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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.
On this page

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)
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Helping a Teen With Addictive Behaviors: Signs, Support Options, and When Inpatient Care Is the Right Step
Helping a Teen With Addictive Behaviors: Signs, Support Options, and When Inpatient Care Is the Right Step 1200 630 The Solstice Team
What this guide covers:
Addictive behaviors in teens are often signs of emotional distress, trauma, or difficulty regulating stress.
This comprehensive guide helps parents recognize warning signs, talk with their teen effectively, and understand when outpatient support is enough or when residential treatment may be the most supportive next step.

When a teenager develops addictive or compulsive behaviors such as phone use, vaping, self-harm, disordered eating, gaming, sexual promiscuity, or experimenting with substances, families are often left asking the same questions:

Is this just a phase?
Are we being too strict? Or not strict enough?
How do we help without making things worse?

Addictive behaviors in teens are rarely about rebellion or lack of willpower. More often, they are signals. Attempts to cope with emotional pain, overwhelm, trauma, or nervous system dysregulation that a teen doesn’t yet know how to manage in healthier ways.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help families:

  • Understand what addictive behaviors really mean in adolescents
  • Recognize when support at home or outpatient care may no longer be enough
  • Know what effective treatment looks like and when inpatient care becomes appropriate
On This Page — Table of Contents

What Are Addictive Behaviors in Teens?

Addictive behaviors in teens are repeated actions such as substance use, self-harm, or compulsive technology use that a teenager relies on to cope with emotional distress, stress, or overwhelm. These behaviors are adaptive strategies that temporarily regulate feelings the teen cannot yet manage in healthier ways.

Is an “Addictive Personality” a Real Diagnosis for Teens?

The phrase “addictive personality” is commonly searched, but it can be misleading, especially for adolescents.

Teens do not have fixed personalities. Their brains are still developing, particularly the areas responsible for impulse control, emotional regulation, and long-term decision-making. What looks like an “addictive personality” is more accurately understood as:

Common teen addictive or compulsive behaviors
  • A coping strategy that works temporarily
  • A response to emotional distress or stress overload
  • A nervous system seeking regulation or relief

Common teen addictive or compulsive behaviors include:

  • Substance use (alcohol, marijuana, vaping, prescription misuse)
  • Self-harm or compulsive risk-taking
  • Disordered eating behaviors
  • Compulsive gaming, phone, or social media use
  • Internet or pornography use

In clinical settings, the focus is not just on stopping the behavior, but on understanding why the behavior became necessary.

What Causes Addictive Behaviors in Teenagers?

Teen addictive behaviors are usually driven by a combination of emotional, psychological, and developmental factors rather than a single cause. Trauma, chronic stress, mental health conditions, and difficulties with emotional regulation commonly contribute to why a teen turns to addictive or compulsive coping strategies.

Causes may include:

  • Trauma, loss, or attachment disruptions
  • Anxiety, depression, or mood instability
  • Difficulty regulating emotions or stress
  • Peer pressure or social isolation
  • Neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, executive functioning challenges)
  • Family history of addiction or mental health concerns

Adolescents are especially vulnerable because their brains are highly sensitive to reward and stress while still developing the skills needed to tolerate discomfort without escaping it.

The behavior is rarely the core problem. It is simply the ‘solution’ the teen has found.

What Environmental Triggers Make Teen Addictive Behaviors Worse?

Environmental triggers are external situations or influences that increase urges, intensify behaviors, or make recovery more difficult for teens. These triggers often interact with internal stress and can significantly impact how often addictive behaviors occur and how hard they are to change.

Common environmental and social triggers include:

  • Peer influence: Spending time with friends who engage in the same addictive behaviors can normalize or reinforce use.
  • Social media and online culture: Influencers, trends, or online communities that glamorize substance use, self-harm, or risky behaviors can increase urges and distort norms.
  • Family stress or conflict: Ongoing parental conflict, high emotional reactivity, or contentious co-parenting can increase emotional overload.
  • Academic pressure or failure: Chronic stress, learning differences, or falling behind at school can drive avoidance or numbing behaviors.
  • Lack of structure or supervision: Inconsistent routines or unclear expectations can leave teens vulnerable during moments of stress or boredom.

While parents cannot eliminate all triggers, modifying the environment and increasing support often reduces the intensity and frequency of addictive behaviors. It can also help clarify when outside help is needed.

What Are the Warning Signs of Addictive Behaviors in Teens?

Warning signs of addictive behaviors in teens often appear as patterns of behavioral, emotional, academic, and physical changes that persist or get worse over time. While individual signs may seem typical in adolescence, clusters of changes usually signal a deeper struggle that needs attention.

Common warning signs include:

  • Behavioral changes: Increased secrecy, lying, irritability, mood swings, or emotional shutdown
  • Academic struggles: Falling grades, skipping classes, loss of focus, or school avoidance
  • Social changes: New peer groups, distancing from longtime friends, withdrawing from family, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Physical symptoms: Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, hygiene, or physical appearance
  • Risk-taking behaviors: Escalating rule-breaking, unsafe choices, or impulsive decisions
  • Emotional indicators: Hopelessness, low self-worth, heightened anxiety, or emotional numbness

One sign alone may not be cause for alarm. Persistent, escalating, or clustered signs over time are what warrant closer attention and professional guidance.

Parent and teen discussion about mental health support

How to Talk to a Teen About Addictive Behaviors?

Talking to a teen about addictive behaviors is most effective when the focus is on understanding rather than control. Approaching the conversation with curiosity, calmness, and empathy increases the likelihood that teens will engage honestly instead of becoming defensive or withdrawn.

More effective approaches include:

  • Leading with curiosity instead of accusation
  • Naming concern without labeling or diagnosing
  • Separating your teen from the behavior (“This isn’t who you are”)
  • Listening more than explaining in early conversations
  • Avoiding ultimatums unless safety requires them

A helpful mindset shift for parents:

The goal isn’t to convince your teen to stop, but to understand what the behavior is doing for them.

This approach builds trust and creates openings for change rather than secrecy.

How Do You Set Boundaries With a Teen Who Has Addictive Behaviors?

When a teen is struggling with addictive or compulsive behaviors, parents are often told to “set boundaries”, but that advice can feel vague or even confusing. Many families end up relying on rules alone, which can unintentionally increase power struggles, secrecy, and emotional reactivity.

Understanding the difference between rules and boundaries is key.

Rules vs. Boundaries: What’s the Difference?

Rules are about controlling behavior. Rules focus on what someone else must or must not do.

Examples of rules:

  • “You are not allowed to vape.”
  • “You can’t be on your phone after 9 p.m.”
  • “If you break curfew, you’re grounded.”

Rules can be useful, especially around safety, but on their own they often trigger resistance in teens who are already struggling with impulse control or emotional regulation.

Boundaries, on the other hand, are about what parents will do to protect safety, stability, and the relationship. Boundaries focus on your response, not controlling someone else’s choices.

Examples of boundaries:

  • “I won’t provide rides or money if substances are involved.”
  • “I’m available to talk when voices are calm; I’ll step away if things escalate.”
  • “I’ll be holding onto medications, substances, and anything that could be misused so I can help keep you safe.”

Boundaries don’t require a teen’s agreement to work. They are enforceable because they are rooted in parental responsibility and action, not the teen’s compliance.

Why Boundaries Matter More Than Rules for Addictive Behaviors

Teens using addictive behaviors often rely on those behaviors to regulate stress, emotions, or internal discomfort. When parents rely solely on rules, teens may:

  • Argue or negotiate endlessly
  • Hide behavior rather than reduce it
  • Experience increased shame or defensiveness

Healthy boundaries help because they:

  • Reduce chaos and emotional reactivity
  • Protect the parent–child relationship
  • Create predictability and containment
  • Support nervous system regulation
  • Shift parents out of constant monitoring and enforcement

When families find themselves constantly negotiating or walking on eggshells, it may signal that the family system needs more support, not that parents are failing.

Turning Rules Into Boundaries: Practical Examples

The goal isn’t to eliminate rules entirely but to anchor rules with boundaries that reduce power struggles and increase safety. Here’s how a rule can be reframed into a boundary:

Rule Boundary
“You’re not allowed to use substances.” “I can’t allow substances in our home, and if I find them, I’ll remove them and revisit what support you need.”
“You have to tell me everything.” “I’m here to talk when you’re ready, and I’ll check in regularly because your safety matters.”
“No phones after 9.” “As a family, we will charge our phones in the kitchen overnight to support sleep and help us stay off screens overnight.”

Sample Scripts for Setting Boundaries With Compassion

Many parents know what they want to say but have a hard time saying it calmly and consistently. The framework below helps parents communicate boundaries without escalating conflict.

  • Love: “I love you, and I care deeply about your safety and well-being.”
  • Truth: “I’m seeing behaviors that tell me you’re struggling, and it’s my job to respond instead of ignoring them.”
  • Responsibility: “This is what I can and can’t do as your parent.”
  • Choice: “You get to make your own choices. I’ll respond in ways that keep things safe.”
  • Follow-Through: “If this boundary isn’t respected, here’s what I’ll do next.”

Example in Practice

Boundary setting with compassion illustration

“I love you and I know things have been really hard lately. Because you and your safety matter to me, I can’t give you access to money when substances are involved. You get to decide what you do, but I’ll follow through on this boundary consistently.”

This approach:

  • Reduces lectures
  • Avoids threats
  • Keeps responsibility where it belongs
  • Preserves connection even during conflict

Boundaries are not punishments. They are healthy expressions of care, clarity, and parental leadership. This is especially true when a teen is overwhelmed or dysregulated.

If boundaries feel impossible to hold, or if holding them escalates behavior rather than reducing it, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It may mean your teen needs more support than the family system can provide alone.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Teens With Addictive Behaviors?

Treatment options for teens with addictive behaviors vary based on intensity, safety, and the teen’s ability to function outside of therapy. Common options range from outpatient therapy to intensive outpatient programs and residential treatment, each offering different levels of structure and support.

Common Levels of Care

  • Outpatient therapy: Weekly sessions; appropriate for mild, early concerns
  • Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): Multiple sessions per week while living at home
  • Residential treatment: 24/7 therapeutic environment with integrated clinical care

Each level has its place in the continuum of care. Effectiveness depends on severity, safety, and the teen’s ability to regulate outside of sessions.

When Is Outpatient Therapy Not Enough for a Teen?

Outpatient therapy may not be enough when addictive behaviors continue to escalate, disrupt daily life, or feel unsafe despite consistent support. In these cases, teens often need a more structured environment to stabilize and build coping skills effectively.

How Do You Know If a Teen Needs Residential Treatment?

Residential treatment may be appropriate when:

  • Addictive behaviors persist despite outpatient therapy
  • The teen cannot remain emotionally or physically safe at home
  • Substance use or compulsive behaviors are escalating
  • Mental health symptoms dominate daily functioning
  • Family relationships are becoming highly reactive or fractured
  • School engagement has significantly declined

What Effective Residential Treatment for Teens Looks Like

High-quality adolescent treatment addresses the whole person, not just the behavior.

Effective programs include:

  • Trauma-informed, relationship-based care
  • Integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Evidence-based therapies (DBT, CBT, EMDR, somatic approaches)
  • Emotional regulation and nervous system support
  • Family therapy and parent involvement
  • Academic continuity and confidence rebuilding

Teens need practice, repetition, and support in a structured environment.

Evidence-Based and Holistic Approaches That Support Teen Recovery

Effective treatment for teen addictive behaviors integrates multiple therapeutic approaches, tailored to the adolescent’s needs.

Some evidence-based modalities include:

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and impulse control skills
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps teens recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors
  • NeuroAffective Relational Model™ (NARM®): Addresses attachment patterns, relational stress, and nervous system dysregulation that often drive addictive or compulsive coping
  • Trauma-focused therapies (such as EMDR and somatic approaches): Address unresolved trauma that often underlies addictive behaviors
  • Motivational interviewing and harm-reduction approaches: Support teens who feel ambivalent about change without relying on shame or pressure

In addition, many effective programs incorporate holistic supports such as:

  • Mindfulness and body-based regulation practices
  • Physical movement and exercise
  • Creative or experiential therapies
  • Life skills and executive functioning support

Family therapy is a critical component, helping caregivers learn how to respond effectively, rebuild trust, and support long-term change at home.

