• Residential Treatment Program for Teens 12-18

Defiance

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From Overwhelmed to Regulated: Solstice’s Sensory Room
From Overwhelmed to Regulated: Solstice’s Sensory Room 1200 800 The Solstice Team

The Sensory Room at Solstice West RTC: What It Is, How It Works, and What We’re Learning

In 2025, we launched a sensory room at Solstice West RTC to support students who live with trauma histories and those with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The room was designed in collaboration with Ellie Pugmire, a PhD candidate in Occupational Therapy at Widener University, and included a structured five‑week staff training to ensure the space is used effectively and ethically.

Quick answer: What is a sensory room?

A sensory room offers controlled sensory input—lighting, textiles, gentle movement, sound—to help the nervous system settle or organize. In our program, teens learn when and how to use sensory tools, practice skills for down‑regulation, and then return to therapy, classes, or daily routines with more readiness to learn and connect. 

Why a sensory room for teens in treatment?

Trauma, ASD Level 1, and the nervous system

Trauma and sensory‑processing differences can show up as “too much” (hyperarousal: fight/flight) or “too little” (hypoarousal: shutdown). Sensory modulation strategies aim to bring arousal back into a workable range so teens can participate in therapy, schoolwork, and relationships—consistent with trauma‑informed care. Emerging evidence from inpatient settings suggests that sensory‑modulation approaches can aid de‑escalation and complement efforts to reduce restrictive practices.

What’s in our sensory room (and how we teach skills)

Tools and features

The space includes adjustable, dim lighting, weighted items, and bilateral/rhythmic activities, along with structured protocols for timing, consent, and goal alignment. We use it briefly and purposefully (not as a reward or escape), document goals for each session, and integrate the skills into therapy and school transitions.

5‑week staff training and ethical use

Ellie developed a five‑week training that covers sensory processing basics, practice in the room, and when not to use a tool. The aim is consistent, ethical use across staff so the room remains therapeutic—not recreational—and students generalize skills to everyday contexts.

“Trauma is often stored in the body, and addressing sensory needs can help students process their experiences more effectively,” notes Jane Peterson, Executive Director. Even students without a formal sensory diagnosis may benefit from targeted sensory interventions when these are used thoughtfully within a broader treatment plan.

What does the research say?

Sensory rooms and sensory modulation in mental‑health settings

In acute psychiatric settings, studies and reviews describe sensory rooms (sometimes called “calm rooms”) as a trauma‑informed option that can support de‑escalation and patient autonomy. Recent mixed‑methods and review papers suggest promise for reducing distress and complementing efforts to reduce seclusion/restraint, while also noting implementation and measurement challenges. In short: useful tools, still developing evidence.

Sensory integration for autism: where evidence is mixed

For autistic children, the large SenITA randomized controlled trial found no main effects of manualized Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) on primary outcomes versus usual care at 6 months, though carers reported improved goal attainment during the intervention; subgroup signals require replication. Recent professional statements emphasize fidelity and matching interventions to individual goals. 

Translation: sensory‑based supports may help some youth meet specific participation goals, but it is not a universal “fix,” and expectations should be individualized.

teen uses a weighted blanket to relieve stress

Weighted blankets: small benefits, safety first

A 2024 systematic review of RCTs found small positive effects of weighted blankets on anxiety, with mixed findings for insomnia; no serious adverse events were reported, but studies were small and heterogeneous. A 2024 narrative review likewise suggests potential sleep benefits while calling for larger trials. 

Safety note: weighted items should be used with guidance, and only by individuals who can independently remove them. 

How we measure outcomes (data‑informed care)

From day one, we built documentation into the workflow: brief session notes, goals (e.g., overwhelm rating before/after, time to re‑engage in class), and tracked patterns (e.g., which tools help which students). This aligns with occupational therapy practice guidance to pair interventions with meaningful, individualized outcomes and transparent documentation. 

How families can use these ideas at home

At a recent family seminar, Ellie led 30‑minute psychoeducation on sensory concepts and practical carryover—simple routines like previewing transitions, offering choice, and building a small “regulation station” (earbuds, fidgets, soft lighting). Families left with safety guidance and a plan to test one or two tools, not ten at once.

About Solstice West

Solstice West RTC is located in Layton, Utah. Academic instruction is delivered by Utah‑licensed teachers, and our clinical team integrates OT‑informed sensory strategies within a trauma‑informed, relationship‑based model of care. Tours are available by request.

What to do next

  1. Ask for a walk‑through. Seeing the room helps you picture how it supports therapy and school.
  2. Talk to our team about whether sensory‑based strategies fit your teen’s treatment goals.
  3. If you’re a district partner, we can coordinate observation or consultation.

Talk With Our Team About the Right Next Step

If your teen’s life is impacted by disregulation and you’re searching for residential support, our admissions team can help you understand whether Solstice West may be the right fit.

Contact Our Team   |   Call Now

FAQs

How long are sessions in the sensory room?
Short and goal‑focused. Teens enter with a purpose (e.g., down‑regulate after therapy), practice for minutes—not hours—and return to class or sessions when ready.

Is a sensory room the same as sensory integration therapy (ASI)?
No. A sensory room is a setting and set of tools used for regulation. ASI is a manualized therapy delivered by trained OTs with fidelity; evidence is mixed, and expectations should center on individualized goals.

Are weighted blankets safe for teens?
They can be safe when used correctly and may offer small benefits for anxiety/sleep, but they’re not right for everyone. Use only if the teen can remove the blanket independently and review with a clinician if there are respiratory/sleep concerns. 

Do sensory rooms reduce seclusion or restraint?
Findings are encouraging but mixed. Implementation studies and reviews suggest sensory rooms/modulation can support de‑escalation as part of broader trauma‑informed changes (training, policy, environment). Measurement and context matter.

 

Crisis and safety note

If you or your child is in immediate danger or is considering self-harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

For 24/7 support in the United States, you can call or text 988 or chat via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or national crisis service. This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or mental-health advice.

 

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Trauma‑Informed Schools: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Child Learn Again
Trauma‑Informed Schools: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Child Learn Again 1000 667 The Solstice Team
What this guide covers:
Trauma can make even a “good” school feel overwhelming for a child. This guide helps parents understand what a trauma-informed school actually looks like, why it’s often a better fit for kids who’ve been through hard things, how to tell when school isn’t enough, and when a therapeutic program like Solstice West RTC may be the right next step.
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Trauma-Informed Schools & Therapeutic Programs: A Parent Guide

If your child has been through something hard—a serious accident, medical trauma, family violence, loss, or ongoing stress—school can suddenly feel like a minefield. You might see more stomachaches, school refusal, meltdowns over small changes, or calls from the nurse that “they just don’t feel well.”

It’s easy to wonder:
Is this just teen behavior… or is it a trauma response? Can school actually help?

This guide will help you:

  • Understand what a trauma-informed school is (and why it can be a better fit for kids with trauma)
  • Recognize how trauma shows up at school
  • Know when a therapeutic school may be needed
  • See how Solstice West RTC builds trauma-informed classrooms within a therapeutic program

Large national surveys show that about three in four U.S. high-school students report at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), and nearly one in five report four or more—and higher ACE counts are strongly linked with mental-health symptoms and school-related risks like substance use and suicidality.

Teachers can build positive relationships with students and often notice changes in behavior.

Quick answer: What is a trauma-informed school?

A trauma-informed school is one where adults understand how stress and adversity affect learning and behavior, and use that knowledge to shape the entire environment. Core elements include:

  • Safety and trust (clear rules, predictable routines, emotionally safe staff)
  • Awareness of trauma and how it affects attention, emotions, behavior, and health
  • Strong relationships and co-regulation between adults and students
  • Student voice and choice in age-appropriate ways
  • Family partnership and culturally responsive practices

Behavior is seen as communication, not just “good” or “bad,” and responses focus on skill-building and avoiding re-traumatization instead of relying only on punishment.

Put simply, a trauma-informed school is designed so that a child’s nervous system can calm down enough to feel safe and learn.

Why trauma makes school so hard

Trauma can change how a child’s brain and body handle:

Even normal school environments can overwhelm a sensitized nervous system.

  • Attention and working memory
  • Sleep and energy levels
  • Emotion regulation and impulse control

National guidance notes that after trauma, many children struggle with concentration, become more easily startled, and are more likely to experience physical complaints and sleep disruption—all of which interfere with school tasks. 

In a busy school day with bells, crowds, tests, and social pressure, that can show up as:

  • Big reactions to small changes (a substitute teacher, a seating change)
  • Trouble starting or finishing multi-step tasks
  • Withdrawing from friends or refusing certain classes (presentations, PE)
  • Frequent visits to the nurse or calls home to be picked up

None of this means your child is broken or “just being difficult.” It usually means their body and brain are working extra hard to stay safe in an environment that feels unpredictable or overwhelming.

Children’s responses to trauma: emotional, behavioral, and physical

Major organizations like NIMH, SAMHSA, and CDC describe a wide range of normal responses after trauma, which can vary by age and may last for days to weeks. 

Emotional responses

Patterns of behavior can show deeper connection to trauma.

  • Increased fear, anxiety, or worrying about safety
  • Sadness, guilt, or shame about what they did or didn’t do
  • Irritability, anger, or feeling emotionally “numb”

Behavioral responses

  • Clinginess (younger children) or withdrawal (older kids and teens)
  • Regression (bed-wetting, baby talk, needing more help)
  • Trouble concentrating and forgetfulness
  • Regression in academic skills or work quality
  • Risk-taking, including substance use (especially in teens)

Physical responses

  • Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep; nightmares
  • Sleeping much more than usual
  • Ongoing headaches, stomachaches, or GI issues without a clear medical cause

NIMH emphasizes that many of these reactions improve over time with support and routine, but that persistent symptoms beyond about a month, or severe reactions at any time, are reasons to seek professional help. 

In the classroom, this may look like late or missing work, zoning out, skipping class, drama with peers, or constant nurse visits, layered on top of either withdrawal or acting out.

What makes a school truly trauma-informed?

You’ll see “trauma-informed” on a lot of websites now. The question is whether it matches evidence-based frameworks like those from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).

Here’s what to look for and ask about:

1. Routines and predictability

  • The day’s schedule is posted and reviewed.
  • Staff preview changes (assemblies, drills, substitute teachers).
  • Transitions have clear, consistent steps.

NCTSN’s system framework highlights predictable routines as a core part of trauma-informed school environments because predictability helps regulate students’ stress responses.

2. Relationships and co-regulation

  • Teachers model basic regulation skills (brief breathing or stretch breaks).
  • When a child escalates, the first move is connection and calming, not punishment.
  • Adults greet students by name and notice when something is off.

SAMHSA’s guidance for children and youth after traumatic events stresses that supportive, calm adults are the key factor in helping kids cope, which is exactly what good co-regulation provides. 

Teen girls can be good at masking symptoms. Teachers who prioritize relationship-based teaching can help spot changes in behavior. 

3. Voice, choice, and agency

  • Students get small but real choices (order of tasks, project format, partner options).
  • There are clear ways to ask for a break or support without being shamed.

Choice increases a sense of control, which is especially important for kids whose control was taken away during trauma.

4. De-escalation spaces that teach skills

Some classrooms or schools use a “calm corner” or quiet space. In a trauma-informed school, this space is:

  • Taught like any other routine (when to use it, how long, what to do there)
  • Filled with tools that build skills (visual timer, movement, sensory supports), not just a place to escape work

5. Instruction that lowers overload

  • Directions are chunked into smaller steps with visuals.
  • Lessons include short regulation breaks (stretch, breathe, stand and talk).

For a dysregulated brain, this can be the difference between “I can’t” and “I can try.”

6. Restorative, not purely punitive, discipline

Instead of “What’s wrong with you?” a trauma-informed school asks:

“What happened? Who was affected? What do you need to repair and move forward?”

NCTSN and other school safety organizations encourage restorative approaches to reduce exclusionary discipline and keep kids connected to learning, which is protective for mental health.

How parents can support their child right now

Even in a great trauma-informed school, home routines matter.

Co-regulation and structure

After trauma, kids need more connection and consistency, not fewer rules. Best practices emphasize keeping routines as normal as possible while offering extra reassurance and support.

  • Keep wake times, bedtimes, and school routines as steady as you reasonably can.
  • Use calm, clear limits: “It’s okay to feel angry. It’s not okay to hit. Let’s find a safe way to let it out.”
  • Pair correction with connection: “That wasn’t okay, and I’m still right here with you.”

Quick script before school

“Let’s do two slow breaths together, then we’ll walk to the car. You don’t have to like everything about today. You just have to take the next step. I’m with you.”

Teacher greeting family before school.

Talk with teachers in a way that builds partnership

You don’t have to share everything. Focus on what teachers need to know to respond well:

  • One line about what’s hard
  • One or two things that help
  • A clear ask

Email template

Hi [Teacher’s Name],

[Child] recently went through a difficult event. Since then, they’ve been more anxious and may struggle with changes in routine or loud settings.

What helps: a brief heads-up before big changes and a 2–3 minute break to reset.
Could we set up a simple plan and a quick check-in in a few weeks to see how it’s going? I appreciate your support so much.

When school supports aren’t enough: signs your child might need a therapeutic school

Sometimes, even with solid trauma-informed practices and outpatient therapy, a child’s needs go beyond what a traditional school can safely provide.

Consider talking with your child’s providers about a therapeutic school (day or residential) if you see patterns like:

  • Safety concerns at school (frequent crisis events, running away, serious self-harm or aggression)
  • Ongoing school refusal despite consistent efforts and supports
  • Multiple suspensions, alternative placements, or “soft pushes” to leave
  • Trauma symptoms thataren’t improving after several months of therapy and school accommodations
  • Your child needing intensive therapeutic work that can’t fit into evenings and weekends
  • School staff saying, “We’re trying, but we don’t have the level of support they really need.”

