Three Types of Outpatient Therapy for Troubled Teens
Therapy programs vary greatly for troubled teen. In some circumstances it may be required when they are transitioning from a troubled teen residential center or therapeutic boarding school; when they exemplify signs of erratic behavior; or they may even be appointed therapy by the court system after breaking the law.
Regardless of the reason, therapy is an effective measure and provides the support a teen may require. Plus, over a period of time, therapy can result in more stability and provide a much healthier wellbeing in their life.
An ideal option if a full-time, live-in residential treatment program is premature, therapy is available in many forms. Here are three to consider in efforts to provide additional support for your teen.
Individual Therapy
It may be a little disheartening to consider therapy for your troubled teen. Yet, remember, it’s all about providing the right support and finding solutions to their problems. There are effective results and one-on-one therapy simply targets a teen’s feelings about their problems while working towards a solution.
For instance, according to The Venture Academy, a therapist in one-on-one sessions might recommend improving communication skills to better express their feelings; implement positive thought patterns to encourage a healthier and better balanced life; and even teach the right “tools to cope with any situation that arises in the future.”
Most importantly, however, one-on-one therapy sessions provide a more relaxed and unbiased atmosphere. They can allow a teen to express their true feelings about a range of topics and/or stressors, and prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.
Group Therapy
Common in many troubled teen residential programs, group therapy brings teens together in a group setting who are challenged with similar issues. According to an article on www.mindsoother.com, group therapy provides a space for teens to gain support, interaction, and absorb the necessary skills from a therapist, as well as others in the group.
Sharing feelings and thoughts might sound intimidating, but there are benefits. For instance, by hearing from other group members about similar problems (or ones that are worse) can help put a personal issue into perspective. It can also help create new ideas to improve certain challenges and eliminate the feeling of being judged. Additionally, group therapy allows a therapist to better understand and address a teen’s social difficulties.
Family Therapy
Troubled teens not only cause issues in their own lives. Their problems often extend to parents and siblings as well. For instance, the teen’s issues may cause conflict or heartache between both parents while siblings may feel resentment or frustration with the specific focus on their troubled sister or brother. That’s where family therapy for troubled teens comes in.
According to an article on www.verywellmind.com, having the whole family in therapy can help with concerns, stress, and the challenges between family members in many ways including:
- Creating more effective communication
- Focusing on healthy or effective reactions
- Establishing required changes that are needed for a more harmonious home environment
- Encouraging everyone to talk more openly
The same article states that family therapy is typically two to six months while tougher cases may take more time.
Conclusion
Therapy – regardless of these three programs – offers a range of benefits to help a troubled teen confront their issues. It just may provide the perfect means for a better and healthier wellbeing without further or more extensive therapy required in the future.