Emotional and psychological trauma is the result of stressful experiences that threaten a teen's sense of security. Emotional and psychological trauma is the result of stressful experiences that threaten a teen's sense of security.
As a teen therapist, trauma therapy and PTSD treatment is starting to be more sought after. As therapy for trauma and therapy for PTSD has been shown to be effective, teens and parents of teens are seeking out counselor specializing in trauma.
After a traumatic experience, a teen often feels helpless in a chaotic world. Trauma usually refers to experiences that call into question a person's physical safety. Trauma can also include extreme experiences that lead a teen to feel overwhelmed and isolated.
Trauma can result after one-time events like a car accident, a natural disaster or a sudden death. Trauma can also occur by exposure to long-term stress such as bullying, sexual harassment, poverty, and a serious medical condition.
For teens, trauma can include a difficult surgery, a messy break-up, persistent bullying, sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, and other factors. Not all trauma looks the same.
Signs That Your Teen Has Experienced Trauma
Teens react to trauma in different ways. The body and the mind interact with trauma in a variety of ways. Parents should be concerned when they notice the following signs over a prolonged period of time:
Shock or Denial
Lack of concentration
Decline in academic performance
Irritability
Mood swings
Guilt or pervasive shame
Isolation
Avoidance of people or places that remind them of the trauma
Social withdrawal
Sadness
Hopelessness
Unique aches and pains
Nightmares
Insomnia
Unusual fatigue
How To Help a Teen Who Has Experienced Trauma or Has PTSD
The good news is that there are many ways to help your teen through trauma. There are trauma therapy and PTSD treatment approaches that are supported by research and shown to be effective. Seeing a teen counselor who specializes in trauma therapy or PTSD treatment can help in many ways.
Therapy for trauma and finding counselors specializing in trauma is often the first step. And, there are things that you can do at home that can help a teen who has experienced trauma.
Encourage Physical Activity
Studies show that movement and exercise help release the endorphins and adrenaline associated with trauma. Consistent exercise can increase awareness and elevate energy levels.
As a parent you can exercise with your teen to help motivate them. Go for a walk, play a sport or take part in a yoga class.
Engage Your Teen in Social Experiences
With trauma usually comes isolation and withdrawal. When teenagers isolate and cut off social ties, this can result in depression and suicidal ideation.
It's important to keep your teen plugged into friends and social activities. One idea is to volunteer with your teen.
Volunteering to help others who have experienced trauma can encourage your teen to make sense of their experience and feel the benefits of giving back.
Stay Physically Healthy
Encourage your teen to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night. Help your teen make good choices around food. A balanced diet can help stabilize your teen as they struggle with trauma.
Monitor your teen and discourage the use of drugs or alcohol. Working on your teen's physical health is an important step in improving their mental health.
Seek Out a Teen Therapist Who Specializes in Trauma Therapy or PTSD Treatment
One of the most important things you can do is make sure your teen has a counselor who specializes in trauma to talk to process the trauma. There are different therapies that help teens work through their trauma:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) For Teen Trauma Therapy & PTSD Treatment
EMDR for PTSD and trauma is a therapeutic approach that is supported by research. It has been shown to work quicker than traditional talk therapy. EMDR is a go to for many therapists for trauma therapy and PTSD treatment.
Neurofeedback For Teen Trauma Therapy & PTSD Treatment
Neurofeedback for PTSD and trauma is also supported by research and shown to be effective. Neurofeedback for trauma has been shown to also be effective in less time than traditional talk therapy.
Depending on the severity, neurofeedback for PTSD and trauma therapy combined with Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be a powerful approach to trauma therapy and PTSD counseling.
Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) For Teen Trauma Therapy & PTSD Treatment
Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a gold standard in trauma counseling and PTSD therapy. TF-CBT has been shown to help teens resolve their struggles around trauma and is one approach specifically researched for teen trauma therapy and PTSD treatment.
Don't wait. There is no reason that your teen needs to carry around the heavy weight that trauma can create in their lives. Finding a teen counselor who specializes in trauma can make the world of difference in your teen's life.
It is very important the teen feels safe and comfortable with the therapist. Trauma work can be a sensitive experience for the teen. It is important they feel connected to their therapist and trust them.
Katy Teen & Family Counseling: Teen Trauma Therapy & PTSD Treatment
At the Katy, Tx location of Katy Teen & Family Counseling, we utilize those approaches for trauma therapy and PTSD treatment that are supported by research. These approach have been shown to work and typically in less time than traditional talk therapy.
If your teen is struggling with the effects of trauma in their lives, don't wait. At Katy Teen & Family Counseling, we have 50+ years of combined experience in teen counseling.
If you are ready to start your healing journey with one of our teen therapists, you can follow these three simple steps:
Contact Katy Teen & Family Counseling, PLLC.
Meet with one of our therapists specializing in trauma therapy or PTSD treatment.
Take that first step in breaking free of the bonds of trauma.
Other Teen Therapy, Family Counseling, & Young Adult Therapy Services Offered at Katy Teen & Family Counseling
At our Katy, Tx location of Katy Teen & Family Counseling, we also provide other services in addition to trauma therapy and PTSD treatment. We have therapists who also specialize in Marriage counseling and couples therapy.
While not intended, it can be stressful parenting a teen who is struggling with trauma. Our hearts break as parents as we gather all our resources at our disposal to help our teen. As a result, it can sometimes create strain on the relationship. Our marriage counselors and couples therapists can help.
We also provide other counseling and therapeutic services for teens, young adults, & families at our Katy, Tx location:
Board Certified Neurofeedback
Peak performance (optimal academic brain performance)
Peak performance (optimal athletic brain performance)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
About the Author
Quique Autrey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Quique specializes in teen therapy and helping teens build upon their innate strengths while developing skills and tools to overcome trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, ADHD, and more.
Quique views each individual through that lens and provides therapy for the family system which includes: teen therapy, young adult counseling, family counseling, marriage counseling & couples therapy.
Quique also has a passion for helping teens, young adults, and adults who may be on the Autism Spectrum. He has a talent for connecting with and helping people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If you're ready to start your healing journey in teen therapy, you can call us at 346-202-4662 or email us at info@katyteenandfamilycounseling.com.
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