There are many stressors on today's teens and families.

The transition from childhood to adulthood can be fraught with difficulties. As teens "spread their wings," it can feel like they are constantly testing the limits! Families that were once close can become disconnected. It can be tough to find the balance between allowing your teen their freedom while also guiding them to become a responsible, loving adult.

During this time, problems such as academic struggles, the use of illegal drugs, family arguments, or isolation can surface.

Occasionally, these problems can spin out of control.

At PFPA, we know the value of a stable, connected family. We also understand that even the most loving family can become alienated and distant during the complex transition from adolescence to young adulthood.

We consider helping families and teens some of the most important work that we do. We recognize that the future health of our culture rests on the shoulders of today's teens and young adults. We believe it is essential to help our youth find creative, healthy ways to cope with and express their feelings and desires, while also growing into mature, productive citizens and family members.

The therapists at PFPA can provide a thorough assessment of your teen and/or family in order to best determine where to focus our efforts. Sometimes family therapy is the most beneficial approach. At other times, a teen's "acting out" may actually be the result of a troubled marriage and couples therapy might be in order. And sometimes the best approach is to provide a safe place where the teen can work with their therapist individually to explore and discover who they are.

If your family is struggling please contact Michael Frazier, MS Ed., LPC at 770-953-4744, ext. 17 or one of the other therapists at PFPA.

Michael Frazier, MS Ed, LPC
770-953-4744 ext. 17

Meet Michael Frazier, one of the independent therapists at PFPA who is a specialist in Adolescent Psychology. Michael has worked for the last seven years in treatment communities with children, adolescents, and families. He has gained valuable experience in working with various cultures; especially minority children and families in the public school system, outpatient services, and residential care. The kids commonly refer to him as "Mr. Mike" and he has an uncanny ability to establish therapeutic relationships with kids who are initially resistant to therapy.

Michael conducts therapy with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. He has extensive experience with helping children & adolescents with oppositional behaviors, self-esteem, anger management, ADD/ADHD, working with survivors of abuse, and communication within their families. His creative approach to family therapy helps families see past the immediate behaviors of the client and work together toward reaching family goals.

Michael has conducted several state wide seminars for many social service agencies. He has also been recognized as the "2004 GAHSC Children Social Service Worker of the Year."

Michael earnestly believes that each individual has the power to identify the life that they want and take definitive steps in achieving their goals. He describes himself as "solution-focused" and is most influenced by cognitive behavioral, person-centered, and family systems theorists. He approaches each individual by considering them holistically and meeting them at the point of their need, and helping to empower them with a more enhanced life.

Michael's interventions help individuals to enhance their lives based on his 4 Principles: Decide, Imagine, Think, and Act. Albert Einstein said it best, "I'm enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited."

Michael obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University. When he realized that many of the students that he encountered endured struggles with issues that went beyond the classroom he obtained his Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from the University of Miami. He sees clients in the Marietta office.

Steven Perlow, Ph.D.
770-953-4744 ext. 14

Dr. Perlow was in private practice in the Chicago area for seven years before moving to Atlanta. He became a partner at PFPA in 1992 providing specialized Assessment and Psychotherapy services for Children & Adolescents, and Adults. He works with children from age 5 and older providing assessment and treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning problems, oppositional behavior, and problems relating to peers.

Dr. Perlow has published articles and worked extensively helping couples improve their communication as partners and parents. He conducts individual, family, and couples therapy to help with relationship problems, parenting of children and adolescents, depression, anxiety, and adult ADHD. He has extensive work experience with gay adolescents and adults.

Dr. Perlow says that he “appoaches psychological problems by looking at the way a person’s environment influences them emotionally.” He notes that he likes to “include whoever is relevant to the problem in sessions when possible and appropriate.” He describes himself as “solution-oriented” and most influenced by family systems and cognitive-behavioral theorists.

Dr. Perlow graduated from Depaul University in 1985 with a PhD in Clinical Psychology. He sees clients at the Marietta office.