Because helping troubled teens is such a big issue and concern for many people, especially parents, there have been literally hundreds of different methods, strategies and programs created to try and solve this problem. Because there are so many, it is hard to say which ones work and which ones are just a waste of time and money.
Research has shown that the things that are actually working to help troubled teens have some things in common. They include how they are family-based treatments, they revolve around attitudes of empathy, dignity, and respect for the troubled teen. Also, they are able to have the troubled teen stay at home during the program, except for some extreme situations.
All of the programs that have been proven effective are focused on creating better communication between the child and their parents. Knowing how to help troubled teens is something that all parents struggle with, but it should be known that in order for parents to help their teen, they first need to work on improving the communication between their teen and themselves. This is a great place to start.
In addition to establishing better communication between the parents and their children, these effective programs are also attempting to set clear boundaries for the troubled teens and ensure that their needs of being more independent are recognized and even met in safe and reasonable ways. They only use inpatient treatments when trying to help troubled teens that are a threat to themselves or those around them. If this is not the case, these proven methods recommend keeping the child at home where he or she can continue to be nurtured through the program.
Good therapy programs realize that each troubled teen is different. Knowing how to help troubled teens with their various, different problems will help to know how to help them properly. Giving them the right medications and treatments based on their unique issues makes a big difference in their recovery. This is not the case with residential programs because they are more of a one size fits all deal where not much is personalized for each unique teen.
The last issue that these effective programs have in common is taking the time to repair relationships in the home. Once the troubled teen and their parents or other family members that they are struggling with are able to get along, then the healing process can occur effectively with the facilitation of a nurturing home. Since helping troubled teens in the home is the main strategy, these issues within the home need to be taken care of first. |
