Adolescents (ages 14-17)

Patterson Psych Group, PLLC

Help for today, Hope for tomorrow

TREATMENT FOR ADOLESCENTS

Ages 14-17

We primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for adolescents.

CBT is a type of therapy that places emphasis on our thoughts and

how those affect our emotions and behaviors. CBT is not a specific

technique but incorporates a variety of similar techniques to bring

about the achievement of therapeutic goals.

The National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists points

out the following factors uniting the various strands of CBT:

Philosophy of personal responsibility -- the belief that a person's feelings and behaviors result not from external influences (such as people and events), but rather from one's own thoughts.
Focus on time limitations -- The NACBT reports that CBT patients receive on average of 16 sessions. (*The number can vary depending upon the client's participation and the willingness of the client to incorporate the techniques being learned*)
Collaboration -- the role of the therapist is to learn what the client wants out of life and then help the client achieve those goals. For adolescents, sometimes the goal is that of the parent or treatment team to reduce negative or undesirable behaviors. CBT is an effective approach to those types of goals as well.
A basis in the education model -- The objective of CBT isn't to "just talk," but rather to help clients recognize unhealthy thought patterns & learn new & more productive means of reacting to life events.
Structure & direction -- CBT therapists teach clients how to think & behave in more acceptable & effective ways through teaching instead of "telling them" or "directing them" as to what to do.

WHAT CAN CBT BE USED FOR?

CBT HAS BEEN RESEARCHED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN TREATING FOLLOWING PROBLEMS/DISORDERS FACED BY CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS: