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Grossi says kids need parents to be parents, not friends

Raising children is by far one of the most difficult jobs there is in this world. Susan Grossi empathizes with both parents and children, as she has raised four children of her own and has focused a significant portion of her career on helping children and families. Grossi is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has earned two separate master’s degrees in the fields of clinical psychology and school psychology.

“My main emphasis in counseling is for teenagers and adults,” Grossi said. “I am also an educational psychologist.”

Grossi says she loves working with teenagers and has a special way of relating to teens, which helps in understanding why they are acting out.

“You can work with [teenagers] because they are budding young adults and starting to individuate from families,” Grossi said. “Teenagers are starting to think for themselves; they are fresh and pure. They haven’t been tainted.”

Possessing an in-depth background in educational psychology has been a great benefit for her teenage clients, since Grossi blends this knowledge with her expertise in therapy. “When I put it together I see how I can best help teens and families with what is going on.”

In cases where children and families have had prior counseling and/or children have been prescribed medication and still have not shown much improvement, Grossi is able to assist in locating the perfect residential placement for a child. With so many residential placements to choose from, Grossi eases the stress relating to these situations by finding the ideal program for a child.

“We do the research; we do the recommendations,” she said.

One week out of the month, Grossi calls programs and visits them in order to remain educated on every facet of these facilities. As an educational consultant, Grossi finds suitable programs for people from the ages of 10 to 30.

Grossi finds that residential programs can be an enormous help to teenagers.

“When a kid has a captive audience with therapeutic people all around them day and night, they get the help they need, and the issues get resolved,” she explained. Grossi went on to say she also selects programs that address and counsel the family, so when the child returns home, the family unit is on the same therapeutic page.

“They are functioning together and talking the same language,” said Grossi.

The best advice Grossi can give parents is to listen to their children. She says parents are so busy telling their kids what “to do” they never give themselves an opportunity to stop and listen. And by doing so, parents can learn valuable information. Grossi believes children have an inner core of honesty.

“Sometimes we

don’t want to hear what they [kids] have to say, but they [kids] are right on target; especially teenagers,” she said. Grossi strongly suggests that listening to kids is imperative, since children usually act out because they are hurt. By understanding where the hurt is coming from, parents can then take a proactive path that can pave the way to healing.

Being a therapist is not easy and, at times, can be a high stress occupation. When stress is high, Grossi always finds her way back to calmer waters.

“I have my doggies; I go out for sushi; and I have a supportive husband and children,” she said, smiling. She went on to say her family was her lifeline and her spirituality her foundation.

Being a therapist has been a true calling for Grossi. To see a child and family thrive and grow together is very rewarding for her, she says.

“That is huge for me, and that is what keeps me in the business,” she said.

Grossi has two offices – one in Fallbrook and one in Irvine. For more information on her practice, call (888) 246-0039 or log on to http://www.SusanGrossi.com.

Susan Grossi’s advice to parents

1. Listen to your children.

2. Reward direction, not perfection.

3. Be the parent. Your child doesn’t need you to be a friend.

Parenting is not a popularity contest. You must set the standards and be consistent with rules and consequences, thereby providing the safety and security every child needs.

 

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