How Does Solstice West Treat Addictive Behaviors Differently?

Solstice West treats addictive behaviors as coping strategies rooted in emotional and relational challenges rather than isolated problems or moral failures. Treatment focuses on addressing underlying causes, building regulation skills, and involving families so progress can continue beyond residential care.

Key elements of our evidence-based approach include:

  • Meeting teens where they are, using harm-reduction and motivational frameworks
  • Treating the why behind the behavior alongside the behavior itself
  • A dedicated substance use and compulsive behaviors track
  • Integration of trauma therapy, emotional regulation, and family work
  • A small, relationship-based environment with intensive clinical support

The end goal is not simply quitting the behavior, but building capacity. We want our clients to develop the ability to feel, cope, connect, and make healthier choices over time. This helps teens have agency to make the changes themselves.

How Families Can Take the Next Step

If you are wondering whether residential treatment may be appropriate, consider these questions:

  • Is our current level of support creating real change?
  • Is our teen becoming more regulated or more distressed over time?
  • Are safety, trust, or stability increasingly at risk?

Speaking with an experienced admissions or clinical team can help clarify options and next steps.

Supporting Long-Term Recovery After Treatment

Support and recovery planning for families

Recovery from addictive behaviors does not end when formal treatment concludes. Maintaining progress requires continued structure, connection, and support.

Key elements of long-term success include:

  • A clear transition or aftercare plan
  • Ongoing outpatient therapy or coaching when appropriate
  • Family communication and boundary alignment
  • Supportive routines that promote regulation and accountability
  • Gradual reintegration into school, peers, and daily responsibilities

As professionals, we know that setbacks can occur, and they are part of learning, not failure. Progress over perfection helps teens build resilience and confidence as they move forward.

A Final Word to Parents

Choosing a higher level of care does not mean you have failed or waited too long.

Often, it means you are responding thoughtfully to what your teen actually needs.

With the right environment, support, and clinical care, adolescents can learn to regulate emotions, rebuild trust, reconnect with strengths, and develop healthier ways to cope.

Early, appropriate intervention changes lives.

Talk With Our Team About the Right Next Step

If your teen is struggling with addictive or compulsive behaviors, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Addictive Behaviors

What’s the difference between a habit and an addictive behavior in teens?
A habit is typically flexible and easy for a teen to stop without significant distress. An addictive behavior is more rigid, continues despite negative consequences, and is often used to regulate emotions or avoid discomfort. If stopping the behavior leads to intense distress, secrecy, or escalation, it may signal an underlying addictive pattern.
What is the difference between an addictive personality and addictive behaviors in teens?
An “addictive personality” is not a clinical diagnosis, especially for teens. Adolescents are still developing impulse control and emotional regulation. What looks like an addictive personality is more accurately a pattern of addictive behaviors used to cope with stress, trauma, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. These patterns can change with support.
What are the early signs of addictive behaviors in teenagers?
Early signs include increased secrecy, mood swings, withdrawal from family or activities, declining school performance, changes in sleep or hygiene, and escalating emotional reactivity. While some changes are normal in adolescence, persistent or intensifying patterns often signal a deeper issue that needs closer attention or professional guidance.
How do I talk to my teen about substance use or compulsive behaviors?
Start calmly and focus on concern rather than punishment. Ask open-ended questions, listen without interrupting, and avoid labeling or ultimatums unless safety is at risk. Teens are more likely to engage honestly when they feel understood rather than judged or controlled.
When is outpatient therapy not enough for a teen with addictive behaviors?
Outpatient therapy may not be enough when behaviors escalate, interfere with daily functioning, or persist despite consistent treatment. If a teen struggles to stay safe, regulate emotions between sessions, or if family conflict continues to intensify, a higher level of care may be appropriate.
How do I know if my teen needs residential treatment?
A teen may need residential treatment when addictive behaviors continue despite outpatient care, when emotional or physical safety is at risk, or when mental health symptoms dominate daily life. Residential care provides structure and support when healing cannot occur effectively in the home environment alone.
What happens in a residential treatment center for teens?
Licensed residential treatment centers provide 24/7 therapeutic support in a structured environment. Teens receive individual, group, and family therapy, academic support, and skills training focused on emotional regulation, coping, and healthy decision-making rather than simple behavior control.
Can teens recover from addictive behaviors?
Yes. Teens can be highly responsive to treatment when underlying causes like trauma, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation are addressed. Recovery focuses on building coping skills, emotional capacity, and resilience over time, not perfection or lifelong labels.
How important is family involvement in teen addiction treatment?
Family involvement is critical for long-term success. Addictive behaviors affect the entire family system, and recovery is more sustainable when parents learn effective communication, boundary-setting, and emotional regulation strategies alongside their teen.
What types of therapy are most effective for teens with addictive behaviors?
Effective treatment often includes evidence-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the NeuroAffective Relational Model™ (NARM®), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and motivational approaches. The best outcomes occur when treatment is individualized and addresses both behaviors and co-occurring mental health needs.
Is it too early to seek treatment if my teen is unsure they want to change?
No. Many teens enter treatment feeling unsure or resistant. Effective programs meet teens where they are, using agency-based, harm-reducing approaches rather than requiring full commitment at the start. Readiness for change often develops once teens feel safe and supported.
What should parents look for in a teen treatment program?
Parents should look for licensed and accredited programs that offer evidence-based therapies, trauma-informed care, integrated mental health and addiction treatment, strong family involvement, and academic support. Clear clinical philosophy, individualized treatment, and transparent communication are key indicators of quality.

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trauma focused therapy for teens
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The Therapy that Works: Trauma Focused Therapy for Teens
The Therapy that Works: Trauma Focused Therapy for Teens 4993 3688 The Solstice Team

Trauma-focused therapy is a distinct approach to general therapy. It distinguishes and underlines the understanding of how a traumatic experience can impact a child’s mental, behavioral, and physical well-being. Sessions are used for understanding the association between the circumstances and the child’s responses and resulting behavioral changes. The objective of trauma-focused therapy is to train new skills and strategies to assist an adolescent in understanding, coping, and moving on from the trauma. The goal is to empower the client to be a healthier and more focused young adult, with the competence to look into their future with hope and vigor.

