When your teen is in trouble how can you help?

by Susan Amaya | Jun 10, 2019 | Teenagers

Teen Troubles

When your teen is in trouble how can you help? You can tell when something is off. While you might not understand the reasons behind their responses, you know that aggression, withdrawal, self-harm and other destructive behaviors all point to a young person in pain. As toxic stress increases, so does trouble in your relationships.

A young person who has experienced trauma such as bullying, divorce, loss of parent, sibling, or close friend, struggles with sexual orientation, etc, can exhibit a variety of behaviors. When your teen is in trouble, they might lash out in sudden anger or become increasingly moody and withdrawn. Perhaps they’ll find themselves in with a new group of friends or trade their bright and friendly disposition for the one you can no longer recognize. These reactions are a result of toxic stress.

Research has taught us that chronic exposure to trauma can lead to toxic stress.

When your teen is in trouble you may see some of the following behaviors:

becoming startled or frightened easily
exaggerated reactions to daily events
angry outbursts
aggression or violence toward others
feelings of guilt or shame
depression
emotional numbness
aversion or a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
changes in sleeping or eating habits
alcohol or drug use
sexual promiscuity
self-harm or suicidal thoughts/tendencies
easily brought to tears
poor performance in school
symptoms consistent with ADHD

When your teen is in trouble there is often tension at home and in school. In addition, researchers have found a strong correlation between the above behaviors and one’s tendency to engage in risky behaviors.

Understanding the Long Term Effects of Trauma:

Prolonged exposure to trauma not only interrupts a child’s physical and mental growth, but it also changes the brain’s response to stress. If left untreated, these changes can result in unshakable feelings of terror, depression, and helplessness. When you your teen is in trouble how can you help? You can act quickly! Receiving help opens the door to positive change. Contact us today to learn more about ongoing groups to help you and your teen through these difficult times!

Understanding the long term effects of trauma

Group Therapy Can Be Life-Changing for Your Teen

by Susan Amaya | May 25, 2019 | Group Therapy, Mental Health, Overcoming Anxiety, Teenagers, Uncategorized

Group Therapy and Your Teen

Group therapy can be life-changing for your teen. Teens face unique challenges in today’s society. They are also influenced most by their peers. This is why peer group therapy is so effective in assisting teens with depression, anxiety, and societal issues. 56 studies over a 20-year period, reported in the Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, reports that group therapy was proven more effective with children and teenagers than other forms of therapy. Often, parents are not equipped to be the sole source of support and teens need support outside of the home. Rekindled Hope’s group for teens provides a safe place for teens to attend sessions with peers, and led by a Masters level therapist. The group will help teens feel supported while they gain confidence, address relevant topics, and seek personal growth.

Benefits of group therapy with teens

Feel supported and validated by their peers
Observe the progress of others
Improved self-esteem and confidence
Overcome issues
Give strength to one another
Real talk about real issues
Accountability
Learn new strategies and coping skills
Positive social interaction
Learn about themselves
Build peer relationships

When depression or anxiety develop in the teen years, it can stick around and become a lifelong struggle. Always consult your child’s doctor about concerning emotional issues.

Group therapy provides therapists with the rare opportunity to see teenagers social problems in action. Shyness, bullying, inattentiveness, fearfulness, social anxieties are a few of the tendencies that emerge in group. A skilled group therapist catches these reactions in the moment and helps teens to overcome bad habits and make new choices. Adults do not usually understand the anxiety and fears that teens face today. Allowing teens time with their peers to address relevant issues will bring positive change to your family overall. Group therapy can be life-changing for your teen! I cannot stress this enough!