Learning Objectives

1. Describe key developmental and psychological factors Explain how adolescent brain development, social pressures, and digital environments contribute to sexting behaviors and pornography use among teens.

2. Identify the mental health impacts Recognize how pornography use and sexting can affect mood, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, relational functioning, and risk for compulsive behaviors.

3. Discuss ethical and legal considerations Summarize risks related to privacy, image-based abuse, distribution, and legal implications without sensationalizing or shaming.

4. Apply trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate interventions Identify counseling strategies to help teens cope with shame, anxiety, or relational issues connected to sexting or porn use.

5. Integrate prevention and psychoeducation strategies Highlight approaches such as media literacy, digital consent education, and healthy relationship skills to reduce harm.

More about Heather

Dr. Heather Lindstrom is a Texas-based, licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in school-based mental health, higher education, supervision, and private practice. She has worked closely with adolescents, women, and neurodivergent individuals, offering compassionate, evidence-based care. As a counseling professor and former social counselor, Heather now runs a private practice where she helps clients navigate life with authenticity and resilience. Her work centers on providing inclusive, creative, affirming spaces for healing, growth, and connection.