By Saleem Rana
Interview by Allen Cardoza
October 22, 2012
Brian Pace and Nathan Meng joined radio host Allen Cardoza from Answers for the Family on L.A. Talk Radio to discuss issues adolescents are experiencing while struggling to develop their own personal identities. Prior to interviewing his guests, Allen offered a helpful tip to parents of struggling teens who could not afford an alternative school or therapy for their child. He recommended that they consider a non-profit organization called Saving Teens that helps families in crisis with funding as well as the best therapeutic boarding school. He urged those that can help to go to the website and make a donation.
Brian Pace
Brian has led in the development of the Care Schools: Red Rock Canyon School, Mount Pleasant Academy, Falcon Ridge Ranch and Lava Heights Academy. He did his undergraduate work in psychology and coaching, then earned a masters degree in Educational Counseling and Mental Health Counseling.
Nathan Meng
Nathan has been the primary therapist for Care Schools for more than five years. He got his A.S. from Ricks College, his B.S. from Utah State University, his M.S. from Seattle Pacific University, and is currently enrolled in working on his Ph.D. at Brigham Young University. He has acquired expertise in Family Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Adolescent and Child Therapy, and Substance Addictions.
Adolescent Identity Crisis
Adolescents today are facing a crisis never known by previous generations. As they move from concrete reasoning to abstract reasoning, they find themselves buffeted by the pressure of more outside influences. This makes it increasingly challenging for them to figure out where they fit in.
Exacerbating this social crisis is the wide gulf between the virtual world and the real world, as well as the generational gap between a peer group of cyber friends and parents who are not technologically-sophisticated.
The guests suggested a new model of parenting. Instead of an open-door policy, which seldom worked because teenagers were reluctant to share their personal experiences, parents could build a relationship with their teens by checking in with them each day in an informal way and spending an appointed time with them each week.
The guests also provided answers to listeners emailing in with questions. One parent wanted to know how to deal with the sudden change in her 17-year-old son whose high grades had fallen and who was no longer interested in going to college, and a coach wanted to know how to address his team, who were more interested in using their cell phones in the locker room than in developing a cohesive team culture.
To hear the answers to these questions and more, go to:
http://answersforthefamily.com/who-i-am-i-teenage-identity-crisis-brian-pace-k-nathan-meng/