These are the situations where a therapeutic school—integrating academics, intensive therapy, and 24/7 milieu support—may offer the level of containment and treatment your child needs.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy on trauma-informed care points out that systems often need to adjust intensity and environment to match the level of adversity and symptoms; sometimes that means a more specialized setting for a period of time.

What to look for in a therapeutic school

Whether you’re considering Solstice West RTC or another program, look for:

  • Trauma-informed classrooms
    • Routine and predictability
    • Co-regulation and strong teacher-student relationships
    • Skill-focused de-escalation spaces
  • Licensed teachers and a clear academic plan that can coordinate with your home district
  • Integrated clinical support (individual, family, and group therapy)
  • Family involvement and transition planning back to home or a less intensive setting

This mirrors what NCTSN describes as a tiered, trauma-informed school system: universal practices for everyone, plus more intensive interventions for students with higher needs. 

How Solstice West supports students with trauma at school

At Solstice West RTC in Layton, Utah:

  • Instruction is provided by Utah-licensed educators in small, trauma-informed classrooms.
  • Our academic program is listed on the California Department of Education’s out-of-state nonpublic school directory and on Washington’s OSPI-approved nonpublic agency list for education placements (districts can verify current status on those official sites). 

In the classroom, that looks like:

  • Daily routines and previewed schedule changes
  • Teachers trained in trauma-informed practices and co-regulation, not just content
  • Calm, structured spaces for students to practice regulation skills without losing dignity
  • Voice and choice in assignments and projects, so students rebuild a sense of control
  • Close collaboration between therapists, teachers, and families on goals and accommodations

Our team also works with home districts to plan:

  • Credit transfer
  • 504/IEP coordination
  • Step-down options and re-entry plans, so gains made here transfer back home

The overall approach aligns with AAP’s trauma-informed care recommendations—strengthening relationships, buffering adversity, and promoting healthy development.

When to seek professional help (beyond school changes)

Reach out to your child’s healthcare provider or a licensed mental-health professional if: 

  • Symptoms last longer than 2–4 weeks or are still strong after about a month
  • Reactions get worse instead of slowly improving
  • Problems interfere with school, friendships, or family life
  • There are ongoing physical complaints without a clear medical cause

Reach out immediately (same day; emergency services if needed) if you notice:

  • Talk of self-harm or suicide
  • Dangerous risk-taking or substance use
  • Severe school refusal combined with major withdrawal
  • Behavior that makes you fear for your child’s safety or someone else’s

For urgent emotional support in the U.S., you can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time.

What to do next

  1. Spot patterns, not one-off bad days. Use the emotional/behavioral/physical lists above.
  2. Ask your child’s school: “What trauma-informed supports are already in place for my child, and what else could we try?”
  3. If school struggles continue, request a 504/IEP evaluation in writing and set a date to review progress.
  4. If your child’s needs are beyond what school and outpatient care can safely hold, talk with your child’s providers about therapeutic school options, including whether Solstice West RTC might be an appropriate next step.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. A good trauma-informed school or therapeutic program will treat you as a partner, not a problem.

Talk With Our Team About the Right Next Step

If your teen is struggling with trauma symptoms, our admissions team can help you understand options and whether Solstice West may be the right fit.


Contact Our Team

Call Now
Confidential support for families. We’re here to help you get clarity.

Crisis and safety note

If you or your child is in immediate danger or is considering self-harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

For 24/7 support in the United States, you can call or text 988 or chat via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or national crisis service. This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or mental-health advice.

References

  1. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Helping children and adolescents cope with traumatic events. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved 2025. (National Institute of Mental Health)
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012). Tips for talking with and helping children and youth cope after a disaster or traumatic event: A guide for parents, caregivers, and teachers (HHS Publication No. SMA-12-4732). (SAMHSA Library)
  3. National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2017, updated 2021). Creating, supporting, and sustaining trauma-informed schools: A system framework. (NCTSN)
  4. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Trauma-informed care in child health systems. Pediatrics, 148(2), e2021052579.https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-052579 (AAP Publications)
  5. Swedo, E. A., et al. (2024). Adverse childhood experiences and health conditions and risk behaviors among high school students—Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023. MMWR Supplements, 73(4), 39–49.https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.su7304a5 (CDC)
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2019). Helping children and adolescents cope with traumatic events. (ATSDR)
mother child relationship
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On the Same Side: Building Positive Mother-Child Relationships
On the Same Side: Building Positive Mother-Child Relationships 1707 2560 The Solstice Team

Building Healthy Mother-Child Relationships

Mother-child relationships are often complex and surprisingly complicated. During the teenage years, many children crave independence and autonomy, they view themselves as almost adults who are ready to make their own decisions. On the other hand, parents still view teenagers as their children. They want to shield their teen from making mistakes and feel that it is still their job as a parent to step in. With a child on one end of the spectrum and a mother on the other end, it can feel like too much ground to cover to meet in the middle. But there are ways to protect and build a positive mother-child relationship. 

At the root of the discourse in many mother-child relationships is miscommunication. Parents often believe that they are helping their teen by stepping in and making a choice, but the reality is that this feels stifling to teens which can cause them to pull away even further. What most children really want is for their mothers to actually listen. Teens feel more confident that a resolution can be achieved without the negativity of anger from their mom when those mothers are willing to listen and communicate without judgment. When mothers can communicate calmly and without judgment, teen children are more willing to open up and share their struggles.

Mother-child relationships can also benefit from mothers staying engaged in their daughter’s lives. When your child is constantly trying to push you away, it can feel exhausting to try and stay engaged. Sometimes it can feel like an epic battle just to get vague details about their school day or what they did with their friends yesterday. Even with all the pushback, mothers need to stick with it. Set aside some alone time in a low-pressure situation. Something like a car ride gives you time together and is an opportunity to talk without the pressure of sitting down at the table for a big conversation. Ask their to choose the music. Check in about their day. Ask their how their friends are doing. Mothers can show their children that they are genuinely interested in their lives and interests. There doesn’t need to be any goals for these talks, just a chance to connect with one another. 

“Because I said so”, is a common phrase in the parenting handbook. It’s what most parents fall back on to end an argument when everything else has failed. Parents are the adults in the mother-child relationship and while it is important to remain a parent and not try to be a friend, there is value in knowing when you have made a mistake. Children who feel misunderstood or wronged in a situation may push harder against boundaries that they feel are unfair. When a mother can look at a situation when they was wrong or made a mistake, and admit it to their daughter, it shows that the rules are not arbitrary. The boundaries are there because you truly believe that it is the best choice to keep their safe and help their continue to grow towards adulthood. The simple act of hearing, “I was wrong” from a parent can be very powerful for a teen. It breaks down the me vs. their mentality. And seeing you model the behavior of acknowledging your own mistakes, shows their how they can take responsibility for their own behaviors as well. 

Solstice RTC Can Help

Family therapy interventions are at the heart of our clinical program. We firmly believe in the strong nature and immense importance of family relationships. Research studies on the effectiveness of residential treatment indicate that the most significant factor in creating positive long-term outcomes for the child is parental involvement in the treatment process. Parental involvement is defined not only by the parents being actively involved in the child’s treatment but being actively involved in their own treatment and growth process. For more information please call (866) 278-3345.

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Emotional First Aid Strategies for Defiant Teens
Emotional First Aid Strategies for Defiant Teens 2560 1920 The Solstice Team

When it comes to engaging in conversations with defiant teens, you are more likely to get into a power struggle than to start a dialogue, particularly when they are on the defense. More often than not, teens are not intentionally defiant. Instead, they are struggling to advocate for themselves and gain more independence, but they may go about this in an emotional state rather than a rational state. To avoid getting into a cycle of arguments and resentment, it can be helpful for parents, professionals, and other authority figures to offer emotional first aid to defiant teens.

What is Emotional First Aid?

The goal of emotional first aid is to resolve the immediate crisis, not underlying issues. We enter power struggles when we bring in other examples of their defiance or try to focus on the bigger picture, rather than focusing on the details of the incident at hand. For example, in a crisis situation, the first people to respond will be the Emergency Medical Technicians that can offer stabilization and first aid, but the underlying issues won’t be resolved until they are admitted to the hospital and consult with a specialist. In the same way, in the middle of an argument with a defiant teenager, the goal is to stabilize their emotions. The crisis may not be resolved until they are able to return later and talk it out, after consulting friends or a therapist. 

Why Does This Work Well with Defiant Teens?

It is a natural instinct to fight fire with fire and to react to instances of disrespect, rebellion, or verbal threats. But this only adds fuel to the teen’s anger. If you try to match their energy, they are more likely to use this against you and the resentment will build. Instead, emotional first aid shows a willingness to meet teens where they are at and hear them out. This may come as a surprise to a teenager who may not be used to this and may be expecting the argument to escalate. If they are unable to cool off on their own, it is the adult’s role to help them co-regulate. This also begins the process of healing the relationship.

How Can I Support My Defiant Teen?

