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At last, there's a treatment option for at-risk kids that falls somewhere between rehab and a visit with the school counselor.
Yesterday, Norwalk resident Michael Harmann, MSW, announced the launch of his new firm, Adolescent Behavioral Counseling. Harmann hopes to serve area teens and families struggling with issues like substance abuse, violence, bullying, and difficulties in school.
"Challenges that adolescents face today are unique," Harmann says. "Often behaviors of at-risk teens and young adults are not severe enough for a rehab or behavioral modification program, but may be too severe for therapy alone. Our solution is a hands-on approach keeping the teen and family in their own environment, addressing the issues with the appropriate amount of effort and time, and leaving no stone unturned."
Harmann's service typically begins with a phone call, followed by an in-home meeting with one or both parents, the teen, and a masters-level consultant.
From there, "We immediately begin spending as much one-on-one time as possible with the adolescent," says Harmann. "We work to establish a relationship with the child to understand their point of view and the actual variables contributing to their self-destructive behaviors. Our customized plan includes accessing every area of the child's life from the friends they hang out with to the budgeting of their allowance in an effort to affect positive change. Meetings, outings, telephone communication, drug testing, and daily curfew check-ins are standard elements of the one-on-one intervention with the teen. During this process, we also work closely with the parents, coaching them to strategically adjust their interactions with their child to affect positive behavioral change."
Harmann, who grew up in Weston, overcame his own severe learning disabilities with the help of special education programs through his childhood and early teens. He obtained his Masters of Social Work from Columbia University at the age of 27, and went on to work at the Greenfield Lodge in Los Angeles, California, a leading rehabilitation residence for sober living. For more information, go to www.adolescentbehavioralconsulting.com or call 203-644-6727.
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