David Kronish - MSW: Teen and Family Therapist / Coach

About

David has his MSW and also trained in Israel in Therapy and Coaching. He has more than 20 years of combined experience in the fields of Social Work and Education, having taught in elementary school, middle school and high school. Learn more about David Kronish and the work he does, from this published article, seen in Health & Wellness: Try on Your Teenage Glasses by David Kronish Ever try looking at things from a different angle? That’s what we often have to do for a successful marriage. Learn to listen—and keep quiet. Well, our teen and young adult children demand the same. As D. Sterling with her insightful words puts it, "Teenagers are unpredictable"; they are smack in the middle of significant physiological, emotional and psychological changes, such that often they don't even understand themselves. They look more toward having fun than playing it safe. Many teens lack risk awareness and tend to engage in precarious behavior, such as texting while driving or using substances. One of my own children once told me, "Abba, sometimes you just have to let go and enjoy life, despite the risks." At the bright young age of 20, or even 15, our young adult does not yet have two feet planted firmly on the ground—in other words, the maturity and insight of an adult. Trying to “fast-track” your teen or young adult child will often backfire, resulting in resentment and defiance. The Ramchal, in Mesillat Yesharim, provides a metaphor for life experiences. He writes life is like navigating through a maze. Our Chachamim—learned, wise and experienced people—are situated above the maze and can see the correct path and the way to arrive at the desired finished line. Our response, much of the time is, "Thanks, but no thanks" or "I'll do it my way." Well, that is exactly how the vast majority of our teens feel when we try to offer them advice and guidance. What are teens and young adults saying when they “push back” or seem irritable, as they often do? They are trying to express what

Service Areas

• Jerusalem