 

  • Drain off Emotions. When teenagers don’t have the skills to regulate their emotions on their own, encouraging them to vent and process what they are feeling can help them calm down so that they can think about what they are asking for in a clearer space. Active listening and reassuring them that their emotions are valid are necessary to help teens co-regulate. This does not necessarily mean giving into their demands, but rather helps them explain their perspective and advocate for themselves in a healthier way.
  • Clarify Events of Immediate Crisis. When a teenager is overwhelmed by emotions, they are more likely to catastrophize and exaggerate the details of a situation. They are more likely to have a distorted view of how the situation occurred and the other person’s intentions. Once they are able to take a step back from the situation, they are better able to put things into perspective, reinterpret the event, and keep things in focus. Sometimes, this might look like asking for a timeline of events, asking them to tell you more about how a turn in events made them feel, or pointing out inconsistencies in their story.
  • Maintain the Relationship and Lines of Communication. In the midst of an angry outburst, it is easy for there to be a total breakdown of communication, where one person will refuse to talk, storm off angrily, or leave the conversation with more confusion than when the situation began. By using active listening skills, sharing insight, and using supportive language, not only are teenagers more likely to feel heard, they are also more likely to soften up and show appreciation for the conversation. If it is not appropriate to address the situation immediately, offer to check in at a different time. This shows that you are still open to a conversation and that the incident doesn’t change how you feel about the relationship.
  • Remind the Child of Expectations. Like most people, teenagers are not very responsive to being told that they are wrong or that they can’t do something. There are ways to be more subtle about encouraging opposite behaviors, rather than just calling out negative behaviors. Instead of telling them to do something, they may be more responsive to asking if you’ll join them in doing something. Use positive, non-judgmental language to remind them of expectations, like “remember to ask before doing something” rather than “don’t do something without asking for permission next time.” While the message is the same, gentle directives are generally received more openly than closed-ended demands–from either side.

 

Solstice RTC Can Help

Solstice Residential Treatment Center is a program for young girls and assigned female at birth ages 12-18 who struggle with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or relationship struggles. This program provides three types of therapy: individual, group, and family therapy. Solstice Residential Treatment Center is dedicated to teaching teens how to incorporate healthy habits into their lives. Students will leave with the skills they need to transition into the world feeling confident, happy, and able to manage their emotions. 

Contact us at 866-278-3345. We can help your family today!

help for a defiant teenage daughter
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Overcoming the Power Struggle: Help For A Defiant Teenage Daughter
Overcoming the Power Struggle: Help For A Defiant Teenage Daughter 6000 4000 The Solstice Team

Finding help for a defiant teenage child can be a difficult process. With hormonal changes, it can feel like a constant power struggle. When your teen is constantly going against you or striking an argument, it is important that you don’t fuel the fire. You should understand that your teenager may be very vulnerable, dealing with school stress, and/or the pressure to fit in. These stresses can build up and cause teenagers to be defiant. Defiance in teenagers can reveal itself in a number of ways. Some of these ways can include:

  • Back-talking
  • Eye-rolling
  • Purposefully not listening
  • Disregarding rules
  • Missing curfew
  • Lying
  • Disrespectfulness

Getting Your Defiant Teenage Child Under Control

While you may feel alone and helpless at times, rest assured knowing that there are ways you can help your teen transition from their defiant behavior to respectful behavior. Your approach to this task has a critical role in determining whether or not they respond in a positive way. Here are some methods that can help you get your defiant teenage child under control:

    1. Develop self-respect. This is the first step in trying to improve your teen’s sense of respect—develop your own self-respect. Know your bottom line and stand firmly in it. Set clear expectations of how you want to be treated and hold your teen accountable. Setting limits from the beginning establishes a solid foundation to build upon.
    2. Emphasize alternative actions. A lot of times defiant teens may think their behavior or attitude is going to solve their frustrations or problems. This is simply not the case. Make sure your teen knows that yelling, eye-rolling, and being disrespectful is no way to reach a positive outcome. Teach your teen to problem solve in a more effective manner.
    3. Plan ahead. It is important that you are always equipped and prepared to handle defiant behaviors. Being overly reactive and responding in an angry outburst will only make matters worse. Come up with a plan to address the situation in a meaningful way that is seeking the best interest of your teen.
    4. Ask for help. Rest assured knowing you are not the first parent to have to deal with defiant teenage behaviors. Do not hesitate to ask for help. Seek out community resources or family and friends to help enforce expectations for your teen or to give advice when you need it. Talking to someone can be extremely helpful.

