Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used forms of modern psychotherapy. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its effectiveness in treating many mental health issues. In addition, CBT works for teenagers as well as adults. However, teens in treatment have needs that differ from those of adults. For this reason, CBT techniques for teens are best left to professionals who specialize in helping adolescents. Mental health professionals may use various methods to support your child’s recovery.
Understanding CBT
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to provide practical healing advice and support. It focuses on typical thoughts and feelings’ influence on everyday behavior. Some people think and emotionally respond to their world in ways that support their mental health. However, others fall into habits that leave them unwell and less able to function.
The general goal of CBT is to help your child change unhealthy habits of thought, emotional response, and behavior. It achieves this goal by:
- Improving your child’s understanding of how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact
- Showing them how to spot specific habits that harm their sense of well-being
- Providing ways to undo these habits and restore well-being
There are multiple approaches to CBT. As a rule, therapists adjust their methods to suit age and individual needs.
The Importance of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Techniques for Teens
The basic principles of CBT are the same for teens and adults. However, mental health professionals must adjust the therapy to fit teenagers’ needs as well as possible. That’s true because teens are in a different stage of cognitive development than adults. The typical teen is still in the process of forming a coherent personality. As a result, they’re more susceptible to influences that could distort their beliefs about:
- Themselves
- Other people
- The world around them
Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for teens must take this situation into account. A trained adolescent specialist will know how to do so.
5 CBT Techniques for Teens
Specific methods are frequently used to help teenagers in CBT programs. Common examples of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for teens include:
- Breathing exercises and other relaxation methods
- Age-appropriate challenging of existing, distorted beliefs
- Age-appropriate restructuring of those beliefs
- Help modify existing harmful behaviors
- Establishment of realistic goals for positive outcomes
These are just some of the potential options. More specific examples of cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques depend on your child’s situation. Age is just one of the relevant factors in determining that situation. Other factors include the particular mental health issue affecting your teen. The presence or absence of co-occurring substance problems must also be considered.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques for teens come with several potential benefits. These benefits include a reduction in negative mental states. They also include an improved ability to handle stress. Many teenagers who take part in CBT develop improved self-esteem. In addition, they find it easier to communicate with others. Finally, CBT can help lower your child’s exposure to substance-related harm.
Learn More About Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Techniques for Teens in Colorado at Imagine Fort Collins
Do you want to learn more about CBT and its techniques? The specialists of the caring and compassionate staff at Imagine Fort Collins are standing by. We’ll help you improve your understanding of how CBT works. We can also answer your questions regarding any particular CBT technique.
At Imagine Fort Collins, we make extensive use of CBT. The therapy is adjusted to meet teens’ unique needs in all cases. It’s also further adapted to your child’s specific situation. Contact Imagine Fort Collins today at 888.291.2309 for more information. You can also contact us through our online message form.