Therapy can be a valuable tool for helping teens and children navigate these challenges and build resilience. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of therapy for children and teens, what to expect from therapy sessions, and how parents can support their child’s mental health.

Why Therapy is Important for Teens & Children

Therapy is an effective way to address a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, and trauma. It can also help teens and children build coping skills, improve their communication and problem-solving abilities, and strengthen their relationships with others.

During therapy sessions, teens and children have the opportunity to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. This can be especially helpful for those who may not feel comfortable talking about their emotions with friends or family members. Through therapy, they can learn healthy ways to express their emotions and cope with stressors in their lives.

What to Expect from Therapy Sessions

Therapy sessions for teens and children are typically tailored to their developmental stage and individual needs. Sessions may be conducted one-on-one, with parents or caregivers present, or in group settings. The therapist will work with the teen or child to establish goals for therapy and develop a plan for achieving those goals.

During therapy sessions, teens and children may engage in a variety of activities and techniques, including talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness exercises. These techniques are designed to help the teen or child process their experiences, develop coping skills, and build self-awareness and self-esteem.

How Parents Can Support Their Child’s Mental Health

Parents play a critical role in supporting their child’s mental health. Here are a few ways parents can support their teen or child:

1. Encourage open communication: Create a safe and supportive environment for your teen or child to express their thoughts and feelings. Listen actively and validate their experiences.
2. Prioritize self-care: Take care of your own mental and physical health to model healthy habits for your teen or child.
3. Seek professional help: If you notice concerning changes in your child’s behavior or mood, or if they express a desire for support, seek professional help from a therapist or mental health provider.
4. Advocate for your child: Work with your child’s therapist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan and advocate for your child’s mental health needs in school and other settings.

Conclusion

Therapy can be a valuable tool for helping teens and children navigate the challenges of adolescence and build resilience. By creating a safe and supportive environment for teens and children to express their thoughts and feelings, and by working with mental health professionals to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, parents can support their child’s mental health and well-being. If you’re interested in learning more about therapy for teens and children, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Curis Mental Health Professional in your area.

Learn more about getting your child connected with a Mental Health Therapist or learn more about Child Counseling with Curis Functional Health.

The post Therapy for Children & Teens: Why It’s Important and What to Expect appeared first on Curis Functional Health.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used for anxiety and depression.

First and foremost, it’s essential to determine the type of therapy that would be most effective for your condition. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used for anxiety and depression, while psychodynamic therapy may be more suitable for those dealing with past trauma. Once you have a better understanding of the type of therapy you need, you can begin your search for potential therapists.

One of the best ways to find a therapist is by asking for referrals from friends or family members who have had positive experiences with therapy. Another option is to search online directories such as GoodTherapy or Curis Functional Health. 

Once you have a list of potential therapists it’s important to check their credentials. Look for therapists who are licensed and have experience working with individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression. You can also check with your state’s licensing board to verify their credentials.

Reading reviews and testimonials from past clients can also give you a better idea of what to expect from a therapist. Look for reviews that mention the therapist’s effectiveness, communication style, and overall professionalism. You can find reviews on the therapist’s website, online directories, or through a simple Google search.

Before committing to a therapist, schedule a consultation. This initial meeting allows you to get a sense of the therapist’s approach, personality, and communication style. It also gives the therapist an opportunity to understand your needs and determine if they are a good fit for you.

Logistics, such as location, availability, and cost, should also be taken into consideration when choosing a therapist. Look for a therapist who is located in a conveniently and has availability that fits your schedule. When looking at the cost of therapy, you should consider whether or not the therapist accepts your insurance.

Curis additionally offers online therapy sessions with licensed therapists, making it more convenient for individuals who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions.

One of the benefits of virtual therapy is that it can be done from the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need to commute to a physical office. It also provides greater flexibility in scheduling appointments, which can be especially helpful for individuals with busy schedules.

At the end of the day, trust your instincts when choosing a therapist. If something doesn’t feel right during the consultation, it’s okay to keep searching for a therapist who is a better fit for you. The therapist-client relationship is an essential part of therapy, and it’s crucial to feel comfortable and safe with your therapist.

