Adolescence is an especially challenging time to achieve self-esteem. The physical and hormonal changes that occur throughout the teenage years can make your child especially sensitive to any perceived flaws in their body, looks or image. And the slightest criticism can lead to significant psychological distress. Other teens, meanwhile, may struggle with feelings of inadequacy when it comes to their schoolwork, athletics or other elements of personal performance.
Teens who struggle with low self-esteem are more likely to seek validation from others and adopt risky behavior — including drug and teen alcohol abuse. Not only does this behavior put them at greater risk for addiction that may require substance abuse treatment, but it also can have negative consequences that carry over into adulthood.
That’s why it’s essential that teens — especially in recovery — find the encouragement and tools to help develop a healthy self-image.
At Safe Landing, we begin by helping your teen feel safe, so they develop trust in the clinical staff, support teams and their peers in recovery. As they discover genuine and healthy relationships, adolescents are more receptive and more likely to cultivate more appropriate levels of self-esteem.
We understand that, by learning to value themselves, teens also learn to value their recovery. That’s why our programs are specially designed to enhance each client’s sense of self-worth, from residential inpatient rehab treatment to partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient rehab programs, even aftercare support.
Meanwhile, our behavioral health experts all specialize in caring for adolescents. So each of our evidence-based therapeutic approaches emphasizes the cultivation of self-esteem and self-worth. As part of their individualized recovery plan, your child will have the opportunity to benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), animal-assisted therapy, trauma therapy, harm reduction therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), emotional regulation, and wellness. Interested in learning more about the relationship between low self-esteem and addiction? You can read even more here.
We recognize that, as family, your input matters deeply to your teen — even if he or she says otherwise! In fact, you’re uniquely positioned to help build your child’s self-esteem by providing encouragement, staying receptive and offering a good role model. There are many opportunities to get involved at Safe Landing — including family counseling and other programs.
We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about ways to strengthen your teen’s self-image! Let’s have a conversation today.