Most families feel they can work through the big issues with their teens. If our troubled teen was not in residential treatment we may not have family therapy. We did attend group therapy with other families before RTC, which was good but nothing like having a family therapy session helps troubled teens. Therapy is that dreaded word that no one wants to dive into, no one really wants to change so I think most people generally try to avoid any kind of therapy at all. I am learning the true meaning and value of “dreaded therapy”. Today, I can see how through each therapy session we have the tools to move closer as a family. Lava Heights academy is aware of the struggles families go through and we are here to serve you. Please call 866-452-8772 for free information on our premier treatment center.
When I was a troubled teen a friend and her family was going to therapy sessions, her brother had been caught using drugs. This was in the ‘70’s and family therapy was not real common at least not at my home. Later I learned that her parents were getting a divorce and that family therapy led to the divorce. Was it the parent’s discord that led to the son abusing drugs? Or was it the son’s drug abuse that made the parents realize they were incompatible? I guess one will never know and that is the chance a family may take. I never felt that her family was worse off because of the outcome
Most families with teens would benefit from some kind of “family therapy”. Teens will begin to isolate from their families at the age of 14. This is natural, but if the communication divide gets wider and wider, arguments begin to take place and the communication breakdown becomes hard to repair. My 14 soon to be 15 year old son spends countless hours in his room, very little time at the dinner table and talks primarily when spoken to. Sometimes he will choose to offer information but not very often. He is not confrontational and when we ask him to do something he may, sigh but usually follows through. So far my gut tells me life with him is still manageable for us.
If there is a lot of discord in a family such as constant grounding or taking away privileges then possibly “family therapy” can help everyone stay connected. Since my son who is 16, soon to be 17 is in an RTC we have family therapy 2x per month or every other week. During these sessions we learn about our son’s motivations in a safe environment and our son is forced to listen to our side too. I have learned during family therapy to take a back seat and listen when our son is expressing his feelings. It is during those times that I get the most benefit from our time. Sometimes I have to bite my tongue and it is worth it. Therapy allows our son to get very upset with us (and he usually does) he knows we have to listen and are not in control. It is a time of compromise, as parents we learn to accept our son’s life path and let him know that we want him to succeed.
Lava Heights Academy is Here to Help Troubled Teens
If you are ready to seek help for your troubled teen, consider Lava Heights Academy as a possible solution. Lava Heights Academy is here to provide you with the best available care. For more information regarding the help options available to troubled teens, call Lava Heights now at 866-452-8772.
