Trauma is an emotional response to experiencing or witnessing a fearful event. While many people experience trauma and process it appropriately, others do not. When trauma is not addressed and treated correctly, it can have devastating effects. For children and teens, untreated trauma can significantly impact development. Teen trauma is not rare. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCC), 61% of teens between 13 -17 have experienced at least one traumatic event.
At Imagine Nampa, we understand the importance of trauma therapy for teens’ healthy development. Seeking trauma therapy as soon as possible enables the brain to process the traumatic event for effective healing. Whether your teen has suffered childhood trauma or recent trauma, we provide comprehensive and holistic trauma therapy in a safe, welcoming environment. Call 888.503.4604 to learn more about how trauma therapy can benefit your teen and family.
The Importance of Trauma Treatment for Teens
Childhood and adolescence are formative times that lay the foundation for healthy physical and psychological development. Trauma can profoundly impact development and wellbeing, the risks of which increase when trauma goes untreated.
How each teen responds to a traumatic event is unique. For most, the symptoms of trauma ease over time as the brain processes the event. Still, sometimes the brain gets stuck in trauma, resulting in various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Other impacts of untreated teen trauma can include:
- Difficulty trusting others
- Inability to regulate emotions
- Relationship problems
- Cognitive impairments
- Social impairments
- Poor academic performance
- Behavioral issues
Chronic stress related to unresolved trauma impacts brain development, the immune system, and the central nervous system. Untreated trauma in teens has also been linked to chronic medical conditions and mental health disorders later in life. Seeking trauma treatment as soon as possible helps the brain process the traumatic event correctly for effective healing and overall wellbeing.
Recognizing the Need for Teen Trauma Therapy
It may not always be easy to recognize when your teen’s difficulties result from trauma. Many teens who have experienced trauma have fear, guilt, shame, and self-blame that prevent them from reporting the trauma, leaving parents, friends, and others in the dark. If you know your teen has experienced trauma, you should seek professional treatment, even if they do not appear to exhibit symptoms.
It is essential for parents, teachers, and other caregivers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of trauma, which can look different at different ages. Common things to look for in teens include:
- Engaging in risk-taking behaviors
- Drug or alcohol use
- A sudden or significant change in personality
- Severe or unprompted aggression or angry outbursts
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or previously enjoyed activities
- Self-harm or self-injurious behaviors
- Persistent talk of death, dying, or suicide
Teens who have experienced a life-threatening trauma, such as natural disasters or school shootings, and those who experience chronic trauma are more likely to develop PTSD. Teens with PTSD risk developing co-occurring disorders, including anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, and substance use disorders.
Evidence-based Trauma Treatment for Teens
Teens who experience trauma often struggle to acknowledge what happened and want to escape or ignore it. Because teens are more inclined to talk with friends or peers about their experiences, group therapy is highly beneficial for treating teen trauma and is an integral part of trauma therapy at Imagine Nampa.
In addition to group therapy, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Pet therapy
- Music therapy
- Interpersonal therapy
- Teen relationship therapy
- Family therapy
Our trauma therapy program enables teens to uncover trauma and helps them make sense of the event and its impacts. Because many teens turn to drug and alcohol use to cope with overwhelming feelings associated with their trauma, we offer dual diagnosis treatment for holistic healing.
Contact Imagine Nampa for Teen Trauma Therapy
Unresolved trauma can have devastating and lasting impacts on your teen. The earlier treatment happens, the better the outcomes will be. At Imagine Nampa, we provide trauma treatment that supports your teen and helps them overcome the challenges they face resulting from trauma so that they may heal and grow. If you know or suspect your teen is suffering from trauma impacts, reach out for help today. Contact Imagine Nampa at 888.503.4604.