Solstice Residential Treatment Center can help

Solstice Residential Treatment Center is a program for young girls and assigned female at birth ages 12-18 who struggle with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or relationship struggles. This program provides three types of therapy: individual, group, and family therapy. Solstice Residential Treatment Center is dedicated to teaching teens how to incorporate healthy habits into their lives. Students will leave with the skills they need to transition into the world feeling confident, happy, and able to manage their emotions. We can help your family today!

Contact us at 866-278-3345

 

where to send a defiant teenager
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Where to Send a Defiant Teenager: Why Residential Treatment Works
Where to Send a Defiant Teenager: Why Residential Treatment Works 6016 4016 The Solstice Team

The teenage years are tough. Sometimes as a parent it can feel like you are in a constant power struggle with your teen. Hormonal changes can result in occasional defiant behavior and a lot of attitude. However, defiant behaviors have limits. When these limits are exceeded it may be time to make decisions about where to send a defiant teenager that will help your teen and your family as a whole. This can be a difficult decision to make as a parent, but you are not alone. Seeking professional help may be just what your child needs to get themselves back on track to a more successful future.

Your next thought may be: I don’t know where to send a defiant teenager. The answer may be a residential treatment center. Before you disregard the idea, you should learn more of what this type of treatment can do for teens.

Why Residential Treatment?

If you don’t know where to send a defiant teenager, a residential treatment center may be the best fit for your teen. You should not hesitate in seeking professional advice to offer resources to therapeutic programs as such. Residential treatment centers can be very beneficial for teens who struggle with defiant behavior. Here is how:

  • Residential treatment centers pull the individual from the chaos, distractions, and perhaps triggers that surround them in their everyday lives which helps them to focus on improving their behaviors.
  • The relationship-based approach within residential treatment allows your teen to work on relational struggles. This type of approach is helpful in giving your teen the skills they need to transition back to the relationships they have at home.
  • A holistic approach is taken through residential treatment. This basically means the teenager is addressed as a whole rather than simply identifying the issue or behavioral issue. The teen is able to look at themselves as a whole and work on self-improvement altogether.

Solstice West Residential Treatment Center can help

Solstice West Residential Treatment Center is a program for teen girls and assigned female at birth ages 12-18 who struggle with issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or relationship struggles. This program provides three types of therapy: individual, group, and family therapy. Solstice Residential Treatment Center is dedicated to teaching teens how to incorporate healthy habits into their lives using a wholistic approach. Students will leave with the skills they need to transition into the world feeling confident, happy, and healthy. We can help your family today!

Contact us at 866-278-3345.

 

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Too Much to Handle Alone: Where to Send a Defiant Teenager
Too Much to Handle Alone: Where to Send a Defiant Teenager 1280 853 The Solstice Team

If you’ve been struggling with your child to the point of it disrupting their daily life, you may be thinking, “I have no clue where to send a defiant teenager.” You’re not alone. That’s generally what every parent in your position is thinking–and that’s because no parenting book or meeting prepared you for this situation.

If you’ve already gone through traditional therapy and haven’t made much progress, it may be time to look into more intensive and alternative options. Residential treatment centers (RTC) are one of those options. These are places where your child can get the space and attention to truly work through the issues she’s been facing.

Why an RTC is where to send a defiant teenager

Comprehensive Therapy

At an RTC like Solstice, many types of therapies are built into the fabric of the programming in order to create a more holistic approach to treatment. This makes sure that your child is able to receive treatment in all their individual areas of struggle.

It also allows their to find the most effective and beneficial treatment for their specific needs. The types of therapy used can include equine therapy, group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and many others.

where to send defiant teenager24/7  Therapeutic Experience

In traditional therapy, therapists don’t usually get to see how their clients apply their sessions after they leave the office. In addition, the client isn’t typically able to apply what they learned in a safe, therapeutic environment.

Not only is your child being cared for 24/7, but she’s experiencing a complete, intensive therapeutic experience. In a residential treatment center for teens, your child gets the full benefits a therapeutically integrative and intensive experience.

Making Mistakes in a Safe Environment

To move forward and work through their issues, your child needs to be able to make mistakes in a safe, nurturing setting that will give their the proper feedback to grow. She’s able to do this in a residential treatment center for teens. The environment is specifically designed to do this through secure facilities and trained staff.

Bringing Skills Back Home

An RTC understands that you want your child to be able to continue to reach their potential and succeed once they moves on from the program. To do this, residential treatment centers focus on building and strengthening skills that will be useful for your child throughout their life–not just in the program.

When thinking where to send a defiant teenager, RTCs should be at the top of your list if your child is struggling.

Solstice is here for your daughter

Solstice is a groundbreaking residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18. Our girls and assigned female at birth often grapple with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral problems when they come to us. When trying to find where to send a defiant teenager, things can get confusing and overwhelming fast–but we’re here to help guide you.

