During the teen years a young person changes physically, sexually, emotionally, intellectually, and socially. Often they are in an environment that pressures them to seek momentary pleasure and ignore the consequences.

Communication with parents is often absent and rebelliousness may become common. The teen begins to move away from dependence and the protective confines of the family and toward relative independence and social productivity.

This is an extremely stressful time for the teenage son or daughter and therefore, the parents as well. With all these changes it may be difficult for a young person to identify the problems causing their stress. They typically deal with their problems by holding them in (depression and occasional outbursts), acting them out (drug abuse, crime, etc.), running from them (running away from home, suicide, etc.), or facing them (talking with friends, counselor, etc).

The counseling and coaching of Applied Wisdom can be beneficial during this time by not only helping the young person to identify and resolve problems, but to motivate them to move forward by identifying their strengths and desires, and setting goals.