Has your teen ever said, “I shouldn’t feel this way,” or, “If I feel it, it’ll never stop”? These beliefs don’t just make emotions harder to handle. They leave teens stuck, ashamed, and disconnected.

Many teens grow up learning emotional rules that are based on fear, not facts. These emotional myths come from family patterns, school culture, or personal experiences. And while they might sound true, they’re often the reason teens struggle to manage their feelings.

Wise Mind is the balanced, centered state where logic and emotion intersect. It’s that inner knowing we tap into when we’re making decisions that align with our true selves—decisions that honor both our rational thoughts and our emotional experiences. For teenagers, who are often swayed by intense emotions or rigid logic, cultivating Wise Mind can be particularly valuable.

Crisis survival skills are a collection of techniques, often summarized in acronyms, that teach individuals how to cope with intense emotions and urges without making the situation worse. These skills are essential for anyone, but particularly beneficial for teens with self-destructive behaviors such as self-harm, substance abuse, or disruptive actions that harm relationships.