PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center states that one out of every five teens is a victim of bullying at some point. Teen bullying can leave deep psychological scars that impact the victim’s self-esteem for years to come. Treatment programs created specifically for teens who have been on the receiving end of bullying are one solution for them.
If your teen is the victim of teen bullying, contact Imagine Boise today at 888.597.2807 to learn more about our treatment options.
Effects of Teen Bullying
A bullied teen can experience many negative consequences, especially if they do not receive the support they need.
Feelings of sadness and even depression are common consequences of bullying, as well as increased anxiety and feelings of loneliness. They may no longer enjoy the activities they used to love. A bullied teen may also have sleeping difficulties and experience changes in eating patterns.
Health complaints related to stress are another effect of bullying. Decreased academic achievement can be a result of bullying, as well. A bullied teen is likelier to miss, skip, or drop out of school.
Teen Bullying Treatment: Adolescent Mental Health Treatments
Teens who are the victims of bullying need to have support as they deal with self-esteem issues. Adolescent mental health treatments provide weekly sessions with a psychiatrist and also involve group therapy sessions.
During these sessions, some of the topics covered include:
- Anger management
- Coping skills
- Mindfulness
- Teen emotional regulation
- Self-care
- Life skills
Group sessions are particularly beneficial for bullied teens. These sessions provide a safe space for teens to engage in discussions under the guidance of counselors and therapists. This setting encourages vulnerability while also fostering camaraderie.
Group sessions can help teens to learn how to:
- Hold others accountable
- Develop empathy
- Find a support network
- Share their experiences
- Understand the experiences of others
Allowing teens to share their experiences in a safe setting lets them see that others struggle with similar concerns.
Trauma Therapy
Another effective treatment plan for bullied teens is trauma therapy. Bullying can cause trauma and PTSD, making it more difficult for a teen to lead a healthy, happy life. Trauma can leave your child struggling with feelings of loneliness, and they may feel too overwhelmed to handle daily life.
Trauma therapy includes talk therapy, where your child can learn what situations may cause them to relive their trauma and how to manage them.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another good option. CBT encourages the teen to identify negative thought patterns and change them to be able to respond to situations in a healthy manner.
CBT also teaches the teen to identify the motivations other people have for their actions and offers techniques to help the teen develop self-confidence in the face of those motivations.
For dealing with bullying, CBT teaches teens to recognize and face the fears that may be holding them back from getting past the trauma while also learning how to relax their body and mind when faced with distressing situations.
To help with difficult interactions, CBT also utilizes role-playing exercises. These exercises build confidence and encourage the teen to find new ways of interacting.
A Treatment Plan for Bullied Teens at Imagine Boise
Finding teen bullying treatment options for teens who struggle with this serious issue is essential. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, as well as other types of trauma therapy, can help allow your child to deal with the effects of bullying.
At Imagine Boise in Idaho, we offer trauma therapy and other treatment options for bullied teens 12 to 17 years old. Our team of expert counselors and psychiatrists can help your child address the lasting impact of bullying in a safe and welcoming environment.
Call Imagine Boise at 888.597.2807 for more information.