What is Trauma-focused Therapy?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA), this unique therapeutic approach to overcoming trauma falls under the R.R.R.S. program that defines the steps to guide providers when working with adolescents:

  •         Realizes the impact of the individual’s trauma and provides healthy boundaries for recovery.
  •         Recognizes the symptoms and how it is dealt with throughout the adolescent’s home and community.
  •         Responds by guiding the adolescent to choose more positive environments and seek out more nourishing relationships.
  •         Seeks to follow up on progress and any new triggers that might be hindering their progress.

What Are the Signs of Trauma Effects on Teenagers?

The effects of trauma can present in a variety of ways. Many adolescents survivors of trauma begin to act out and suffer from behavioral issues such as:

  • Explosive outbursts
  • Self-harm (i.e., cutting)
  • Taking drugs or drinking
  • Breaking the law
  • Bullying peers or family
  • Isolation from others
  • Skipping school
  • Compulsive lying

Specialized Approaches to Trauma-focused Therapy

While some adults may be receptive to more in-depth treatments, such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), an adolescent may need a softer approach. The following are a few of the different therapeutic styles available for teens:

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – This approach has the adolescent write down the trauma as opposed to verbally recalling the events. They are asked to include the emotions they felt after each period. Afterward, the therapist has the adolescent read aloud what they wrote. This gives them the visual acceptance of what occurred and the effectiveness to move past the trauma “by turning the page.”
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) – This style of treatment for adolescents involves having them create a picture book of the memory. Each page represents a significant part of the trauma. After a discussion of the meaning of the picture, adolescents are encouraged to ball up the drawing and throw it away. Each event is slowly drawn through and discarded, giving power back to the artist.
  •  Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) – This style of therapy works with a timeline of life and events. Below each significant moment, adolescents are asked to label that time as happy or sad. Once the graph is complete, therapists work with the adolescent to focus on the positives they have experienced and move on from the negative aspects in a healthier manner.
  •  Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) – This approach has the adolescent turn the traumatic events into a mental movie. Each “scene” is verbalized and discussed. Once the event is completely discussed, therapists encourage teens to tell the movie one more time but with what they learned from those scenes. This breaks down the mass of the situation into more tolerable moments.
  • Progressive Counting (PC) – This style is a variant of the counting method that therapists have used for years to recall mental information under the guise of a set of numbers. With progressive counting, the adolescent recalls bits of the events in short spans, such as five seconds to one minute. This allows the teen to not feel over-exposed to the trauma as one event. Each span of time is verbally discussed and given more positive mental paths to follow.

How Trauma-focused Therapy Can Help Teens Cope Better

Studies have shown that approximately 15% to 43% percent of adolescents go through at least one traumatic event. Of those teens who have had a trauma, 3% to 15% often develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression if left untreated.

Adolescents are especially susceptible to behavioral changes and altered moods when experiencing a traumatic event(s). They have matured enough to understand the emotions are making them feel different but lack the experience to deal with it on a rational level.

Without proper intervention, this can lead them to a path that is both unhealthy and dangerous. By applying the techniques of trauma-focused therapy, the adolescent learns that the events do not define them as a person or their future.

Working past these traumas guides the teen to practice self-care and forgiveness. When encountering further unexpected moments, they have the proper mental tools to make levelheaded decisions and healthier choices.

In an all-inclusive therapy setting such as residential treatment, teens learn to balance their past with new positive relationships. By learning to be empathetic and honest about their emotions, they begin learning respect around other boundaries and their own limitations. Utilizing different approaches to healing, the adolescent leaves the feeling clear-headed and positive about their immediate future and beyond.

How Solstice West Can Help Your Teen Today

Solstice West is a groundbreaking residential treatment center for troubled adolescent girls and assigned females at birth that emphasizes the mind-body connection in our unique approach to holistic healthcare.

With a strong emphasis on family therapy-based intervention, nutrition, and physical fitness, and the supportive provision of innovative academics, substance abuse/addiction therapy, equine therapy, and psychiatric services, Solstice sets the stage for the infusion of light into the previously darkened lives of the families we serve.

Contact us today at 801-919-8858 to see how Solstice West can help your family.

effects of trauma in teens
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Putting the Pieces Back Together: Helping Your Child through the Effects of Trauma in Teens
Putting the Pieces Back Together: Helping Your Child through the Effects of Trauma in Teens 2560 1709 The Solstice Team

Childhood is arguably the most impactful stage in one’s life.  Early interactions and experiences help to shape the brains of young children.  Building a healthy brain early on in a child’s life is important because it provides a strong foundation and increases the likelihood of a positive adulthood experience.  However unfortunately some experiences in childhood that can happen have negative effects on brain development, this is sometimes known as trauma and refers to the emotional response we have to distressing experiences.  

We try our best to protect our children from harm’s way, but the unfortunate reality is there are distressing events in life that are sometimes unavoidable.  Traumatic events that are often experienced during childhood can include the death of a loved one, community violence, natural disaster, serious accident or illness, and more.  While some may think that childhood trauma is relatively uncommon, the unfortunate reality is that it happens far too often with nearly 35 million children under the age of 17 report having experienced at least one form of major childhood trauma, this equates to roughly 47.9% of children in the United States.  If your child has been the victim or witness of a disturbing or distressing event they may be at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health concerns as a result of trauma.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

PTSD is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying or traumatic event either by experiencing or witnessing it.  Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts related to the event.  Traumatic events often come with a variety of negative effects on mental and emotional wellbeing, but if these effects last for several months or even years and interfere with day-to-day functioning PTSD may be present.  

Types of Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma can consist of a range of different experiences and events.  Any event where a child feels intensely threatened in a situation they are involved in or of witness to can be classified as trauma.  The following is a general list of trauma types that have been identified by The National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network.

