Benefits of Teen Therapy in Michigan

Even at the age of 33, I can still remember what it felt like to be a teenager. Everything in your world feels entirely too big, but also entirely too small. In 2024, adolescence has become even more challenging. Teens today are navigating a world filled with unprecedented difficulties as they try to find their place and grow. Therapy offers numerous benefits for teenagers, including helping them manage their emotions, improving their communication skills, and boosting their self-esteem and confidence. 

There are many different interventions a practitioner can choose to do with a teenage client including practicing mindfulness techniques and relaxation therapy. 

Mindfulness: Proven Benefits for Teens

The Inner Strength Teen Program was a 12-week mindfulness-based curriculum for at-risk adolescents in an urban high school setting. The program aimed to improve self-regulation and self-compassion among participants.

The seven mindfulness techniques the students utilized included awareness of breath, open awareness, thought bubble, sound meditation, body scan, mindful eating, and compassion. 

Studies of the Inner Strength Teen Program highlights the potential of mindfulness practices to enhance resilience and socio-emotional skills among at-risk adolescents, especially in fostering self-compassion, which is associated with reduced stress and improved emotional well-being. The findings suggest that initial exposure to mindfulness yields the most substantial benefits, with additional sessions providing incremental support (Razza, Bergen-Cico, Reid, & Linsner Uveges, 2021). 

Relaxation Therapy for Teens

Another technique that can benefit teens in therapy is relaxation therapy. A study done in Bangladesh examined the effect of relaxation therapy on stress management among teenagers and adults. The study included a 28-day relaxation program, involving 30 participants (15 teenagers and 15 adults) and showed a gradual reduction in stress for both groups (Afrin & Tany, 2024). 

The participants engaged in daily relaxation activities, including Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) each morning and deep breathing exercises every night before sleep. Progressive Muscle Relaxation consists of tensing and then releasing certain muscles in the body. The goal is for the teenager to become more aware of their physical sensations to promote a sense of calm (Afrin & Tany, 2024). The teens also utilized deep breathing techniques. Stress levels were measured three times with results indicating a gradual decrease in stress for both age group (Afrin & Tany, 2024).

Consider Teen Therapy in Michigan

Therapy is highly beneficial for teens, especially for those lacking a strong support system, as it may be the only place where they feel emotionally supported. It provides a safe space for them to express and process their emotions with someone who genuinely sees, listens to, and cares about them. Therapy offers teens a vital foundation of support, helping them build emotional resilience, self-awareness, and the confidence needed to navigate life's challenges. Contact us to get started with online therapy for teens, or in-person therapy in Plymouth, MI or Grosse Ile, MI

About the Author: Teen Therapist Kyle Fisher

Kyle Fisher is a dedicated mental health professional with a passion for supporting teens and their families. With experience in therapeutic practices, he specializes in helping young individuals navigate the complexities of adolescence. Kyle is committed to fostering resilience and empowerment through evidence-based interventions, including mindfulness techniques and relaxation therapy. His warm and empathetic approach creates a safe space for clients to explore their emotions and develop coping strategies. Outside of his practice, Kyle enjoys engaging with the community and advocating for mental health awareness, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ population.