains the difference psychologists, c...
2016-08-0923 minToday's Teenager022: Three Needs Of Every ParentIn this episode of Today's Teenager, Roy examines the three needs that every parent has when it comes to caring for their children. Roy explains that these needs don't necessarily apply to caring for other people's children as they do for caring for one's own. A parent's need to provide, protect, and please their children may seem obvious, but are complicated by the new and often unpredictable changes to daily life as a result of a rapidly-changing modern world. Roy encourages parents to concentrate on the ways they do provide and care for their children rather than fe...
2016-08-0521 minToday's Teenager021: The Five Hungers of Today's TeenagersIn this episode, Roy explores the five 'hungers' or needs of today's teenagers. These needs are universal to all people, but as Roy explains, they are especially critical for young people during the formative years of adolescent development. Roy further explains how teens will fulfill the void created by unmet needs with anything they can, including unhealthy attachments and abuse. Roy also offers practical strategies for recognizing these needs in young people and how to provide and assist them in fulfilling these needs. To get Roy's newest ebook "Little Book of Questions that Really Get Teens Talking" go to...
2016-08-0225 minToday's Teenager020: Conversational Tips For Teens In this episode of Today's Teenager, Roy offers suggestions for both adults and teens in developing healthy and successful conversational skills. In an episode designed to be listened to by teens in particular, Roy explores the social components of initiating, sustaining, and engaging in conversation with peers and adults. Roy discusses the fear of rejection and invisibility he sometimes felt as a teen himself, and how adults modeled and encouraged successful conversation. Roy delves into the elements critical to skillful communication, including awareness of other people, the art of attentive listening, and above all, the power of s...
2016-07-2919 minToday's Teenager019: Motivating Teen BoysIn this episode, Roy discusses the different ways adults can help motivate apathetic, disengaged and unmotivated teen boys. By helping provide sources of external he motivation, adults can help adolescents gradually develop the internal motivation needed to succeed in life. To get Roy's newest ebook "Little Book of Questions that Really Get Teens Talking" go to todaysteenager.com and sign up or email Roy at roy@todaysteenager.com. Today's Teenager podcast is produced for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to nor should it be used as a replacement for professional counseling.
2016-07-2625 minToday's Teenager018: Interview with Dan Jurek, LPC, LMFTIn this episode, Roy sits down with Dan Jurek, the founder and director of Pax Renewal Center for Individual, Couple and Family Therapy, to discuss what he's found to be effective in working with today's teens. From many years of experience working with teens as a teacher, minister, administrator, collegiate dean, spiritual director and counselor and his own experience overcoming challenges as a teen, Dan shares how we can most effectively reach teens. Roy and Dan discuss the anxiety and stress epidemic that affects many of today's teens and families and practical suggestions for educators, parents, clergy an...
2016-07-2223 minToday's Teenager017: Grieving Teens - What every adult should knowIn this week's episode, Roy offers insight into the unique way that teens grieve and how it is similar to but also different from how adults grieve. Roy encourages adults to recognize that most teens will experience a 9 -15 month period of denial before finally confronting and processing their own grief. Roy also illustrates how critical peer presence and support is for teens when dealing with loss. Finally, Roy suggests things that adults should and should not say to a teenager that's grieving. To get Roy's newest ebook "Little Book of Questions that Really Get Teens Ta...
2016-07-1928 min