Finding the right therapist to help with your stress, anxiety, or depression can take some time and effort, but it’s worth it in the long run. By following these tips, you can find a therapist who is best suited to your needs and can help you manage your mental health. Don’t wait any longer to take control of your mental health – start your search for the best therapist today!

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​The Distract, Relax, and Cope technique is a Dialectical Behavior therapy technique that can help you with anxiety and feelings of dissociation that many are experiencing during this stressful time. 

1. Distract

Sometimes, the best way to distract yourself from painful emotions is to engage in pleasurable activities. You do not have to wait until you feel overwhelmed to try an enjoyable activity. The recommendation is to engage in something pleasurable every day, as it can help ward off depression by activating endorphins in the body.

Some examples of pleasurable activities you could try are:

1. Talk to a friend on the telephone
2. Text or call family
3. Have a virtual hangout with friends/family
4. Exercise
5. Cook your favorite meal
6. Cook a recipe you’ve never tried before
7. Go outside and play with your pet
8. Give your pet a bath
9. Stretch your muscles
10. Do a guided meditation 
11. Go out and watch the birds and other animals
12. Find something funny to do, like read the Sunday comics or watch a comedy special on Netflix
13. Listen to a podcast on a topic you find interesting or entertaining
14. Watch a funny movie
15. Collect funny video clips you can watch when you’re feeling down
16. Take a nap
17. Play video games
18. Do a puzzle or build a Lego set
19. Finally, do not hesitate to call a crisis or suicide hotline if you need to talk to someone (Dial 988)

Other things you can try to distract yourself are: Doing something for someone else can be very useful, distracting your thoughts by keeping a prayer or special saying with you, distracting with tasks and chores, or distracting by placing your hand on your belly and counting your breaths (or counting anything)

2. Relax and Soothe Yourself

Relaxation is crucial for maintaining our health and overall well-being. When you relax, your blood pressure lowers, your heart beats more slowly, and you can get out of your fight or flight response, which allows your brain to think of healthier ways to cope with your problems. A great way to relax and ground (perfect for dissociation) is to utilize the five senses. Focusing on and engaging with what you smell, see, taste, hear, or feel in the present moment can help you relax and find inner calm. 

Smell

1. Incense or candles
2. Oil or perfume
3. Baking
4. Outside smells like flowers or fresh-cut grass
5. Hug someone
6. Use a shower or bath bomb

Sight

1. Make a collage out of magazine words or pictures
2. Observe nature
3. Visit a virtual museum or zoo
4. Look at old pictures that carry sweet memories

Hearing

1. Listen to music that suits your mood or that might give your mood a boost
2. Podcasts on gentle topics
3. Open your window and listen to nature sounds like birds chirping, the wind moving through the trees, or raindrops hitting the ground
4. A white noise machine or recordings of relaxing nature sounds before bed
5. Listen to a Relaxation exercise on YouTube or your favorite app

Taste

1. Enjoy your favorite meal. It is slow so that you can enjoy the taste
2. Chew gum or suck on hard candy
3. Drink something soothing, like hot tea or hot chocolate
4. Suck on an ice cube
5. Buy a ripe and juicy piece of fruit and eat it slowly

Touch

1. Carry a soft material like a square of velvet in your pocket to feel when you need to
2. Take a hot or cold shower and enjoy the feeling of the water falling on your skin
3. Take a warm bubble bath or bath with scented oils
4. Get a massage from someone you trust
5. Give yourself a massage; Sometimes just rubbing your sore muscles is very pleasing
6. Play with your pet
7. Wear your most comfortable clothes

3. Cope

Put your “Relax and Distract” skills into practice! Pick some from these lists that work for you or come up with some new ideas of your own! Keeping your stress levels down helps regulate cortisol, which in turn supports a better-functioning immune system and promotes feelings of well-being. So, the next time you are feeling stressed, remember to distract, relax, and cope! 

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