Adolescence is a period of rapid neurological, social, and emotional change, and for many young people it is also when anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns first emerge. Parents in high-achieving, well-resourced communities often want the very best for their children, yet may find that abundant opportunity can come with its own pressures, including high expectations and perfectionism. 

This 30-minute talk explores what typical adolescent development looks like, how to distinguish normal turbulence from signs that a teen needs support, and how family communication either opens or closes the door to help-seeking. We will then screen The Perks of Being a Wallflower, a film that portrays isolation, unspoken trauma, anxiety, friendship, and the long road toward belonging, offering a shared starting point for reflecting on what our teens may be carrying that we do not see.

Dr. Rachel Busman is a clinical psychologist and the Senior Director of the Child & Adolescent Anxiety and Related Disorders Program at Cognitive and Behavioral Consultants (CBC). Dr. Busman is an evidence based therapist who has extensive experience working with children, teenagers and families struggling with anxiety disorders and other related mental health disorders. She has a specific expertise in evaluating and treating selective mutism and is the author of Being Brave With Selective Mutism: A Step by Step Guide for Children and Their Caregivers. She has presented nationally at many conferences, has been a guiest on a variety of podcasts and particularly enjoys speaking at schools and with caregivers. 

THE FILM:

A funny and touching coming-of-age story, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a modern classic that captures the dizzying highs and crushing lows of high school. Freshman Charlie is a perpetual wallflower until he falls under the spell of the beautiful, free-spirited Sam and her fearless stepbrother, Patrick; together, the trio navigates love, loss, fear, hope – and the quest for the perfect song – in this unforgettable adaptation of Stephen Chbosky’s beloved novel.