Conference on adolescent mental health & addiction – Menlo Park, 2/28, 9am-3:30pm

Adolescent Counseling Services‘ Executive Director, Philippe Rey, Psy.D., will be a keynote speaker at Parenting Teens Through the Challenges of Life: A conference on adolescent health and addiction. This conference will help you understand what adolescents deal with and provide information on helpful resources. The keynotes and afternoon workshops, led by experts in their fields, will discuss […]

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The Poison of Perfectionism

Image:CollegeDegree360 by Merrett Sheridan, LMFT, Site Director at Palo Alto High School “I’ve failed over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed” – Michael Jordan “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly” – Robert F. Kennedy At Adolescent Counseling Services at PALY, the most common issue […]

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Do Not Expect a Stress Free Holiday Season

image: Adam Lederer  By: Ana Jimenez Adolescent Counseling Services’ Intern The holidays are here! The holidays are here! Lights everywhere, food and family!  For the young, the best part is school is out! Others are off work. It is December, the time when families celebrate holidays like Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwannza. When we think about the holidays, […]

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A Surprise Day Treat for Your Teens

Images: J.K. Califf by Rom Brafman PhD. Site Director at La Entrada Middle School If you’re the romantic type you’ve probably planned a surprise date night or day-long event for your loved one.  Maybe you took them to a concert or even whisked them on a romantic getaway.  We take pride in putting thought into planning […]

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Adolescents in Middle School: Part 5

Image: Herald Post “Heidelberg Middle School Kids’ Bootcamp” Originally Published April 2010 Commentary by ACS Executive Director, Dr. Philippe Rey Build self-esteem in your children… •Kids who feel good about themselves are much less likely than other kids to turn to illegal substances to get high and/or to engage in risky behaviors. •As parents, we […]

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Allowing the Family to Grow and Adapt as the Needs and Abilities of the Family Evolve

Image: CC0 Public Domain by Jerod Gilbert, LMFT, Site Director at Jordan Middle School When we were expecting our first child, a graduate school friend of mine said, “It’s not just the birth of a child, it’s the birth of a parent.” I laughed and thought this was a bit corny. The cliché has stuck with […]

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10 Tips to Help Your Teen Succeed this School Year

Image: Ludwig By: Monica Ippolito ACS After-School Counseling Program Intern Now that the fun of returning to school is starting to wear off here are some ways that you can help your teen be there best this year: 1. Attend School Daily: Reserve sick days for those in which your teen has a fever, nauseated, […]

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Adolescents in Middle School: Part 4

Image: Cavale Doom Originally Published March 2010 Commentary by ACS Executive Director, Dr. Philippe Rey Discuss definitions of sexual behaviors, puberty, physical changes,  oral sex. •Help your child to be responsible so they can make a decision. •Help them understand what their feelings about sex are. •Are they ready for sex and how do they […]

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