For many adolescents, social situations can trigger intense anxiety. Some experience racing thoughts, struggle to keep them internal, and begin to verbalize every worry aloud. In some cases, these internal storms become so overwhelming that teens turn to self-harm as a way to release emotional pain. While alarming for caregivers and professionals alike, these behaviors are often signals—clear indicators that the teen’s nervous system is overstimulated and struggling to regulate.

Ever wonder why your teen’s emotions seem to come out of nowhere? One moment they’re fine, and the next, they’re slamming doors or crying in their room. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and often confusing for parents. The truth is, teens experience emotions intensely because their brains are still developing. But the real challenge? They often don’t understand why they feel the way they do.

Does your teen ever spiral into a meltdown over something that might not even be true? Perhaps they didn’t get a quick reply to a text and immediately assumed their friend is mad at them, or they scored poorly on one quiz and decided they’re failing school. These thought patterns are incredibly common among teens, and they can lead to unnecessary anxiety, conflict, and emotional overwhelm.

Teens are often caught between two extremes: acting on intense emotions or relying solely on logic. It’s no wonder they feel stuck when trying to make decisions or navigate conflicts. Enter Wise Mind, a DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skill that helps them find balance by integrating emotions and reason to make thoughtful, intentional choices.

Have you ever noticed your teen digging their heels in when faced with something they don’t want to do? Maybe it’s refusing to study for a test, ignoring a chore, or resisting help during a tough situation. This is willfulness at work—the refusal to accept reality or take constructive action.

As a parent, you’ve probably heard your teen say things like, “This isn’t fair!” or “Why does this always happen to me?” Moments of frustration and resistance are part of life, but when teens focus too much on what they can’t change, it can lead to more pain and hopelessness. That’s where Radical Acceptance comes in—a powerful DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skill that teaches teens to stop fighting reality and focus on what they can control.

If your teen often feels like their emotions are a runaway train, teaching them TIPP can give them the tools they need to get back on track. Let’s dive into what TIPP is, how it works, and how you can encourage your teen to use it.