Are lying, disrespect, and dysfunction the new normal in your household? You may not know when it started, but it seems like there’s no end in sight. Teens in need of intervention benefit from a broad spectrum of counselling. They can also do well with holistic therapy.

Do You Have a Troubled Teen?

Most teens you know go through periods of conflict with parents. Drops in grades don’t have to mean that there’s trouble ahead. That said, both factors could point toward something that’s more than “just a phase.”

As a parent, the worst thing you can do is nothing. A wait-and-see approach can allow things to move from bad to worse. Touching base with a group of therapists who specialize in teen behaviour makes sense.

An assessment with experienced professionals can tell you what you’re dealing with. From there, troubled teen programs can assist you in helping your child overcome addictive behaviour patterns.

Possible Therapeutic Approaches

When therapists agree that your teen could benefit from counselling, they may propose a number of modalities. Examples include:

• Residential treatment that removes your teen from corrupt peer influences and dysfunctional behavioural patterns
• A structured environment with a school-like setting that appeals to teens
• Replication of real-life experiences that help build coping skills and healthy behavioural models
• Drug and alcohol treatment that assists teens who are on the verge of developing a substance abuse problem
• Individual counselling that ensures teens receive the care they need when they need it
• Holistic therapy as a means of healing the spirit and calming the mind

How Does Holistic Therapy Fit into a Behaviour Treatment for Troubled Teens?

Dysfunction affects the body and the mind. It can make you sick. Worry, for example, can lead to stomach problems. As a result, professionals need to treat the mind as well as the body.

Far too often, people forget that even teens have a sense of spirituality. You might not think about it when you see them acting out, but it’s there. Not treating the spiritual part of the person creates problems.

In addition to behavioural counselling, experts in the field also suggest guided meditation. Meditation is a holistic therapy that emphasizes awareness of the current moment. It’s of tremendous help for people with anxiety, depression, and addiction. Your teen learns how to quiet the mind and focus.

As a result, holistic therapy can be an excellent add-on to evidence-based behaviour treatments. Moreover, exercises such as Tai Chi and Yoga combine breathing, movement, and focus. They take the meditation a step further. Now, your teen transforms energy into coordinated movement and emphasizes personal control.

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

Teens usually don’t get better on their own. In fact, you may lose your influence if you allow a dangerous peer group to take over. In the case of drug or alcohol abuse, you run the risk of losing the teen to a substance. But this doesn’t have to happen to your youngster.

The experts at the Venture Academy routinely work with teens just like yours. Counselling professionals want to assist you with getting your teen back on track. You don’t have to let negative patterns become a new normal in your home. Call 866.762.2211 for more information and to schedule an appointment.