Mental health is frequently overlooked in children and teenagers, often shrugged off due to their ever-changing bodies and brains.
When are emotions like anger and anxiety a cause for concern? What is cognitive behavioral therapy? How does CBT for teens benefit them? Read on for expert-backed answers to your questions!
Behavioral Issues to Watch for in Your Teenager and What Might Be Causing Them
Those treasured teenage years are a time of significant physical, emotional, and mental changes. With hormones running wild, it’s common for your child to lash out or otherwise exhibit behavioral issues.
In some cases, these don’t indicate any worrisome underlying causes. It’s merely your teen learning to express their emotions until they learn better communication skills.
When these behaviors become disruptive, persistent, or harmful, it may be time to see a medical professional.
Common concerns include:
- A decline in academic performance
- Chronic irritability
- Extreme mood swings
- Frequent outbursts of anger
- Panic or anxiety attacks
- Reckless behavior
- Substance experimentation or abuse
- Withdrawal from friends and family
Several factors contribute to these concerns. Hormonal shifts during puberty can cause mood instability, while increased academic pressures and social challenges may heighten stress and anxiety.
Other factors include family conflict, trauma, bullying, or underlying mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, or ADHD.
Recognizing these patterns early is crucial so that your teen can receive proper guidance and support.
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Benefit Your Family and Teach Your Child Coping Skills
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or simply CBT, is a highly effective and evidence-based approach for addressing behavioral and emotional challenges in teens.
It focuses on helping young people recognize how their thoughts influence their feelings and behaviors. It also provides them with tools to manage difficult emotions in healthier ways.
For parents, CBT for teens provides valuable insight into their child’s thought patterns and emotional triggers, which can improve overall familial dynamics.
Family members are often encouraged to participate in sessions occasionally to learn supportive strategies, creating a more understanding home environment.
What to Expect During CBT for Teens, Including What They’ll Learn During Sessions
Everyone’s experience with cognitive behavioral therapy looks different based on their individual struggles.
Typically, it begins with an initial assessment where your teen’s therapist gets to know their background, current challenges, and goals.
This consultation helps in creating a customized treatment plan that targets your child’s specific needs.
Sessions last around 45 to 60 minutes and occur weekly, though frequency varies depending on severity.
In early sessions, their therapist focuses on building trust with your teenager.
As therapy progresses, they will be taught how to identify negative thought patterns that lead to destructive behaviors or overwhelming emotions.
They’ll then learn to challenge this thinking and replace it with healthier, more constructive alternatives.
CBT sessions involve practical exercises, such as journaling, role playing, and relaxation techniques. This includes deep breathing and mindfulness.
Practitioners may assign “homework” to reinforce learned skills. Practicing healthy coping in real-life scenarios is part of this.
Over time, your child will build a toolkit of strategies to navigate stressful situations, improve self control, communicate properly, and develop healthier habits.
Therapists also include goal-setting practices, enabling teens to set realistic objectives for school, relationships, or personal growth. This sets them up for long-term success.
Take the Guess Work Out of Managing Mental Health With CBT for Teens at Potomac Pediatrics in Montgomery County
Potomac Pediatrics is a top-rated facility in Rockville, Maryland that is proud to offer tailored therapy services, empowering teenagers to take control of their health and well being.
Reach out to us today by calling 301-279-6750 to set up an appointment with our mental health team.
