Overview

"Divorce, while commonplace, is often challenging and transformative for all family members. Adolescence is a distinct and powerful life period that may be impacted in many ways by parental divorce and remarriage. While teenagers may be cognitively able to understand the changes in the family, they are not immune to the emotional repercussions and need support in adjusting. Adolescents and Parental Divorce provides a comprehensive, balanced look at parental and teen responses to the life changes that marital breakup creates. Parents who are cognizant of their own issues and responses can help their teens survive and even thrive during the challenges that divorce brings. Based on extensive research and years of experience, this work explores the issues that divorce creates including: adult reactions to divorce, custody arrangements, adolescents' emotions and reactions, and long-term impact. Special issues such as interparental conflict, parentification, and parental alienation are addressed. Stepfamily formation and challenges are also explored in depth. Suggestions for helping parents and teens cope include: Don't rage when the actual feeling is pain. Cry instead. Love your teenager more than you hate your ex-spouse. Hostile interactions can turn you into a person you don't like or respect. Manage your angry emotions. When your teen tells you they are fine, be assured they are not. Ask questions and listen. Becoming a ""step"" is easy, earning the role of parent takes time and patience. Make space for everyone, including a room, place at the table, and role in the family. For many families, divorce can be a viable option. Divorce adjustment depends upon the choices made as the process unfolds. Adult and teen short-term reactions are inevitable but most will adapt and even grow from healthy coping strategies. This book is here to help with information, support, and commonsense advice."

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9780578359175

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Joanne E. Carlson, MSW, is a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience working with adults and adolescents. She had a special interest in treating adolescents, working with them in a variety of professional settings since 1977. Joanne often worked closely with family law attorneys providing therapy (including court-ordered) for teenagers and families dealing with difficult divorces and stepfamily issues.Joanne graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Psychology in 1976 and received her MSW from the University of Houston in 1980. Prior to starting her private practice in 1986, Joanne was a program director at an inpatient adolescent psychiatric hospital from 1980 to 1986. She was on the board of directors of the Houston Advocates for Mental Health in Children (now Child Advocates) from 1995 to 2000 and served as a consultant for the special education department of the Fort Bend Independent School District from 1991 to 1993. She has been a member of the National Association of Social Workers, Fort Bend Psychological Association, and the Houston Group Psychotherapy Society. Joanne is the author of The Parent Effect: How Parenting Style Affects Adolescent Behavior and Personality Development (2011, NASW Press). She was the founder of the Southwest Adolescent Treatment Alliance and spearheaded the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Adolescent Treatment Conferences held in Houston, Texas. Joanne was active in providing community and professional workshops on a variety of topics throughout her career.Joanne is now retired and living in Bend, Oregon with her husband of almost 40 years (plus a sweet dog and snarky cat). The couple have two adult children, a son, married and living in Portland and a special needs daughter who lives in Bend. The Carlsons are avid travelers (when feasible with the current situation). She currently volunteers at Healing Reins, an equine therapy program. Additionally, Joanne is actively involved in facilitating support groups for retired women. During the last year, she fulfilled her dream of writing a second book that allowed her to share her knowledge about the struggle adolescents face during family divorce and in their adjustment to parental remarriage.

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