Through a unique combination of therapeutic programs based upon both traditional and holistic mental health treatment, we treat our clients with age and gender specific techniques. We strive to empower teenage people with the ability to believe in themselves and provide the tools and motivation required to instill these beliefs for life.

If you’re searching for where to send a defiant teenager, we may be able to help at Solstice. Please contact us at (866) 278-3345.

 

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Instant Gratification Times 1000: Teaching Your Teen Impulse Control
Instant Gratification Times 1000: Teaching Your Teen Impulse Control 2560 1920 The Solstice Team

Sometimes it seems that teens have the impulse control of a, well, teenager. One moment, they seem like rational human beings and then they do something so incredibly reckless, you cannot help but wonder what they were thinking. Fortunately, there’s a scientific answer: it’s all about the brain.

Educating Your Teen about Impulse Control

The teenage brain is still in the process of developing. This process not only leads to teenagers pushing boundaries and searching for individuality; it promotes risk-taking behaviors with little regard for consequence. The behaviors can range from mood issues resulting in confrontation and “borrowing” without asking, to substance abuse, kleptomania, compulsive sexuality, and many others.

As a parent of a teen with impulse control issues, there are several steps that you can take to make the problem easier. Typically, issues with control come with age; however, a few tips can help relieve tension until that time comes. The most important thing to remember is to stay positive. As with many other situations, by losing your temper, you only add fuel to the fire; what could have been a calm discussion turns into a power struggle. 

Try to keep communication open. While it may be tempting for a parent to simply lay down the law, a real conversation is a two-way street. Setting a strict system of cause-and-effect (break the rules, deal with the consequences) does not teach your child why impulse control is important; sitting down and talking about the effect of recklessness does. Even though there are situations when remaining patient can prove difficult, in the end, the best way to teach your child impulse control is to exhibit impulse control yourself.

In some cases, impulse control issues may be symptoms of a deeper problem such as ADHD or anxiety. If your teen exhibits behaviors that could point to something else or your teen’s impulse control issues are getting out of hand, it may be time to consider professional help.

Solstice can help

If your teen is struggling with controlling their impulsive behavior, Solstice can help. Solstice is a residential treatment center for teen girls and assigned female at birth ages 12-18 struggling with emotional and behavioral issues like defiance, ADHD, substance use, and trauma.

For more information about how Solstice can help your teen, please call (866) 278-3345 today!

 

teenage rebellion
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Transforming teenage rebellion into respect
Transforming teenage rebellion into respect 2560 1707 The Solstice Team

Teenage rebellion can take its toll on everyone in a teen’s life. Rebellious teens want things their way and won’t listen to anyone else around them. Helping your teen build a sense of respect and responsibility for their actions is an extremely challenging task.

What causes teenage rebellion?

Teenage rebellion is caused by a variety of elements. These include:

  • Hormones: Teens are going through drastic hormonal changes. With a surge of hormones coursing through their body, teens have all sorts of mood swings and changes in their overall personality.
  • Soul searching: Sometimes teens act out because they are trying to figure out who are as individuals. That may lead them down a path towards rebellion towards what they believe are overly strict rules. Teens are constantly learning more about who they are and reshaping their identity to fit that persona they believe best suits them.
  • Giving into peer pressure: Sometimes teenage rebellion stems from your teen wanting to fit in with people they believe to be “cool”. If their friends are engaging in rebellious and dangerous activities like substance use and promiscuous sexual activities, they will follow their example. 

How can I turn teenage rebellion into respect?

  1. Show respect for your teen: Your teen will never respect you unless you respect your teen. Complimenting your teen on their accomplishments will make them feel better about themselves and improve your relationship with them.
  2. Openly communicate: Understanding what’s going on in your teen’s life to lead them to rebel can improve your relationship with them. Your teen needs to know that you’re there for them even though they are rebelling against you.
  3. Have a clear set of rules and consequences: Your teen needs to understand that their rebellious behavior comes at a price. They need to be made clearly aware of your expectations of them. Through clear expectations, your teen will know when to rein in their behavior.
  4. Remember that you’re in charge: No matter how much your teen thinks they can break your rules, you need to remember that you have a position of authority over them. Don’t ever be your teen’s best friend. You’re their role model and someone they should look up to.

Solstice can help

If teenage rebellion is taking over your life, consider getting professional help for your teen. Solstice, a residential treatment center for teen girls and assigned female at birth ages 12-18, helps teen girls and assigned female at birth struggling with emotional and behavioral difficulties find success.

For more information about Solstice, call today at (866) 278-3345.

 

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