Roy Petitfils

Roy has worked with young people for the last 30 years as a youth minister, campus minister, teacher, school administrator, school counselor and now as a psychotherapist in private practice. He is an internationally recognized expert in understanding and reaching teenagers. He consults with schools, churches and other organizations across the world who seek to effectively reach and influence today’s teens. Prior to becoming a counselor, Roy studied ministry and spirituality for five years both in the US and in Rome, Italy. He received his MS in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette

He wrote an award winning syndicated column for adults about teens and has published five books including his latest Helping Teens with Stress, Anxiety and Depression: A Field Guide for Catholic Parents, Educators, Pastors and Youth Ministers (Ave Maria Press Feb. 2019) which earned awards from the Association of Catholic Publishers and the Catholic Press Association.

Roy hosts a podcast Today’s Teenager which helps parents, teachers and other caring adults.

His TEDx talk, “What Teens Want You to Know But Won’t Tell You” has over 2 million views on Youtube.

Roy lives with his wife Mindi and their two sons Max and Ben, in Youngsville, Louisiana.

Categories: Children's Issues, Christianity, Generational Differences, Health Care, Health Care - Children and Health, Health Care - Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery, Teamwork, TED Talk

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Topics

Helping Hurting Teens

Anxiety, depression, self injury, sexual orientation, suicidal ideation. These are just a few things ministers, catechists, teachers, parents and others involved in the lives of today’s teens face. It can be daunting to help teens who are dealing with these issues. Many adults think “I’m not a psychologist…How can I help these teens?” While there are limits to what non-mental health professionals can do, there is much more you can do than you probably think.

Learning Objectives:
* Increased understanding of how stress, anxiety and depression are affecting young people and their families.
* Participants will know when to refer to a professional and how to make the referral in the most effective way.
* Confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality with young people.
* How to work with parents to get young people into the help they need issues and with a clearer understanding of the critical role you can play in pastorally caring for today’s hurting teens.

What Teens Want You to Know, But Won’t Tell You

Roy Petitfils has spent years listening to young people, as a youth minister, an educator, a parent and now as a psychotherapist. He’s heard them share things he knew they weren’t sharing with their friends, other adults and their teachers. In this dynamic, humorous session Roy will share what’s really going on inside the minds and hearts of young people. You’ll be surprised by what they most deeply want you to know about them and what they really want and need from you.

Learning Objectives:
* How to reach closed off teens
* The best time to talk to teens
* How have an effective conversation with teens
* Recognizing the difference between normal adolescent moodiness and something more serious like anxiety or depression
* Recognize the warning signs and risk factors that make teens more likely to experience anxiety and depression

Books

What Teens Want You to Know (But Won't Tell You)

What Teens Want You to Know (But Won't Tell You)

From over two decades of listening to young people tell him things they were not telling their parents or anyone else, Roy Petitfils learned that often what teens think and feel most deeply might not be what you think. Young people struggle to find their own voice—in their families, in the Church, and in the larger world community. Too often teenagers take their needs and concerns underground and share in secret their hurts, fears, and disenchantment. They console one another because for many the adult world isn’t a safe place for them.

You can purchase this book here

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About the First Five Years of Marriage

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About the First Five Years of Marriage

Roy Petitfils has spent many hours listening to married couples try to work out their problems. He knows firsthand as a spouse and father of two that to have a lasting, fulfilling and happy married life, a couple needs to plan, work hard, and dedicate themselves to making their marriage work. If couples can make it through the pivotal and life-changing first five years of marriage without a lot of collateral damage, hurt feelings, and miscommunication, then the likelihood of making it through a lifetime together is significantly greater. With stories from friends, clients and his own marriage, Roy Petitfils provides practical—and often humorous—tips for anyone preparing for marriage or already married.

You can purchase this book here

God Wears Running Shoes

God Wears Running Shoes

Working with today's youth can be challenging. More than ever ministers, educators and parents, in the midst of a rapidly changing youth culture can feel alone and discouraged. This book is a series of reflections which will inspire, encourage and motivate you to continue meeting those challenges.

You can purchase this book here

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