  • Bullying.  Whether it be online, to your face, or behind your back, bullying is any action performed with the intent of inflicting social, emotional, physical, and/or psychological harm to another.  In some cases, bullying may be severe and cause damage to your child’s wellbeing.
  • Community Violence.  Exposure to interpersonal violence within public areas can be very traumatic for children, even if they are not the victim.  This can lead to the development of fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.  
  • Complex Trauma.  Complex trauma refers to children’s exposure to multiple traumatic events, often related to the lack of a stable caregiver or home environment.  This commonly includes events such as abuse or neglect.
  • Disasters.  Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, floods, or earthquakes can be very traumatic as they may involve the need for an abrupt change in environment and can create a significant amount of panic and fear.
  • Early Childhood Trauma.  Early childhood trauma refers to traumatic experiences that occur before the age of 6.  Trauma in such early stages in one’s life can have more profound effects on growth, development, and adulthood.
  • Domestic Violence.  Domestic violence occurs when there is a threat or harm made between caregivers or household members.
  • Medical Trauma.  Medical trauma is the psychological response children have to significant medical events, including injury and illness. 
  • Physical Abuse.  Physical abuse occurs when a parent or caregiver intentionally physically harms a child that often results in injury.
  • Refugee Trauma.  Many refugees face trauma related to war and political unrest in their environment as well as the trauma of having to move to a new and foreign country. 
  • Sexual Abuse.  Child sexual abuse is when an inappropriate interaction occurs with a child in which the child is used for sexual stimulation of the perpetrator.  This can cause a number of lifelong health issues and struggles.
  • Sex Trafficking.  Sex trafficking involves the exchange of money, food, drugs, and/or shelter for sexual acts.  Oftentimes young girls may be manipulated or forced into sexual trafficking. 
  • Terrorism and Violence.  Families and children can be seriously affected by mass violence, acts of terrorism, or community violence in the form of shootings, bombings, threats and other types of attacks.
  • Traumatic Grief.  Traumatic grief typically involves the loss of a family member or loved one.  Some children have more trouble coping with loss than others, and it may result in serious difficulties and interference with their lives.       

Effects of Trauma

Unfortunately, childhood trauma can have profound impacts on wellbeing, and the risk for these negative impacts increase if the individual’s trauma is left untreated.  In fact, trauma can have negative impacts on one’s relationships, physical health, cognition, emotion and behavior.  Depending on the person and type of trauma, trauma may make it more difficult for some children to learn how to trust others, regulate their emotions, interact with the world, and understand their own sense of values and self.  In addition to this, trauma can create an extreme and constant state of stress within the body which can lead to an impaired development of the brain, immune, and nervous system.  Traumatic experiences have also been linked to an increased risk of medical conditions in the long-term throughout the individual’s life, as well as higher exposure to risky behaviors and mental health consequences.     

Tips for those dealing with trauma

Childhood trauma is no easy experience to cope with, for either the child or parent.  However, it is important to recognize trauma in children, and if you believe your child has been the victim of one or more traumatic events it is essential, they get the help they need.  If you or your child believes that the presence of a medical professional or professional help is needed, please do not hesitate to seek out a health care provider.  The following are tips from the Child Mind Institute for parents seeking to help their child cope after a traumatic event. 

  • Provide reassurance and make them feel safe.
  • Maintain routines as much as possible to avoid chaos.
  • Encourage your children to enjoy healthy activities and time spent with others.
  • Be open, but not pressing, to talk and listen.
  • Help them relax with breathing exercises, yoga, reading or other peaceful activities.
  • Acknowledge your child’s feelings and let them know they are valid and normal.
  • Watch for signs of worsening trauma and know when to seek help.

It is important that as a parent caring for a child dealing with trauma you are taking good care of yourself.  Setting a good example by practicing positive self-care and coping strategies such as exercise, meditation, eating well, encouraging hobbies, self-love, and positivity are all ways to demonstrate and practice self-care. 

Solstice RTC Can Help

Solstice RTC is a residential treatment center for girls ages 12-18 struggling with the results of trauma, substance abuse, and/or mental health concerns.  We strive to help our students heal through a variety of therapeutic techniques based on traditional and holistic treatment methods.  Our mission is to support adolescents into living happy, healthy, and productive adult lives.

For more information about our program at Solstice RTC, please call (866) 278-3345.  We can help your family today!

sensory processing issues
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Sensory Processing Issues After Traumatic Events
Sensory Processing Issues After Traumatic Events 4500 3000 The Solstice Team

When we talk about trauma, a car accident or the death of a loved one may be the first thing that comes into many people’s minds. But trauma can be small events as well as large ones. Being expelled from a friend group can be traumatic for a teenager. Experiencing a parental divorce, even an amicable one, can be a trigger for trauma as a teen’s entire world changes. Experiencing a global pandemic can also be isolating and traumatic for some teens. Unfortunately, trauma is pervasive, and it is important for parents to understand the many effects that trauma may have on their children. 

Childhood trauma has a significant impact on shaping one’s self-concept and view of relationships, but it also changes the perception of social stimuli on a physical level. Many people become hypervigilant to their surroundings and hypersensitive to sensory stimuli in their environment. Sensory processing issues after traumatic events are common and can trigger negative memories, making it harder to re-establish a sense of safety in the present.

Sensory Processing Issues and Trauma

When we think of the after-effects of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is probably the disorder that most people are familiar with. While many people related PTSD to military personnel experience, we now know that PTSD is a condition that can affect anyone who has experienced trauma. As we continue to understand trauma, we are also learning that there is more than just PTSD after a traumatic event. Trauma can have many different effects on different areas of the brain, which means that there are many different ways for teens to process that trauma. 

Sensory processing issues occur when the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Some people with sensory processing disorder are very sensitive to things in their environment. For these people, common sounds, like a crowded cafeteria, may be painful or overwhelming. Or a certain clothing material may feel unbearably uncomfortable on their skin.

Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk argues that after traumatic events, our brains adapt to monitor for signs of danger and the body keeps the score. Especially as many people dissociate from what has happened to them and repress memories, “body memories” serve as a self-protective reminder. The body often responds to signs of potential danger before the brain is able to recognize them. Fight-or-flight mode was adapted as a survival instinct. People who have experienced trauma may also be hyper-vigilant and always on alert for any threat of danger. Their brains are constantly processing perceived threats in any given situation. They may have emotional reactions they did not have prior to trauma to certain sensory experiences of hearing, seeing, smelling or touching things.

