Ask a Therapist: My Teen Says I Don’t Understand Them. What Do I Do?
During an argument, my teenager said, “You don’t understand me.” This caught me off guard. I’ve known them their entire life and I’m with them nearly every day, of course I understand them! What should I do? While you do know your child, it’s important to recognize that knowing your teen is different than connecting with them. And, as…
Read MoreWhat Is Relational Trauma?
We know about “trauma” in general, but there are varying types that are worth learning more about. One type of trauma is relational trauma, which is trauma that develops between two or more people that are in close connection with each other. Brandon Holt, a therapist at Embark at The Forge, added: “Relational trauma encompasses…
Read MoreAsk A Therapist: What Should I Do If My Teen Is Having Suicidal Thoughts?
I just found out my teen has been having suicidal thoughts. Is this normal? When is it serious? How should I handle it, and what should I think? If you’re asking yourself these questions about teen suicide warning signs, Dustin Tibbitts, LMFT and Division President at Embark Behavioral Health, has some answers about what to look for, how to talk…
Read MoreYou Found Out Your Daughter Is Cutting: What Should You Do?
Cutting tends to be more prevalent in teen girls, with the self-injury rate less prominent in young males. According to a report published in the American Journal of Public Health, about 1 in 4 teen females in the United States have intentionally injured themselves, compared to 1 in 10 teen males. Why Teens Cut —…
Read MoreAsk a Therapist: How Do I Tell My Teen They’re Going to A Residential Treatment Center?
We’ve tried outpatient programs and other treatment options for my child, but it seems like they need a different level of care. It’s time to send them to a residential treatment center. I know this is the right decision, but I’m nervous about its effects on my relationship with my child. Will my child feel like I’m abandoning them if I…
Read MoreAsk A Therapist: What Do I Do If My Child Is Getting Bullied Online?
As parents and guardians, bullying looks dramatically different for today’s kids compared to what we may have experienced. For starters, bullying isn’t just present in the school or at the local hangouts anymore — it can now follow our kids wherever they go. Furthermore, cyberbullying allows this threat to extend outside of the child’s peer group to complete strangers. Scott Boice, clinical director…
Read MoreEmbark’s CEO Named One of the Most Influential Healthcare Entrepreneurs in the U.S
Alex Stavros, Chief Executive Officer of Embark Behavioral Health, a network of nationwide therapy centers for adolescents and young adults, has been chosen by The Healthcare Insights as one of the U.S.’s most influential healthcare entrepreneurs. “With the goal of improving healthcare for all, (these individuals) are continually strengthening the healthcare industry and setting a precedent…
Read MoreTeen Angst: What to Expect During the Teenage Years
Teen angst can often involve arguing, emotionality, storming off, sullenness, and drama. Understandably, this behavior often leaves parents exasperated, frustrated, and hurt. How do you handle teen angst, especially as it’s part of being a typical teen? And, how do you know if this behavior is “normal teen” moodiness or if it’s something more? Are teenage mood swings typical? We asked Alex Hamilton, Clinical Director of Lake House Academy, about teen angst and…
Read More5 Solid Steps to Guard Your Teen Against Social Media Addiction and Other Online Threats
Parents are concerned about social media addiction and how much time their teens spend on social networking sites. Seeing their kids on their phones or in front of their laptops frequently may lead parents to wonder, “Do we have an internet addiction problem?” The Negative Effects of Social Media Use The use of social media and technology keeps us connected to family and friends who…
Read More4 Essential Strategies for Parenting a Teenage Girl with a Mental Illness
Your teenage girl has been diagnosed with a mental illness. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to understand the mental health condition and help your loved one. You might feel relieved to have an explanation for why she’s shown a lack of interest and has been withdrawn, lashing out, experiencing mood swings, and other warning signs —…
Read MoreAre Celebrities Good Role Models for Teens?
Throughout adolescence, your teenage son or daughter will go through the process of developing their identity, and they may feel they found that in a celebrity, influencer, movie star, rapper, or other notable figure. They may look up to these famous people to help them determine their own values, goals, beliefs, style, and more. As…
Read MoreCould Your Teen be Experiencing PTSD?
Is your teen showing new behaviors that don’t seem like them at all? It could be PTSD. Read more about what to look for & what you can do to seek treatment.
Read More