Inside the Teen Mind
Inside the Teen Mind is designed for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about teens. Together, we’ll explore the emotional and social world of adolescents—what drives their behavior, how they think, and how we can better support them through the ups and downs of growing up.
Inside the Teen Mind
Episode 2 - Middle Adolescence: The Roller Coaster Stage
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode, we’re exploring middle adolescence, ages 15 to 17—the stage many parents describe as the “storm and stress” years. Whether you’re listening to this alone or as part of our full episode, this segment will give you insight into the emotional intensity, identity exploration, and social changes that define the high school years.
Read the Blog! For a deeper dive into what parents and educators are really noticing during this stage, we invite you to read our companion blog post. In Stages of Adolescence: What Parents & Educators Are Really Seeing, we break down the developmental shifts of early adolescence, explain why behaviors can change so quickly, and share practical insights to help you respond with confidence and connection. Read more here.
About Us: Inside the Teen Mind is hosted by Dr. Lisa Konick, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Konick & Associates, and Amanda McMillen, LCSW, Executive Director of the Alive Center.
Together, they bring a compassionate, real-world perspective to understanding adolescent development, mental health, and the systems that shape teen lives. Through clinical expertise, social work insight, and a shared commitment to supporting teens and the adults who care for them, Lisa and Amanda aim to equip listeners with clarity, empathy, and practical tools to help teens thrive.