Most people are familiar with the five senses, but there are actually eight senses that our brains are processing: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, body movement, body awareness, and interoception, which refers to needing the toilet or feeling hungry. When a person has sensory processing issues, their brain cannot effectively process one or more of these senses. 

Obstacles to Re-establishing Healthy Relationships

A recent study by Bonn University Hospital was conducted to investigate the role of adverse childhood experiences in sensory processing, particularly physical contact. While many teens who have experienced trauma develop a rational fear of violence in relationships, this study wanted to explore why this fear often extended to all relationships, even previously positive ones. 

Researchers found that traumatized people found social stimuli, like touch, less comforting than people who had not experienced trauma and maintained a greater social distance from strangers. 

Examples of social stimuli include:

  • Any kind of physical touch
  • Physical distance
  • Staring 
  • Eye contact
  • The sound of someone’s voice

Experiencing trauma also has a severe effect on people’s ability to trust. Research in 2007 found that exposure to trauma may create enough changes in the brain to sensitize people to overreact to an innocuous facial gesture years later, even in people who don’t have a stress-related disorder. Often, the traumatic event has shaken a person’s sense of safety, and because of this, they will do whatever they can to try to feel safe even if that means self-isolating. When rebuilding relationships, it is important for teens who have experienced trauma to be able to communicate their needs. These teens need to build new coping mechanisms and life skills to help them be able to have a healthy dialogue around their expectations and what may trigger their feelings related to past traumas. 

Neurological Changes Affecting Sensory Processing

The study compared brain activity to patients’ responses to various social stimuli. In many cases, there was a slight incongruence between the participant reporting few changes and their brain sending flashing signals of perceived threat. 

They found that three main areas of the brain were significantly affected by physical contact in participants with trauma. While areas responsible for body movement and body perception rapidly spiked with touch, areas related to emotional memory responded much slower to touch, showing a negative association.

This suggests that some physiological effects of childhood trauma linger beyond cognitive awareness and explains why teens often struggle with developing healthy relationships after traumatic events. 

The Benefits of Trauma-Focused Therapy

Some adolescents who are dealing with sensory processing issues after experiencing trauma may benefit from a residential treatment center where they will receive individualized care in a comfortable setting while working with clinicians who use trauma-focused therapy. 

As one of the leading trauma treatment centers for teens, at Solstice, we specialize in therapy for teens who struggle with issues of trauma, loss, attachment, and the often accompanying addictive patterns of behavior and thought. These are highly complex problems and require very specialized approaches to initiate and complete the healing process. Among many other approaches, our clinicians have received specialized, intensive training in trauma-focused interventions.

Trauma-focused therapy includes the following:

  • Helps teens identify triggers
  • Teaches teens about how trauma impacts them
  • Helps them re-establish safety
  • Encourages teens to practice somatic experiencing and relaxation techniques
  • Empowers teens to develop healthier coping skills
  • Allows teens to explore what healthy relationships and boundaries may look like for them

Unlike other trauma treatment centers, we define trauma more broadly than has typically been done historically. Recent neurological research has provided insight and support in developing the most effective treatment methods for trauma as it has helped us to better understand the impact of trauma on a developing, adolescent brain.

While some of our students have been victims of “big T’s”, we have found that many more of them are often as significantly impacted due to higher sensitivity, or susceptibility to “little t’s”  These events often result in levels of emotional dysregulation that exceed their peers in both frequency and intensity. Then, of course, this results in students seeking relief in unhealthy and destructive ways.

The comfortable, milieu therapy setting of Solstice contributes to a safe and open culture, which invites introspection and growth, making change seem less threatening. Milieu therapy is an experiential therapeutic approach that utilizes the residential environment of our program to better understand how to help your child approach and overcome their challenges. At Solstice West, milieu therapy is carried out by observing your child’s behaviors and emotions throughout the day, within a variety of different settings. Milieu therapy provides an invaluable “in the moment” understanding of your child’s challenges, unique from traditional talk therapy. Within an emotionally safe culture, unhealthy behaviors can be gently challenged, and new options adopted more readily. Our experiential therapy approach allows our students to grow and become open to positive change in their lives.

Our therapy for teens acknowledges the fact that to create lasting, effective change, a holistic approach to health is necessary. This fact underlies and drives all the components of the Solstice program. A holistic approach accounts for the fact that our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and relational selves are all bound together. This “mind-body” philosophy is supported by a large and growing body of research that our mental and physical health is intertwined.

Solstice Can Help

Solstice RTC is a residential treatment program for young girls and assigned females at birth ages 12-18 who struggle with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and unhealthy relationships. Solstice takes a holistic approach in understanding how these issues affect girls’ minds, bodies, and spirits. We create individualized treatment plans for each student considering their individual needs, strengths, and goals to help them regain a strong sense of self. 

With a strong emphasis on family therapy based intervention, nutrition, and physical fitness, and the supportive provision of cutting-edge academics, substance abuse/addiction therapy, equine therapy, and psychiatric services, Solstice sets the stage for the infusion of light into the previously darkened lives of the families we serve. 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 for more information about how we help teen girls and assigned females at birth struggling with trauma.

blame and shame in relationships
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How to Navigate Family Conflict Without Blame
How to Navigate Family Conflict Without Blame 2560 1437 The Solstice Team

Conflict happens in every family. And while it is completely normal, it is important to deal with conflict in a healthy way. If you find that your conversations around family issues lead to yelling or slamming doors, it may be time to evaluate your communication methods. Talking in circles or playing the blame game fuels tension and the focus becomes who is right instead of finding a solution to the problem.

Communicating Without Blame

Good communication is the foundation of a healthy relationship. When you are able to communicate effectively, you build trust and feel supported. 

