If your teen struggles with maintaining healthy relationships with others or coping with mental health concerns like anxiety, substance abuse, insomnia, panic disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be a game-changer.
CBT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on reframing and adjusting the negative thought patterns that contribute to unhealthy behaviors and psychological issues.
A core tenant of cognitive behavioral therapy is that an individual’s thoughts and attitudes inform their feelings and their actions. Unhealthy thoughts lead to unhealthy behaviors which can exacerbate mental health issues and lead to more problem behaviors.
When teens participate in CBT, they will learn how to identify and challenge negative thoughts, view situations from different perspectives, and develop healthy strategies for combating problematic thinking and behavior.
Advantages of cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help teens develop a new, healthier outlook on life.
Imagine your teen’s negative thought patterns as a pair of sunglasses. When your teen is wearing these “glasses,” it shapes the way they view themselves and the world around them.
For instance, if they think “No one likes me. I’m unloveable,” they might mistake a genuine compliment for a sarcastic jab or an invitation to a party as a cruel joke. If your teen thinks that they will never amount to anything, they may feel like it is no longer worth it to try in school, develop new friendships, or take proper care of themselves. If they think that the world is out to get them, they might catastrophize normal events and start experiencing increased levels of anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy equips teens to recognize and stop these negative thought patterns when they emerge before these thoughts spiral out of control and start affecting their behavior.
Many people choose to participate in CBT because it offers distinct benefits that other treatment options don’t:
CBT can be completed in shorter time periods than other forms of talk therapy
CBT can be offered on a group or individual basis
CBT teaches practical strategies that clients can apply to their everyday lives
CBT is a common form of therapy, so it is usually not difficult to find a therapist who specializes in this area
CBT works!
CBT has been shown to be effective for treating a host of mental health and behavioral issues because it allows teens to quash negative thoughts from the start without allowing these thoughts to take root and grow.
When your teen learns to recognize a negative thought like “I’ll never be good enough,” they can use the skills learned in CBT to challenge these assumptions and look at the situations they are facing with a new, more positive perspective.
Cognitive behavioral therapy sessions
When your teen attends CBT, they can expect their sessions to include the following types of activities:
Agenda setting: Your teen will work together with their therapist to come up with a focused agenda at the beginning of each session. This will ensure that therapy sessions are helping your teen reach their individual goals.
Mood checks: Your teen’s therapist will check in with your teen to see how they are feeling and if there are any pressing issues that need to be addressed or discussed.
Homework assignment and follow-up: Your teen will be assigned homework to complete prior to their next session. This will allow them to apply the strategies that they are learning in their sessions. Homework can include assigned readings or tasks as long as these assignments are relevant, practical, and measurable. Therapists will also spend time during each session following up on previous homework assignments.
Supporting your teen through cognitive behavioral therapy
If your teen is wrestling with negative thought patterns that are influencing their feelings and behavior, consider encouraging them to try cognitive behavioral therapy.
As a parent, you can offer your teen support while they go through this process in a few key ways:
Encourage mindfulness practices: Help your teen set aside time each day to practice mindfulness through journaling, meditation, yoga, or any other activity that allows them to stay in the present moment and become aware of their thoughts and feelings.
Celebrate small victories: Even when your teen has a long way to go, it can be helpful for your teen when you acknowledge the progress they are making. Try your best to notice and celebrate small steps in the right direction.
Be patient: Unlearning unhealthy thought patterns doesn’t happen overnight. Don’t add additional stress to your teen’s life by trying to force them to respond to CBT at your pace.
When you keep these tips in mind, you will be able to provide the support your teen needs to complete this process.