Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents: How to Help Your Child?

One of the first real truths of being a teen is that it takes quite an unfair toll on a person. It’s completely understandable: adolescence comes with school pressure, social challenges, and mood swings. Parents often feel like their old methods no longer work — or worse, they may not be enough for their kids despite all efforts. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers one possible solution to tackle this issue. This approach has been found particularly effective by apps like theliven app: it’s measurable and consistent. When helping people struggling with feelings and actions that cause problems, few approaches work as effectively as this method. Before going into something head-on, parents need to understand how CBT works and what it can do for their child. 

CBT 101: What Parents Need to Know

Parenting is tough enough with all the assignments and daily chores to keep up with, so it’s natural you may not be familiar with all the therapeutic approaches. At its core: what exactly does CBT mean? 

CBT is an evidence-based psychological treatment that relies on the person’s ability to challenge and transform one’s unhelpful beliefs and behaviors into more productive ones. Phew, that was a difficult sentence, wasn’t it? Let’s try it more simply: it’s science meets practicality. How you think determines how you feel.

CBT works from the idea that how we think, feel, and act are all linked together and affect each other. Essentially, it’s all about changing our thoughts. For example, a person thinking, “No one likes me,” will experience anxiety and, as a result, isolate themselves from others. This, in turn, will only perpetuate the same beliefs. 

CBT offers a key to thinking differently — change how you think, and you’ll get a more fulfilling life.  Usually, people see results quickly because CBT doesn’t beat around the bush and focuses on actionable steps. Therapists applying this approach teach clients to identify harmful thoughts and develop better coping strategies. 

How can it help your teen do this, though?

Teenagers vs. CBT: Where Does the Need Stem From?

There’s no more stressful life than the one of a teenager. Those entering adolescence struggle with the world transforming right underneath their feet. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to many mental health troubles typical at that age: anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can go through the roof. This is the time of falling in love and first “adult” social difficulties. And that’s without the changes in teenage bodies that many struggle with. 

Many teens are also particularly prone to negative thinking caused by the changes in their brain chemistry and socialization. As a parent, you probably catch yourself musing that your kid looks at the world as if it’s black and white, don’t you? That’s another painful result of being a teen; don’t push your child, though. They don’t enjoy it either.

CBT can help teens target problematic life areas, whether it’s school, college preparation, or disruptive behaviors at home. Unlike other therapy methods that take years, it’s faster and helps with most daily challenges. Plus, CBT is easy to grasp for an average teenager who wants a toolkit for handling the new challenges out there.

Signs Your Teen May Need CBT

Parents know their kids best, but even they can sometimes raise their hands in exasperation and look at each other with silent worry. Some signs you may have noticed include:

• Emotional. This can be anything from excessive worry about studies or one’s recent date to rapid mood swings. Don’t look out for every time your teenager listens to a melancholic song — it’s normal to experience all sorts of things, especially sad music during high school years — but if your kid is always sad or distant, it might be a sign to pay close attention. 
• Behavioral. Has your child’s behavior changed? Some adults admit that even if the change they notice in their teens is positive, it’s not typical. Adolescents often go through the substance use phase, and yes, we’re talking about “easy” drugs and alcohol, too. Some parents look for signs of aggression or self-harm, which can be quite painful. However, behavior changes can be as minor as homework struggles or a lack of interest in things that used to bring joy.
• Cognitive. It’s more difficult to notice problematic thoughts because they aren’t always verbalized, but parents can observe a few slip-ups. Teens may engage in negative self-talk (e.g. “I am stupid” or “I won’t ever look good”) or second-guessing (“Do you think I offended them?”). These are the symptoms of underlying thoughts that can be even more troubling. 

Encouraging Your Teen to Try CBT

Encouraging a teenager to seek CBT can be tricky, especially if they feel resistant to the idea of therapy. Such situations are particularly vulnerable and intimate. Parents should create a safe environment at home to help teenagers feel comfortable. Try to initiate the talk and open up about your feelings: chances are, your child is already lost and unsure how to ask for help. Don’t demand answers immediately — suggest talking as a team in a family circle and remind them that you’re there for them.

Adolescents can react negatively to a suggestion of therapy, so don’t pile up your suggestions, even the most noble ones, all simultaneously. Bit by bit, explain how CBT can help them navigate their struggles. Use real-life examples or share anecdotes you feel might persuade them if you can. It’s always best to have some experience with therapy or read information about the best options in advance. Teenagers notice when parents are nervous — that’s their superpower.

Parents should involve teenagers in decision-making by encouraging them to research therapists, ask questions, and set their own goals. If their child is hesitant, they can start with small steps, such as reading about CBT together, watching a video on how it works, or even attending a first session just to “try it out.” Important note: if the child hesitates, adults shouldn’t push them. They will come around in time, but such choices should always be voluntary.

Looking Ahead

Parents are often oblivious to how important their support is for their young ones. Seeking help together as a team is the most essential step, and it will bring results — it just takes time and patience. CBT is an efficient therapeutic approach that, when implemented right, can help people challenge their thoughts and transform their emotions and behavior. 

A teenager can benefit from CBT’s goal-oriented approach, and parents can open up the dialogue about the potential testing session to check if their child will like the idea. As you approach this journey with your teen, remember that, while it’ll be bumpy and non-linear sometimes, you will reach your goal.