Oren Raz, M.A., LMFT

Adolescence is a time when the brain is changing faster than at any other time in life, except for infancy and early childhood. Because of all this change, the guidance of solid adults is of crucial importance as the brain is wired for successful entrance into the adult world. While these years have the reputation for being the most challenging part of parenting, Oren provides parents with wisdom about the adolescent developing brain, with the application of the latest neurobiology research in mind.

Through small and interactive parenting groups, seminars, and individual consultations, Oren teaches parents what's happening in their teen's brain and how to reach them there. Oren provides parents with tools to regulate and support themselves in this challenging time for both teens and parents.

The following are the most common topics Oren speaks in his parenting groups and seminars:

• Understanding your own early attachment experiences as a crucial ingredient for successful parenting.
• Helping your child deal with the normal stress of the teen years in LA in 2008, as well as any more severe problems—anxiety, depression, eating disorders.
• Helping your teen learn to make sound decisions.
• Responding in a balanced way to make a long term difference in your teen's brain.
• Understanding why teens engage in risky behavior—drug use, impulsivity and sexual activity.
• Achieving a positive relationship with your teen in this volatile time through developing communication patterns that work with teens.
• Understanding and processing your reactions to your teenager.