  • Use “I” Statements: An “I” statement is a style of communication that focuses on the feelings or beliefs of the speaker rather than thoughts and characteristics that the speaker attributes to the listener. For example, if your teen isn’t cleaning their room after you’ve asked them multiple times, instead of saying “You still haven’t cleaned your room. You’re so irresponsible!” You can try, “I feel disrespected when I have to ask you multiple times to clean your room.”. 
  • Take Responsibility: It’s easy to feel defensive during an argument. Despite feeling frustrated in the moment, in most conflicts, there is fault on both sides. Instead of putting all the blame on the other person, take a moment to think about how your actions or behaviors may have contributed to the conflict. Admitting that you may have played a role in the problem helps the other person feel like they’re not just being attacked for their mistakes. 
  • Approach Conflict with a Problem Solving Attitude: Instead of focusing on how you are right and your teen is wrong during conflict, think about how you can come up with a solution that will make both parties feel heard and supported. When we get caught up in who is right, it leaves no room for moving forward towards a solution.
  • Take a Break: Not every conflict is going to be solved in the moment. If emotions are getting high and one person is placing blame on the other, take a break. You can have an understanding in your family if at any time a conflict becomes counterproductive, you are always welcome to take a break to de-escalate and come back to the conversation when everyone feels more calm and ready to find a solution. 
  • Seek Help: While it would be nice to be able to solve all of our problems on your own, there may be times when you need to seek outside help. If your family is unable to resolve conflict and you find yourselves in the cycle of arguments and blame, a family therapist can help. A trained mental health professional can help your family identify areas of conflict and work with you to build healthy communication skills to work through those issues in the future. 

Solstice RTC Can Help

Our mission is to support adolescents and their families in developing excellence in relationships, influence, character, and health throughout their life journey. Through relationship-based programming, we help students restore and rebuild healthy, close relationships with their families, peers, and staff.

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.

how to deal with family stress during the holidays
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Dealing with Family Trauma During the Holidays
Dealing with Family Trauma During the Holidays 2560 1709 The Solstice Team

When we think of the holidays we may think of twinkling lights, family traditions, and general merriment. But the reality is that for many people, the holidays are fraught with difficult emotions and memories. This holiday season, think about what might make you go through the holidays feeling stronger and more confident. Even little changes can make a difference in the way we deal with trauma and stress during this time of year. 

Identify Triggers: Think about how the holiday season impacts you. What helps and what hurts? The holidays are full of nostalgia and memories that can be both positive and negative. It can be helpful to go into the holidays with a clear understanding of what situations or topics may have a negative affect on your mental health. 

Healthy Coping Skills: With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season many people lose sight of what keeps them physically healthy and mentally grounded throughout the rest of the year. Making the time to go for a walk or engage in a mindfulness practice can make a big difference in how you handle holiday stress. 

Have Realistic Expectations: The holidays can come with a lot of pressure and expectations of how things “should” be. Remember that those happy holidays that we see in commercials and movies are not most people’s reality. Most families have issues, whether that is stress or trauma. Having unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment. Instead, know that the holidays will not be perfect and that’s completely normal. 

Set Boundaries: The holidays are a busy time for everyone, and with the pressure of family, friends, and work obligations it is also a time when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It can be helpful to discern what you “need” to do and what you “want” to do. For example, do you need to attend every gathering you’re invited to? Not if it causes you stress or is triggering. Do you need to attend your family dinner even though you know it will devolve into arguments? No, you do not. Try thinking about what you want to do. What brings you joy during the holidays? Maybe it’s baking cookies or visiting your grandparents. Those are the things to make time for. 

Reach Out: Dealing with family stress and trauma at any time of the year can be challenging, but it’s especially challenging during the holidays. In those times when you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you will not stay in this place forever. Allow your mind and body to process the grief that you may experience. Have people in your life, whether friends, family, or mental health professionals, who you can reach out to when those heavy emotions emerge. It is especially important to have a support system in place during the holidays. 

Solstice RTC Can Help

The core of our programming is based on healing damaged relationships and restoring healthy connections within the family system. In addition to weekly family therapy sessions by phone or video-conference, we also invite families to come to participate in face-to-face family therapy sessions. Weekend visits with their children are encouraged.

We also conduct onsite, multi-day, family seminars which includes all families who are currently enrolled in our program. These intensive, multi-family experiences are conducted 4 times a year and provide powerful, experiential, and therapeutic experiences. Oftentimes families will highlight these events as significant turning points in their lives. For more information please call (866) 278-3345.

teen borderline personality disorder treatment
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Borderline Personality Disorder In Teens: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
Borderline Personality Disorder In Teens: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment 2560 1707 The Solstice Team

According to the National Institute of Mental Health: “Borderline personality disorder is an illness marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships.”

Teens with borderline personality disorder may experience an intense fear of abandonment or instability. They may also have difficulty spending time alone, but their impulsive actions and mood swings push others away. Borderline personality disorder usually begins in early adulthood, and while it can seem to be worse during early adulthood it may gradually get better with age. 

Signs and symptoms of BPD may include:

  • A pattern of unsuitable and intense relationships
  • Rapid changes in self-identity and self-image that includes shifting goals and values, and seeing yourself as bad or as if you don’t exist at all.
  • Periods of stress-related paranoia or loss of contact with reality
  • Impulsive and risky behavior
  • Suicidal threats or behavior or self injury, often in response to fear of separation or rejection. 
  • Mood swings which can include intense happiness, irritability, shame, or anxiety
  • Ongoing feelings of emptiness
  • Inappropriate or intense anger

Treatment Options

If you are concerned that your child is showing signs of borderline personality disorder, the first step is to meet with a mental health professional. A clinician will be able to provide a formal diagnosis for your teen as well as create a treatment plan. Treatment can help teens learn skills to manage their condition. A mental health professional may also suggest seeking treatment for any other mental health disorders that often occur in tandem with borderline personality disorder such as depression or substance abuse. 

Psychotherapy is a fundamental treatment approach for borderline personality disorder. The goals of psychotherapy are to help teens learn to manage emotions that feel uncomfortable, reduce impulsivity, work on improving relationships, and learn about borderline personality disorder. One type of psychotherapy is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT includes group and individual therapy designed specifically to treat borderline personality disorder. DBT uses a skills-based approach to teach teens how to manage their emotions, tolerate distress and improve relationships.

Learning to manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors takes time. There may be times when their symptoms are better or worse, but treatment can improve their ability to function and helps teens feel better about themselves. There may be a time when your teen needs more intensive care, and a residential treatment center can provide the medical and emotional support they need. 

