Therapy services for adolescents are varied but all include the use of proven treatments to address issues like anxiety, depression, ADD, family conflict or relationship issues. Clients learn how to recognize thoughts and feelings that are driving their current symptoms and develop coping skills and strategies to overcome these obstacles. Many of the techniques are based in Cognitive Behavioral therapy which teaches teens to observe how their thoughts lead to unwanted behavior and ultimately to problematic symptoms. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our therapists who specialize in working with teenagers.

Group therapy for teens: Our groups for teens are focused on coping with stress and social problem solving. Teens often enjoy working in a group format because they can get support from peers, and get feedback directly from other teenagers. They also gain perspective from others who are coping with the same pressures they face daily. Our psychologists use a cognitive behavioral format to help teens become more mindful about their own choices. Call us today to learn about schedules and openings.

Case Example:

Jane is a 15-year-old girl who was referred by her pediatrician after complaining of chronic stomach pain, headaches and fatigue that were leading to excessive school absences. After a medical problem was ruled out, her doctor referred her to MindWell.

During her intake, Jane began to verbalize her negative feelings about school and her home life, including feeling “dumb” at school and pressure from her parents about homework and her grades.

After developing a treatment plan with her clinician, that includes ruling out a learning disability, Jane began a Cognitive Behavioral treatment protocol to teach her to recognize how she interpreted her daily interactions at school with friends and at home with her family. Jane joined a therapy group, where she developed healthy strategies for coping with stress.

Her parents are taught how to structure homework time in a way that is positive and less stressful. They will also use a behavioral plan to get her to school on a regular basis.

Jane gained insight into why she expects a negative outcome about being called on in class and developed a more healthy way to interpret what her teachers and parents expect of her.

This change contributed to fewer absences and more positive interactions with her parents, teachers, and ultimately to a healthier social life.

Jane also found a voice to express her feelings to her family regarding their conflicts and not “internalizing” the problem through physical complaints (headaches).

Subsequently, the family worked in therapy to have more proactive family communication that was not ignoring the “elephant in the room.”

Contact us today to learn more about Adolescent Therapy services for your teen.