Adolescent Therapy
Current trends in the therapeutic treatment of adolescents
Adults benefit from their ability to "talk though" their issues and feelings. They have learned through time to verbalize complex and contradictory feelings and reactions. However, adolescents generally find it more difficult to eloquently verbalize such feelings: they are often overwhelmed and even confused by the seeming onslaught of complex feelings that come as they move toward adulthood. The lives of adults also create a more varied environment within which they experience their feelings. However, for teens, most conflicts involve differences between family members or issues over expectations of parents.
For adolescents, the approach of the therapist needs to reflect their current life experience. Therefore, "talk therapy" tends not to be as effective as therapy that involves activity or experience (such as experiential therapy, play therapy, and art therapy). These forms of therapy allow symbolic expression of internal conflicts. For example, in equine-assisted therapy (this is where the child interacts with horses as part of a therapeutic intervention), how the child interacts with his or her animal can give rich information to the therapist. Often times, the relationship that develops between the teen and the horse reflects their issues with relationships within the family. Sometimes the therapist will notice the teenager becomes the frustrated "parent" of the horse, and the therapist can use this experience to help the child understand the nature of the conflict between themselves and their parents.
Family therapy is essential when treating adolescents with behavioral or emotional problems. Improving communication between family members and helping both the parents and the teen understand how conflicts can be resolved through improved communication often result in significant improvements in the family relationship. If there is one element in a child's life that improves their chances for success in school and life, it is strong family bonds with positive, constructive communication. It is important that parents not feel defensive if the therapist focuses on changes in how they communicate with their teenagers. The need for such a change is not an indictment of the parents' abilities, it is simply a part of the therapeutic process that will help them better work with their adolescent and find solutions to behavioral issues.
The goal of therapy with adolescents is to help both the child and the parents understand why they act out with rebellious, willful behavior and how they can learn to express their needs and wants in a more productive way. When parents allow the process of re-forging the lines of communication, they dramatically improve their relationship with their teenager and create an environment where positive behavioral change is possible
