Cognitive behavioral therapy is problem-oriented talk therapy that is focused on helping individuals help themselves. Cognitive behavioral therapy for teens enables teens to examine their current problems, emotions, and circumstances with an objective adult. Simultaneously, the therapist can help the teen develop coping skills to sort through their feelings and life events. At Thrive Treatment, we can help your teen by pairing them with an experienced therapist familiar with working with teens.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT therapy, has much more of a present focus than other therapy types. CBT therapy is appropriate for conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and addictions. While CBT therapy can be done alone, it can also be paired with other therapies such as group therapy to provide a more robust treatment plan. CBT therapy for teens will often begin with an initial meeting between the teen and the therapist. This initial meeting will allow the two to meet and establish the rapport vital to positive therapeutic outcomes. Cognitive behavioral therapy often begins with the patient telling the therapist what is happening in their lives in their own words. This sharing of information can, on its own, prove to be very therapeutic; it provides an opportunity for the individual to start to release the burdens they’ve been carrying alone.
Following the initial meeting, the focus of CBT therapy is on problem-solving and coping. CBT therapy focuses more on current events than delving into the past; past events may be examined as they relate to the present. The therapist may help the individual develop multiple coping skills and stress reduction techniques. Such skills and strategies might include role-playing difficult conversations, breathing exercises, journaling, and exploring hobbies as an outlet. The goal is to enable the individual to examine their thoughts and their stories to see what is real and untrue. This examination then allows for actions and responses to be more intentional. Continuing CBT therapy allows the individual to continue honing these skills.
How CBT Therapy for Teens is Beneficial
CBT therapy for teens can play an essential role in teenagers successfully navigating the teenage years and any substance misuse. Often teens may feel isolated and be unable to share these feelings with their friends or their parents. As they continue to withdraw, they may be unable to accurately interpret their environment and others’ actions. For example, a teen feeling isolated might interpret another teen’s actions as being directed at them personally or an appropriate parenting decision as an excessive personal attack. CBT therapy can help teens to navigate these circumstances and to separate fact from fiction. Not only does CBT therapy for teens help them understand their environment, but it can help them to develop coping mechanisms to thrive within it. CBT therapy provides a teen with a safe environment with a trained therapist to help them move through the teen years’ difficult times and any mental health issues.
Why Your Teen Should Go To Thrive Treatment
At Thrive Treatment, we believe in treatment that blends modern and traditional practices rather than one specific modality. We integrate relational and behavioral therapies, along with holistic, medical, and psychiatric interventions, to help your teen receive treatment for any mental health issues early on.
Research has demonstrated that earlier treatment of mental health disorders often results in more positive outcomes. Located in Santa Monica, we have what is needed to provide you with an individualized plan to help your teen find their footing, both during inpatient treatment and beyond. We’re also here to help your family understand the process and support your teen. Contact us today and let us help you and your teen face any mental health issues.