Solstice RTC Can Help

Our goal is to equip our students with the tools needed to lead happy, successful lives. We provide a nurturing and welcoming environment for teenage students, and help them recognize that they are on the cusp of something wonderful: the chance to heal from their past and become the best version of themselves.

Our therapy for teens acknowledges the fact that to create lasting, effective change, a holistic approach to health is necessary. This fact underlies and drives all the components of the Solstice program. Solstice RTC is committed to hiring the most qualified, professional, caring staff that is dedicated to helping the students we serve. Our staff also undergoes specific, regular training to continue their own personal and professional development which is essential to the life-creating work we do. For more information, contact us today at (866) 278-3345.

somatic experiencing
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5 Elements of Somatic Experiencing for Trauma
5 Elements of Somatic Experiencing for Trauma 2560 1440 The Solstice Team

When we talk about trauma, we usually refer to a specific event and memories of the event. Peter Levine, Ph.D., the founder of Somatic Experiencing, argues that “trauma is not an event, but energy that gets locked in your body around real or perceived threats.” This suggests that the effects of trauma linger in the body whether or not the event is actively on someone’s mind. Somatic Experiencing is an effective treatment option for teens struggling with trauma as it helps them tap into the “Felt Sense” of the experience beyond reprocessing emotional details of traumatic events.

What is the Traumatic Brain?

Our brains function in two primary ways: in safe mode or in survival mode. In safe mode, our brains are calm and open to new experiences. In survival mode, fear takes over. Our brains become hyper-focused on avoiding potential threats, whether they are based on the past or the present.

According to Levine, “if a person is unable to restore a sense of physical safety in the aftermath of a threatening event, their nervous system gets stuck in the survival states of fight, flight, or freeze. The longer survival brain stays on, the harder it is to turn off.”

This explains why your child may have a difficult time being present in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Her body’s memory may have a greater capacity than their emotional memory. As a result, they may become more hypervigilant and worry that traumatic experiences may repeat themselves. 

What is Somatic Experiencing? 

Somatic Experiencing helps teens move beyond the cognitive process of understanding their trauma by reprogramming the body’s primitive survival instincts, which allows them to feel a greater sense of connection, safety, and ease in one’s body. This model can be applied when processing traumatic events or any negative situations.

The goal of Somatic Experiencing is to help teens identify:

  • Sensations in specific areas of the body
  • Imagery associated with the experience
  • Behaviors or Impulses that arise
  • Affect or Emotions in the moment
  • Meaning or thoughts assigned to the experience

Why is This Effective for Teens?

Cultivating awareness of these situations is the foundation of healing psychological effects of trauma because it allows teens to tolerate and move through physiological sensations trapped in the body. It can be difficult for teens to think about or describe details of events, but they are more conscious of how they feel physically, even if they don’t always understand the connection between physical complaints and intense emotions. 

While teens often struggle opening up to others about details of past trauma based on a fear of being misunderstood or rejected, this approach focuses on how it impacts them in multiple areas. Looking at these separate elements of somatic experiencing, teens can recognize how different areas influence each other and determine which elements are related to past experiences and which are rational in the present moment.

We integrate a variety of evidence-based techniques into our treatment model for trauma, including mindfulness, somatic experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Brainspotting.. By focusing on the relationship between how the body stores traumatic stress and how the mind processes it, we are able to help students begin the healing process. These techniques encourage students to slow down and increase awareness of their inner experience.

Solstice 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 relationship struggles. We offer a multidisciplinary holistic approach to trauma recovery, including mindfulness, EMDR, and Brainspotting. 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 to learn more about treatment options for trauma.

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5 Ways to Connect with Your Teen in Crisis
5 Ways to Connect with Your Teen in Crisis 2560 1751 The Solstice Team

Have you ever tried to talk to your child mid-sob? In between gasps for breath, they are less likely to want to have a conversation. In fact, talking about why she’s upset in the moment might lead to more tears and lashing out. It’s difficult to allow their time to decompress when you want to connect with your teen in crisis, but giving their space to feel how they feels allows you to revisit the issue later when you are both able to have a more productive conversation. 

“I feel so disconnected from their when she’s struggling”

When your child is struggling with depression, relationship problems, or trauma, you want their to feel comfortable talking to you about it. They may prefer to deal with things on their own or turn to their friends, but it can feel like they are hiding things from you or that they doesn’t trust you. Even if they doesn’t vocalize what they are going through, it can have an impact on the entire family.

You may not understand what she’s going through if you haven’t experienced similar things. You may be just as comfortable tiptoeing around the white elephant in the room. The disconnect may come from wanting to say the right thing or do the right thing and worrying that they won’t be receptive to how you try to connect with her. 

Although it can feel personal, it is not your fault, but it isn’t hers either. 

Ways to Support Your Struggling Teen in Crisis:

  • Be patient. If your teen is in the middle of a personal crisis, it will take time for them to find their footing again. You may be confident that you have solutions that might work for them, but they may not be in a solution-oriented mindset yet. While you may want your child to feel better, offering solutions can be internalized as “not being allowed to feel the way I do.” Listen to them express their emotions and let them have that space. When they are ready to ask for suggestions, they will ask.
  • Be present. Whether or not they want to talk about how they feel, let them know that you are there for them. Acknowledge that what they are going through is difficult. You may not be able to offer new solutions, but it can be comforting to know that they are not alone as they go through this. Continue to check in.
  • Be specific. Asking open-ended questions like, “is there anything I can do” implies infinite possibilities but may also suggest that you aren’t confident about what might help. Often, your teen might not know either. Coming up with a few concrete suggestions can encourage them to think about and choose what might be beneficial. Be willing to be flexible if they turn down your first suggestions.
  • Try to distract them from overwhelming feelings. Even if they reach out to you, chances are focusing on how they feel by processing it can sometimes reinforce how often they’re stuck in those thoughts. Suggest doing something fun together to get their mind off the situation.
  • Take care of yourself. It can be difficult to separate your daughter’s feelings from your own as you try to step in to help. It’s important to remember that their emotions can influence your own. Role model self-care by putting yourself first so that you are better prepared to be there for them. 

Solstice 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 relationship struggles. This program provides three types of therapy: individual, group, and family therapy along with an accredited academic program that emphasizes creative expression and experiential learning. 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!

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