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Life Transitions & Changes
- Start at a new school
- Negotiate divorce and family change
- Move to a new home or a new city
- Cope with a new medical diagnosis
- Experience changes to their friendships or cope with bullying
- Grieve the loss of a loved ones
- Adjust to a new sibling
Life's Twists and Turns
When faced with big changes like these, many kids and teens experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression, and/or anger. It's important to remember that these emotional and behavioral responses are often normal reactions to tough situations. But, if these symptoms stick around or really mess with a kid's life, it might be a sign that something more serious is going on, and they might need professional help. Kids and teens don't always have the tools to deal with big emotions and experiences on their own. That's where therapy comes in – it's like a trusty guide, helping them navigate those tough times.
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Therapy for
Life Transitions & Changes
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT for adjustment disorders starts by exploring the thoughts that are making the transition harder. A child might believe, “I’ll never be happy again,” or “This is all my fault.” These thoughts can intensify distress and make it even harder to cope. Through cognitive restructuring, a therapist helps the individual challenge these beliefs, replacing them with more balanced perspectives, like, “This is difficult, but I’ve faced challenges before and gotten through them.” CBT also teaches problem-solving techniques to break down overwhelming situations into manageable steps. Relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, help regulate emotions in the moment. If stress has caused the child to withdraw, behavioral activation encourages them to re-engage with enjoyable activities, rebuilding a sense of normalcy.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be especially helpful for teens dealing with adjustment issues or big life changes. Instead of trying to avoid or fight difficult emotions like anxiety or sadness, ACT helps teens learn how to accept these feelings and respond to them in a healthier way. They’re taught to notice their thoughts without getting stuck in them, and to focus on what really matters to them—like friendships, family, or personal goals. With support, teens begin to take small, meaningful steps toward those values, even when things feel hard. Over time, this approach helps them become more flexible, resilient, and better able to handle life’s ups and downs.
- Play Therapy: Play therapy is used to help children with adjustment disorders express emotions, process change, and develop coping skills in a safe, engaging way. Since children often struggle to verbalize feelings, play provides a natural form of communication. By observing a child’s play—such as acting out family dynamics with dolls or engaging in repetitive, imaginative scenarios—therapists gain insight into their emotions. They then introduce structured activities like storytelling, role-playing, or calming exercises to help the child process their experiences and develop healthy coping strategies.
- Art Therapy: Art therapy is a creative and supportive way for children to express their emotions, especially when they have trouble putting their feelings into words. Through activities like drawing, painting, sculpting, or making collages, kids can explore what they’re feeling in a safe and fun way. A trained therapist helps guide the process and can gently explore the meaning behind the child’s artwork. This type of therapy not only helps children better understand their emotions, but also builds self-esteem, encourages problem-solving, and gives them a sense of control and accomplishment by creating something meaningful.
- Family Therapy: Recognizing the crucial role of family dynamics in a child's emotional well-being, family therapy focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships within the family unit. By working with a therapist, family members can learn to understand and support each other more effectively, creating a more nurturing and stable environment for the child to thrive. Family therapy can be particularly beneficial during times of stress, transition, or when a child is experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties.
Therapy can be a valuable support for children, teens, and young adults during times of transition, offering a safe space to explore their thoughts and emotions. These life changes—like starting a new school, moving, or family shifts—can bring up big feelings that are hard to manage alone. A therapist helps young people better understand their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, build self-esteem, and feel more in control. With consistent support, therapy can create a sense of stability and help kids and teens adjust to new situations with greater confidence and resilience.
