Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Teens
Helping children become aware of the ways in which thoughts can influence emotions and behavior is one of the most valuable services we can offer.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help children to reframe how they identify, interpret and evaluate their emotional and behavioral reactions to negative experiences.
CBT for Adolescents
Although originally developed for the treatment of adults, this well-established psychotherapy has proven effective and appropriate with adolescents. Treatment protocols utilizing CBT for young people have been shown to successfully treat numerous issues including separation anxiety, social anxiety, depression, panic attacks, behavior problems, and difficulty adjusting to changes in family structure. Within these treatments, CBT holds to a few basic assumptions:
- Instead of focusing on the past, CBT focuses on solutions in the here-and-now: Helping the child change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that occur in current, day-to-day life.
- Behavioral interventions are emphasized for younger children, and children are rewarded for practicing appropriate coping skills and exhibiting brave behavior.
- Cognitive interventions are used to bolster the positive effects of behavioral changes in our adolescent clients. They learn how thoughts influence one’s mood and behavior, and are taught how identify and modify unhelpful thoughts.
- Parents learn techniques for encouraging their teens to use their coping skills and praise them for coping appropriately. They also learn to model effective skills and set the best example for their children.
CBT is the treatment of choice for most teenagers dealing with problems including anxiety, depressed mood, school avoidance, social difficulties, problematic use of the internet and other technology, as well as other issues that many younger people face. Overwhelming evidence shows that not only do these treatments work, but that they work for children of all ages and backgrounds.
Parent Training
Developing children often test boundaries, which can sometimes lead to behavior concerns. For parents, managing their children’s difficult behaviors can be stressful. Fortunately, parents can learn proven behavioral techniques that can help them guide their children through a well-adjusted adolescence while the family enjoys a peaceful household.
Too good to be true? Science says no. We can teach you the most effective evidence-based parenting strategies to build a personalized behavior plan for your family. Communication and problem-solving skills help improve the parent/child relationship. Positive attention and rewards for appropriate behavior give parents an opportunity to celebrate their child’s unique accomplishments. Stress management and appropriate boundary setting allow parents to confidently provide consistent, appropriate discipline when warranted while maintaining a positive relationship.
Parent Training for Children with ADHD
Parents of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder also face unique challenges. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can lead to academic and social problems, as well as stress in the home. We give families proven methods to help them create a structured environment in which children with ADHD can thrive. As children grow, they become more independent by learning to apply these skills themselves through guided practice and self-monitoring.
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