Parent-Teen Connection

Susan Caso, MA, LPC, helps people find the feeling of connectedness that creates heartfelt interactions. A sought-after therapist, consultant, and speaker with over twenty years in clinical practice, Susan has helped parents, teens, couples, and families create emotional safety to build stronger relationships. Before opening Boulder Family Counseling in 2008, Susan counseled at-risk teens and adults at Catholic Charities home-based and outpatient counseling departments, and interned at Excelsior Youth Center in Aurora, Colorado, counseling adolescent girls in crisis intervention and stabilization programs. Dedicating herself to eliminating stigma around mental health, Susan is a board member and the mental health director of The Liv Project, and consulted as technical and strategic advisor on the film My Sister Liv. Susan also contributed as a board member of Rise Against Suicide for over three years. Susan holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Human Development from the University of Kansas. She studied Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and was trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Les Greenberg. Susan’s work has been featured in media outlets such as Mother.ly, Wait Until 8th, and The Hollywood Reporter. Learn more at SusanCaso.com.

"...the guide provides readers with concrete steps to take, backed by solid, cited research, and it does so in a conversational manner that’s consistently positive and uplifting. Readers will be encouraged by the insightful questions that close each chapter, which are designed to help readers implement the lessons."—Kirkus Reviews "Therapist Caso debuts with this refreshing guide on helping parents build healthy connections with their teenage children, drawn from her experiences with former clients alongside proven research.From identifying anger and what lies beneath it to creating family traditions that build trust, Caso outlines actionable steps parents, and their teens, will welcome—such as giving each other the benefit of the doubt, paying attention to bodily sensations that accompany emotions, and interrupting negative thought patterns.She closes with a nod to self-care, reminding parents that striking a balance between solitude and connection is key.”—Booklife "As a parent, pediatrician, public health practitioner, and mental health advocate, I cannot stress how important this body of work is to help parents understand the key tenets of creating a lasting relationship with their children (of all ages). Through clear examples and concepts, Susan Caso addresses the complexities of the parent-child relationship spanning from infant bonding to homework stress to suicidal ideations.  This is a handbook to help us all address the mental health epidemic that is affecting our young people. One child at a time."—Shairi Turner, MD, MPH, Chief Health Officer, Crisis Text Line- mother of two "The Parent-Child Connection is an invaluable resource for any parent who is searching for ways to strengthen their relationship with their teen. Susan Caso, MA, LPC takes readers on an immersive journey that allows you to develop insights into the cycle of interactions you have with your teen and how to purposefully shift your response to foster improved connectedness. This book seamlessly integrates empirical literature, clinical expertise, and practical tools that focus on coaching parents in what to do versus what not to do to facilitate a lifelong parent-child bond." —Jessica Hawks, PhD,Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Clinical Director, Pediatric Mental Health Institute Children's Hospital Colorado, mother of two "The Parent-Teen Connection is a highly readable and relatable guide for parents. It is driven by the latest science of adolescence brain development and the role of parental connection as the main protective and empowering factor in the life of any teenager. It demystifies much of the complexity around everyday experiences of parenting a teen and dismantles the unintentional barriers that prevent connectedness. Highly recommended!"––Benjamin Perks, Head of Advocacy Child Development & Protection UNICEF New York.  “Susan Caso's book on cultivating family relationships is the manual all parents of teens need.”—Megan Freeman, PhD, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada "Finally, a therapist who understands that if they are creating a strong alliance with teens but leaving parents on the sidelines, they have only done half the job! In her wonderful new book, Susan Caso has given families a precious gift: a roadmap for parents to understand and connect with their teens. In her supportive and non judgmental manner, Susan gently creates awareness and healing around parents’ childhood injuries that may be imposing barriers between themselves and their teens. Using stories, practical tips and even sample dialogue, she gives parents much needed tools to take down those barriers and build new bridges with empathy and compassion. This book is a must read for any parent who wants to build an enduring, loving and lasting relationship with their teenager."