Today's Teenager

In 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 that adults cannot help these teens without first reflecting on their own definition of success. Knowing this definition will enable adults to ask teens about their own ideas of success and then begin to address those definitions and their implications. Roy offers a list of questions adults can use in these conversations as well as other useful suggestions for initiating a conversation on the topic of perfectionism.  Roy sugge

For 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 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 an Invisalign “Preferred Provider." Call h

In 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 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 an Invisalign “Preferred Provider." Call her today for a free exam and Live Life Sm

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 reasons some teens have for not pursuing a license. Roy offers insight into these findings and offers suggestions parents and other adults can use to engage teens who may be hesitant to avoid obtaining a driver's license.  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 otherwis

In 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 to traditional metal and ceramic braces Dr. Dore enjoys using Invisalign clear aligners, and she is an Invisalign “Preferred Provider." Call her today for a free exam and Live Life Smiling at (337) 267-SMILE, or click here to learn more about Dr. Dore and her practice. 

In 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 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 an Invisalign “Preferred Provider." Call her today for a free exam and Live Life Smiling at (337) 267-SMILE, or click here to lea

In 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 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 an Invisali

In 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 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 an Invisalign “Preferred Provider." Call her today for a free exam and Live Life Smiling at (337) 267-SMILE, or click here to learn more about Dr. Dore and her practice. 

In 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 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 an Invisalign “Preferred Provider." Call her today for a free exam and Live Life Smiling at (337) 267-SMILE, or click he

In 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. 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 an Invisalign “Preferred Provider." Call her today for a free exam and Live Life Smiling at (337) 267-SMILE, or click here to learn more about Dr. Dore and her practice. 

When 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 in, and assuring teens that no one is totally responsible for the life of another.  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 a

In 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.  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 afford them. Visit todaysteenager dot com for more information. Dr

In 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 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 an Invisalign “Preferred Provider." Call her today for a

In 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 eating disorder. Roy also feels that To The Bone reinforces the stereotype that only girls or women suffer from eating disorders and that anorexia is now the "face" of eating disorders in the media despite not being fully understood and at the expense of realizing the full spectrum of eating disorders.  Roy recommends The Butterfly Foundation, which offers specialized and confidential for individuals and families affecte

In 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 don’t have access to mental health services by advancing the training of both clerical and lay staff in the skills of pastoral care with specific awareness of at - risk youth.  Roy feels that providing the same level of training in pastoral care that exists in matters of finance, theology, and catechesis will allow religious institutions to meet the changing needs of the people in their care, especially

In 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 attentive, empathetic listening is crucial to helping a teen to feel that they aren't suffering alone and that their experiences are not at all unusual or abnormal. Finally, Roy recommends that adults get a depressed teen counseling from a reliable and professional source like private counselors, school counselors, pastoral counselors or ministers, social workers, psychologists, or pediatricians.  Click here to listen to previous episo

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. Roy explains that social media has only exacerbated this behavior, which is not necessarily a problem as all people have multiple selves. Roy suggests that parents and other adults admit this truth to teens in an appropriate way so that teens understand that adults can relate. While changing selves is normal, a lack of consistency between different selves may hold consequences a young person has not considered. Roy encourages parents to those livin

Summer 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 suggests that parents simply begin with being intentional about deeper and more meaningful connection with their teens. This includes being truly present and attentive to teenagers and both what they say and don't say. Roy also encourages parents to listen to teens not only when asking them questions, but when they approach parents on their own. Other strategies include vulnerability and specific, meaningful affirmation regarding work ethic and in

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 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 afford them. Visit todaysteenager

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 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 an Invisalign “Preferred Provider." Call her today for a free exam and Live Life Smiling at (337) 267-SMILE, or click here to learn more about Dr. Dore and her