There’s a sinking feeling in your stomach. Your teen is getting the help they need at a residential treatment center. But you can’t shake this feeling of powerlessness and worry. You found the right treatment center, but something about your child being away doesn’t sit right.
While you stay in contact with them, it’s ultimately up to your teen to start and progress their healing process. It’s easy to second guess your decisions, wondering if there was anything you could have done differently. As the anxiety builds, you wish there was something you could do for your teen.
If your teen is in treatment, chances are this thought has gone through your mind. The good news is there is something you can do to help your teen. We’re here to give you a list of helpful tips on how to support your child’s healing journey.
How to Support Treatment for Your Teen
It’s great that your teen is in treatment. But once they get home, your support is vital to their long-term success. Whether you can relate to their struggles or not, many parents are left confused about how best to support a child recovering from trauma.
So, if you’re wondering how to support healing for your teen, we have you covered. Here are some changes you can work on, so that your teen returns to a home that supports their recovery.
Create a Positive Environment
It might sound cliché, but you want your teen’s good behavior to be rewarded and reinforced. Minimize judgement and provide opportunities for them to relieve stress in a healthy way. After all, this is the same logic behind adventure therapy, which has seen success in helping teens.
Be a Good Role Model
Your teen will naturally look at your behavior as an example to follow. If you’re supporting a struggling teen, think about putting yourself in their shoes. Reinforce what they learned in treatment by following similar rules.
Find Healthy Outlets for Stress
Your teen might be away at treatment, but you can still find healthy outlets for their stress when they’re away. Do some research into local sports leagues or hobbies to participate in once they return home. By having an activity ready to go, you show them that you’re invested in their long-term success.
Set Clear Rules and Expectations
Living with a struggling teen has its challenges. That’s why it helps to have a clear set of rules and expectations ready for when your teen returns. From a curfew to a responsibility list, setting clear expectations with your teen builds accountability and trust.
Practice Open Communication
Whether your teen’s challenges caught you by surprise or not, now that they’re in treatment, it’s the perfect time to practice open communication. Work on listening to what they’re saying to you during family therapy sessions and respond without judgement. An easy trick to help you get into this habit is to take a brief pause before speaking. If you’re open with your teen, chances are they will return the favor.
Regain Hope at Red Mountain Colorado
Red Mountain Colorado is a leader in teen residential treatment. We know the struggles you face when supporting your teen’s journey through the healing process. If your teen is struggling with behavioral and emotional issues, we’re here to help. Our unique approach seeks to address the underlying trauma that often fuels maladaptive coping behaviors. Learn how we can help your family by contacting our team today.