—Tzivy Reiter, LCSW, Director of Children’s and National Trauma Services, Ohel, New York "As a clinical psychologist, suicide loss survivor, and mental health advocate, I understand the critical importance of getting upstream from suicide and mental health emergencies by building resilience in our youth. Susan Caso’s The Parent-Teen Connection is an invaluable resource for parents aiming to create a secure, emotionally supportive environment for their teens. Bolstering connectedness is a central theme and lays the foundation for secure attachment and a genuine sense of belonging. Throughout, Caso expertly navigates communication hurdles, self-reflection, and the impact of external pressures. This book is a must-read for parents seeking to bridge generational gaps and cultivate a nurturing, emotionally close environment with their teens. Caso's compassionate approach and expertise make this an invaluable resource for building resilient, loving families."—Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, President of United Suicide Survivors International, mother of three "This literary work proves accessible, comprehensive, and deeply resonants. It thoroughly engages with the myriad challenges parents may confront when guiding their adolescents through the complexities of modern society. Susan Caso adeptly counsels readers on establishing trust and nurturing emotional bonds with their teens, imparting the skills necessary to cultivate an environment of open communication, validation, and unwavering familial support. I wish that this book had been available when I was raising my children!"—Honey Beuf, Executive Director of The Liv Project "Susan Caso has written a resource that we have long needed – one that focuses on the important and evolving connections between parents and children, one that admits that things are not always textbook perfect, and one that engages parents and caregivers to cultivate feelings of connection without shaming them for the times they struggle. Susan’s empathy for how difficult it can be to connect in our changing and complex world shines through and her use of real-world examples should connect with anyone navigating these situations. Susan’s warmth combined with evidence-based practice and practical advice makes this a welcomed and necessary resource."––Matt Mishkind, PhD, Deputy Director, Johnson Depression Center- father of three "This must-have book helps parents navigate parenting in a vastly different world from their own upbringing. We're providing it to all our clinicians to support patients in breaking generational trauma cycles and bring peace and calm back to their households with its profound insights." —Liesl Perez, Cofounder, Axis Integrated Mental Health, mother of four “Wow, wow! I am enriched by the words and practical advice in this book. The Parent-Teen Connection is an insightful and transformative guide for parents navigating the often-tumultuous teenage years. This book delves deep into the emotional and psychological intricacies of parenting teens, offering practical strategies and heartfelt guidance to foster stronger, more meaningful connections. Through real-life stories and reflective exercises, parents are empowered to better understand their teens' world, address their own past traumas, and build a foundation of trust and communication. A must-read for any parent seeking to create a nurturing and supportive environment for their teenagers."—Mary Gitau, psychologist, Founder Centre for Suicide Research & Intervention-Kenya "Ms. Caso has created a powerful guide for parents to create a home environment and relationship dynamic with their teen that cultivates trust, respect, transparency, and connectedness. This book will be the catalyst for the parent-teen cultural shift that families have been yearning for.  As a UCLA trained Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in private practice for 20 years, I will be recommending this book to every parent I work with."––Teri Carlson, MD, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, owner- Boulder Creek Psychiatry, Boulder, CO, mother of two “Susan Caso has given parents a tremendous gift. Raising children in contemporary society has become increasingly complex. Susan‘s book provides a clear blueprint to navigate many difficult challenges from technology to attachment. This is a singular resource for struggling parents filled with real stories that resonate from our kitchen tables and living rooms. This book is filled with practical advice and conversation based on contemporary studies. A must have for parenting in today’s wilderness!”—Nelson Trujillo, M.D. and father of three "As the Executive Director of Rise Against Suicide, I have seen firsthand the impact of Susan Caso's powerful and insightful book on connecting with our children. Susan's profound understanding of the importance of parental connection and its impact on youth mental health is truly remarkable. Her words are inspiring and deeply resonant, and her book is a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone working with young people. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make a positive difference in the lives of children and teenagers."