The Parent-Teen Connection - by Susan Caso (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"This is a handbook to help us all address the mental health epidemic that is affecting our young people...of all ages."--Shairi Turner, MD, MPH, CHO, Crisis Text LineTeens need their parents now more than ever. Parents are the central influence in their teens' life and have an incredible ability to reassure and comfort them in times of distress. Right now a teen's world is filled with social media noise and achievement pressures, resulting in high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. But hope exists. A parent's ability to support their teen during the current milieu can be shaped by the emotional bond in their relationship. Licensed therapist Susan Caso provides valuable insights and proven strategies to cultivate a "felt connectedness" in the family. As a clinician and a mom of three amazing kids, Susan knows raising teens can be met with growing pains, strife, and disconnection. The path to engagement and harmony at home can be baffling, but with new communication tools, Susan guides parents to build trust with their teens to overcome any obstacle. To strengthen the parent-teen relationship and safeguard your kids in today's world, your first resource is The Parent-Teen Connection.

Review Quotes

"...the guide provides readers with concrete steps to take, backed by solid, cited research, and it does so in a conversational manner that s consistently positive and uplifting. Readers will be encouraged by the insightful questions that close each chapter, which are designed to help readers implement the lessons." Kirkus Reviews "Therapist Caso debuts with this refreshing guide on helping parents build healthy connections with their teenage children, drawn from her experiences with former clients alongside proven research.From identifying anger and what lies beneath it to creating family traditions that build trust, Caso outlines actionable steps parents, and their teens, will welcome such as giving each other the benefit of the doubt, paying attention to bodily sensations that accompany emotions, and interrupting negative thought patterns.She closes with a nod to self-care, reminding parents that striking a balance between solitude and connection is key. Booklife "As a parent, pediatrician, public health practitioner, and mental health advocate, I cannot stress how important this body of work is to help parents understand the key tenets of creating a lasting relationship with their children (of all ages). Through clear examples and concepts, Susan Caso addresses the complexities of the parent-child relationship spanning from infant bonding to homework stress to suicidal ideations. This is a handbook to help us all address the mental health epidemic that is affecting our young people. One child at a time." Shairi Turner, MD, MPH, Chief Health Officer, Crisis Text Line- mother of two "The Parent-Child Connection is an invaluable resource for any parent who is searching for ways to strengthen their relationship with their teen. Susan Caso, MA, LPC takes readers on an immersive journey that allows you to develop insights into the cycle of interactions you have with your teen and how to purposefully shift your response to foster improved connectedness. This book seamlessly integrates empirical literature, clinical expertise, and practical tools that focus on coaching parents in what to do versus what not to do to facilitate a lifelong parent-child bond." Jessica Hawks, PhD, Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Clinical Director, Pediatric Mental Health Institute Children's Hospital Colorado, mother of two "The Parent-Teen Connection is a highly readable and relatable guide for parents. It is driven by the latest science of adolescence brain development and the role of parental connection as the main protective and empowering factor in the life of any teenager. It demystifies much of the complexity around everyday experiences of parenting a teen and dismantles the unintentional barriers that prevent connectedness. Highly recommended!" Benjamin Perks, Head of Advocacy Child Development & Protection UNICEF New York. Susan Caso's book on cultivating family relationships is the manual all parents of teens need. Megan Freeman, PhD, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada "Finally, a therapist who understands that if they are creating a strong alliance with teens but leaving parents on the sidelines, they have only done half the job! In her wonderful new book, Susan Caso has given families a precious gift: a roadmap for parents to understand and connect with their teens. In her supportive and non judgmental manner, Susan gently creates awareness and healing around parents childhood injuries that may be imposing barriers between themselves and their teens. Using stories, practical tips and even sample dialogue, she gives parents much needed tools to take down those barriers and build new bridges with empathy and compassion. This book is a must read for any parent who wants to build an enduring, loving and lasting relationship with their teenager." Tzivy Reiter, LCSW, Director of Children s and National Trauma Services, Ohel, New York "As a clinical psychologist, suicide loss survivo...

About the Author

Susan Caso, MA, LPC, helps people find the feeling of connectedness that creates heartfelt interactions. A sought-after therapist, consultant, and speaker with over twenty years in clinical practice, Susan has helped parents, teens, couples, and families create emotional safety to build stronger relationships.

Before opening Boulder Family Counseling in 2008, Susan counseled at-risk teens and adults at Catholic Charities home-based and outpatient counseling departments, and interned at Excelsior Youth Center in Aurora, Colorado, counseling adolescent girls in crisis intervention and stabilization programs.

Dedicating herself to eliminating stigma around mental health, Susan is a board member and the mental health director of The Liv Project, and consulted as technical and strategic advisor on the film My Sister Liv. Susan also contributed as a board member of Rise Against Suicide for over three years.

Susan holds a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Human Development from the University of Kansas. She studied Dr. Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and was trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Les Greenberg.

Susan's work has been featured in media outlets such as Mother.ly, Wait Until 8th, and The Hollywood Reporter.

Learn more at SusanCaso.com.