Trauma Sensitive Behavior Support Strategies

Trauma Sensitive Behavior Support Strategies

Trauma often is about an individual’s reaction to and difficulty recovering from an upsetting event(s) rather than the occurrence itself. (For example, the COVID-19 pandemic was a major stressor for most Americans, but was not necessarily a trauma for all of them.) Potential traumatic events 

Do You Need Therapy?

Do You Need Therapy?

Numerous factors contribute to a person’s likelihood for developing a mental health disorder, including genetics, social support, standard of living, stress level and working conditions. Ongoing brain transformations and emotional, physical and social changes make teenagers vulnerable to mental health issues. While everyone faces challenges 

Group Therapy

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which one to two therapists see multiple clients simultaneously. It can be as effective as individual sessions for many mental health conditions, including anxiety, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse and trauma. Group therapy provides 

Healthier Social Media

Healthier Social Media

The Internet can be a one way mirror reflecting ideal images that make adolescents feel like failures. Social media should be used mindfully with set limits on the amount of time that an individual devotes in it. Become aware of how you feel and what 

Identifying and Managing Symptoms of Anxiety

Identifying and Managing Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety often is a physical experience for youth that appears as irritability, recurring stomachaches (especially if they are brief and accompanied by excessive worry) and/or restlessness. In both children and adults, generalized anxiety disorder has numerous symptoms, including uncommon ones that may not be recognized 

Substance Use and Recovery

Substance Use and Recovery

In 2021, it was estimated that over 46 million Americans aged 12 and older had at least one substance use disorder. Marijuana remains the leading cause of adolescents entering substance use/abuse treatment, accounting for 63 percent of admissions for those aged 12 to 14 and 

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing

It can be difficult to obtain mental health help for teenagers. They may deny anything is wrong, believe therapy is embarrassing or feel so hopeless that they doubt anything will work. One option is to liken therapy to having a coach, who will teach new 

Family Meals

Family Meals

Family dinners reduce anxiety and depression in youth. Meals are a respite and not an opportunity to rehash everyone’s day. The table should be free of judgment, nagging and technology, with parents modeling their enjoyment of food. Atmosphere and a connection between family members matter 

Self-Defense

Self-Defense

A person’s mental health affects how he/she perceives his/her surroundings and can impact his/her ability to both identify and respond to potentially threatening situations. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, individuals with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely 

Creating a Self-Care Routine

Creating a Self-Care Routine

Self-care involves a change in mindset rather than specific activities. By choosing yourself and prioritizing your needs, you can improve both your mental and physical health. To guide yourself in practicing self-care, think about what you loved about your day and what irritated you or