—Jenna Clinchard, Executive Director, Rise Against Suicide, mother of two "When I first started reading Susan's book, my thought as a K-12 principal and educator for 42 years was "I must get The Parent-Teen Connection for every one of my parents!" The most important role that we will ever have as an adult is that of a parent. Our kids don't come with training manuals and most parents (myself included) have to learn on the job. This year was the first year I have had parents asking for help... parents who want to do better. Thank you, Susan, for writing The Parent-Teen Connection. It is a very practical "I can do this!" text. I highly recommend it to all parents who would love a better relationship with their child."—Kathy Whiting, MEd, K-8 Principal,WSCU Educational K-12 Regional Coordinator,CCS Principal, ELL-parent of three "The Parent-Teen Connection, Susan Caso puts into words why emotional understanding is lacking and how to create lasting connections within your family. This is a relatable must-read for parents and young adults struggling to connect with each other, but this is not only a valuable parenting book. Susan Caso also gives great examples of how to communicate effectively and with emotional intention for any kind of relationship. This book definitely needs to be shared with family and friends.”—Madison Bradley, 21-year-old “Fostering a safe and trusting relationship between a young person and their parent or caregiver is one of the most important suicide prevention strategies we have for youth. The Parent-Teen Connection empathetically and clearly discusses how to become a trusted adult and how to navigate the many stressors impacting young people. This book is a critically helpful resource for parents or caregivers hoping to improve their relationships with their teenagers.”—Lena MQ Heilmann, PhD, Suicide prevention expert and sibling suicide loss survivor "Susan’s book is a breath of fresh air. She takes the “fear” out of parenting teens and gives readers concrete steps to increase connectedness, build trust with their teens, and restore the joy of parenting these wonderful humans. As a twenty-year school counselor, I am excited for my families to have this great resource."—Mary Campbell, MA, NCC, School Counselor, Peak to Peak Charter School, mother of three "The Parent-Teen Connection is an accessible journey into the sometimes-broken relationships of parents and teens. In conversations that can feel filled only with fear and hopelessness, she provides practical guidance and suggestions. With support and empathy, she seeks to engage and equip parents in conversations that center on genuine connection both for parents and teens.”—William R. DeLong, M.Div, Ed.D. "The Parent-Teen Connection is valuable to any parent willing to move past the ‘rebellious teen’ approach and instead explore and be curious about their teen in order to create a more meaningful connection. Susan Caso skillfully, and in layperson language, draws on her twenty years of experience as a therapist to provide techniques for parents to recognize and break down how their own history and patterns of interaction can be altered to create and improve a trusting and safe place in the home where a teen is able to express their needs and feel they belong. The ‘volleying’ method she emphasizes of a successful ‘serve and return’ in parent-teen communication highlights the power a parent and teen have to consciously move from a situation where they feel like strangers living under the same roof to one where emotional transparency creates a real, secure, and loving relationship.”—Judith L. LaBuda, M.A., J.D., retired judge "The Parent-Teen Connection is a realistic and actionable guide to creating great relationships between parents and teens in today's world. It brings core components of suicide prevention, including connectedness and belonging, to the forefront in a protective versus reactive approach.”—Erin Ivie, Executive Director of Speak Up Reach Out "The Parent-Teen Connection insightfully explains why connection is the most important part of parenting right now. Susan Caso provides simple, accessible, and highly impactful strategies.  She gives parents communication tools and the language to have a warm and genuine relationship with their family.”—Emily Brown Werner, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and mother of three "Susan was a guest speaker for an Internet safety presentation we hosted for our teens and families. Our parents and Staff greatly appreciated her insights and expertise on the connection between screen time and mental health. Susan's book, The Parent Teen Connection, delves even deeper into the connection topic, offering specific exercises for addressing self-defeating behaviors that can hinder our effectiveness in working with teens. She provides practical instructions and applications for building stronger connections between parents and teens, presented in an easily digestible manner. Susan gives concrete examples of how connection is vital to strong, healthy relationships, not only between teens and parents but also in how the parent-teen connection impacts a teen's social life. Her book serves as an excellent blueprint for parents and anyone working with teens, showing how to build deeper connections.The Parent Teen Connection is a valuable addition to any parent’s or professional's library." —David Saylor, Program Director, Remembrance Ranch