Folsom Teen Therapy

05/17/2024

Group youth therapy can be an effective way to help youth manage and overcome anxiety. Here are some reasons why it can be beneficial:

Peer Support: Being in a group with others who are experiencing similar issues can provide a sense of understanding and solidarity. It helps young people feel less alone in their struggles.

Shared Experiences: Hearing others talk about their experiences with anxiety can help participants gain new perspectives and coping strategies. It can also validate their own experiences and feelings.

Social Skills Development: Group therapy provides a safe environment to practice social interactions and communication skills, which can be particularly beneficial for those whose anxiety makes social situations challenging.

Learning from Others: Teens can learn from each other's successes and setbacks. This shared learning can be powerful and can lead to the discovery of new techniques and approaches to managing anxiety.

Facilitator Guidance: Group sessions are led by a trained therapist who can guide discussions, introduce therapeutic activities, and ensure that the environment remains supportive and productive.

Building Confidence: Sharing one's story and offering support to others can boost self-esteem and confidence, which are often areas of struggle for those with anxiety.

Cost-Effective: Group therapy is often more affordable than individual therapy, making it accessible to a wider range of people.

Community Building: Developing connections with peers in the group can create a sense of community and belonging, which is beneficial for mental health.

Overall, group youth therapy offers a supportive environment where young people can learn, share, and grow together, all while receiving professional guidance to manage their anxiety effectively.

We offer several Youth Groups, reach out if you'd like more information @ 916.761-5492

Heather Moss, MFT – with 17 years within the mental health field working with individuals, couples, and families I can help individuals and families build strong bonds in their most important relationships and rebuild trust, respect and connection.

01/13/2024

Connecting with teenagers can sometimes be challenging, given the unique developmental stage they're in and the evolving dynamics of parent-child relationships. Here are some strategies to help you connect with your teen:

Listen Actively:
Cultivate a habit of active listening. When your teen talks, give them your full attention. Avoid interrupting, and show genuine interest in what they have to say.

Respect Their Independence:
Acknowledge and respect their need for independence and autonomy. While they may still need guidance, allowing them space to make decisions fosters a sense of trust.

Find Common Interests:
Discover shared interests and activities. Whether it's a particular hobby, sports, movies, or music, finding common ground can provide opportunities for bonding.

Quality Time:
Spend quality time together. This doesn't necessarily mean elaborate outings; even simple activities like cooking, playing games, or taking a walk can create opportunities for connection.

Open Communication:
Create an environment where open communication is encouraged. Be approachable and non-judgmental, making it easier for your teen to share their thoughts and feelings with you.

Express Understanding:
Validate their emotions and perspectives. Even if you don't agree with everything they say, expressing understanding and empathy goes a long way in building trust.

Respect Privacy:
Respect their need for privacy. While open communication is important, teens also value their personal space. Avoid prying into every aspect of their lives.

Be Supportive:
Show your support for their goals and aspirations. Encourage their interests and passions, even if they differ from your own.

Share Your Experiences:
Share your own experiences and stories. This can help bridge generational gaps and let your teen know that you understand some of the challenges they may be facing.

Be Patient:
Patience is key. Teens may go through phases where they become more withdrawn or rebellious. Give them the time and space they need while letting them know you're there for them when they're ready to connect.

Technology Engagement:
Embrace technology as a means of connection. Teens often communicate through technology, so being familiar with their preferred platforms can facilitate communication.

Attend Their Events:
Attend their school events, sports competitions, or performances. Your presence at their activities shows that you're involved and interested in their lives.

Seek Professional Help When Needed:
If you notice persistent challenges in connecting with your teen or if there are deeper emotional or behavioral issues, consider seeking the help of a family therapist or counselor.

Remember that building a strong connection with your teen takes time and effort. Be consistent in your efforts to communicate, understand, and support them as they navigate the complexities of adolescence.

For more support reach out 916-764-3689

01/09/2024

💞Parent Tips: How To Keep Your Teen Safe On Social Media.

Ensuring the safety of teenagers on social media is crucial in today's digital age. Here are some tips to help parents and guardians navigate the challenges and keep teens safe on social media:

Open Communication:

Foster an open and non-judgmental line of communication with your teen. Make sure they feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, both positive and negative.

Educate on Privacy Settings:

Teach your teen how to use privacy settings on their social media accounts. Show them how to control who can see their posts, friend requests, and personal information.

Encourage Thoughtful Posting:

Remind teens to think before they post. Encourage them to consider the potential consequences of sharing personal information, photos, or comments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive online reputation.

Discuss Online Stranger Danger:

Emphasize the risks associated with interacting with strangers online. Remind teens to only accept friend requests and communicate with people they know in real life.

Teach Digital Citizenship:

Educate teens about responsible online behavior and the concept of digital citizenship. Encourage them to treat others with respect, avoid cyberbullying, and report inappropriate content.

Set Time Limits:

Establish reasonable time limits for social media use. Excessive screen time can impact physical and mental well-being. Encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

Monitor Friend Lists:

Regularly check your teen's friend list. Discuss the importance of only connecting with people they know personally and encourage them to remove any unfamiliar or suspicious contacts.

Discuss the Permanence of Content:

Make sure teens understand that anything they post online can be permanent. Discuss the potential consequences of sharing inappropriate or compromising content, as well as the impact it can have on future opportunities.

Be Aware of Apps and Platforms:

Stay informed about the social media platforms and apps your teen is using. Familiarize yourself with the features, risks, and age restrictions associated with each platform.

Lead by Example:

Model responsible social media behavior. Your own online presence and actions can influence your teen's understanding of appropriate conduct on social media.

Use Parental Controls:

Explore and utilize parental control features available on social media platforms and devices. These controls can help you manage and monitor your teen's online activity.

Address Cyberbullying:

Discuss the importance of reporting any incidents of cyberbullying. Make sure your teen knows they can come to you for support and guidance if they experience or witness online harassment.

Stay Informed About Trends:

Keep yourself updated on the latest trends and challenges on social media. This awareness allows you to address potential risks and have informed conversations with your teen.

Empower Critical Thinking:

Teach teens to question information and be critical thinkers online. Help them distinguish between credible and unreliable sources, and encourage them to fact-check information before sharing.

By combining these strategies, parents can create a safer online environment for their teens, promoting responsible digital citizenship and healthy online interactions. Regular conversations about online safety and ongoing monitoring can help ensure that teens develop the skills to navigate social media responsibly.

Call now to connect with business.

11/05/2023

🩵Teen grief support group starting after the new year. Call or text to register 916-407-3421

02/10/2023

🙏🏼💕Words matter.

02/08/2023

It’s never too soon to start having the conversations around internet safety if you let a child use or have a cell phone.
Financial sextortion is an online exploitation crime directed toward youth in which threats are used to demand money from the victim.