Trauma can have profound effects on teenagers and their mental, emotional, and physical well-being all being affected, with PTSD affecting 5% of adolescents. It often requires professional intervention complemented by various physical activities to promote a teenager’s well-being. At Nexus Teen Academy, we pride ourselves on providing support for teenagers undergoing mental health challenges such as trauma or PTSD. We have specialized treatment modalities tailored to every teenager’s needs. In this blog, we will be discussing 25 activities and how they benefit teenagers’ trauma recovery.
1. Physical Exercise: Yoga and Running
Yoga and running are the best examples of light yet effective exercises. Yoga can be practiced at home; you only need a spacious environment that encourages free movement. Sessions are typically held regularly under the guidance of a certified yoga coach but can also be done through video instruction online.
When done regularly and correctly, Yoga has several benefits, including improving flexibility, reducing stress, and improving mental clarity in teenagers.
Running is also a great, low-impact form of exercise that is easy to get into. Depending on the individual’s ability, it can be either light sprinting, jogging, or even speed walking — anything to get the blood flowing.
Running improves cardiovascular health, promotes relaxation, and boosts natural energy. Running also releases endorphins, which improve mood and are beneficial in teenagers’ trauma recovery.
2. Art Therapy: Painting and Sculpture
Art therapy is a treatment modality that encourages healing through creative expression. It is best conducted in a well-equipped art studio or a therapy center with art materials.
Art therapy should be done weekly under the guidance of a professional art therapist well-versed in different techniques. Duration per session depends on the art teacher. It may range from one to 3 hours. The more art therapy sessions your teenager attends, the more their art grows and develops more depth. One of the important benefits of art therapy is that it reduces stress and anxiety. Art provides a visual and tactile outlet for expression, allowing teenagers to explore their emotions without pressure. Feelings too hard to verbalize are taken out in art.
3. Music Therapy
Music therapy uses music or elements of music to improve overall physical and mental well-being. It is conducted in a soundproof environment to eliminate noise pollution.
Conducted by a certified music therapist, sessions may involve creating music, singing, or playing an instrument.
Music therapy sessions are conducted twice a week or weekly to maximize their therapeutic benefits. The duration of each session depends on the therapist and instructor.
When done regularly, music therapy has vast benefits for a traumatized teenager’s mental health. It improves relations, reduces stress, regulates emotions, and improves mood.
4. Nature Walks
Nature walks are a perfect way to relax both the body and mind. They can be at your local park, nature reserve, or botanical garden. All these destinations provide ideal settings to get lost in the beauty of nature. For teen trauma recovery, teenagers go for nature walks under the guidance of a therapist or counselor. Done in individual or group settings, the walks usually focus on mindfulness.
Nature walks are best done twice a week or weekly. It is important to set a routine that teenagers can look forward to as they can promote stability and help reduce stress and anxiety in teenagers battling trauma.
Nature walks have several benefits. They reduce feelings of anxiety and depression in traumatized teens. They can also enhance mood, encourage emotional regulation, and provide peace and calm. Nature walks also promote physical health and a connection to the physical world.
5. Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are great ways to keep a clear mind. These exercises require quiet spaces free from triggers and distractions. They are best done indoors or outside in a calm and collected setting.
Mindfulness and meditation are mostly practiced under the guidance of a therapist. During these sessions, teens battling trauma can learn several meditation techniques. Mindfulness exercises can also include breathing exercises and exercises engaging the different senses. These exercises should be done regularly daily practice is most effective, even for short periods.
Mindfulness and meditation have vast benefits on teenagers’ mental health. Mindfulness helps teenagers center their thoughts, focusing only on the present moment. It also encourages concentration, reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress, and improves a teenager’s overall emotional resilience.
6. Creative Writing and Journaling
Creative writing and journaling are among the best ways to process emotions. Teenagers can use physical or digital notebooks to jot down their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. A therapist can guide them on topics to write about.
Journaling daily is more effective when done over long periods. It helps teens battle trauma and reflect on their emotions daily. This provides an outlet for expressing difficult emotions. It also serves as a therapeutic tool to avoid overwhelming feelings of anxiety.
7. Group Therapy Sessions
Group therapy is typically conducted in a safe and controlled environment. A certified therapist leads the group therapy sessions and guides the teenagers through the discussions and activities.
Sessions are conducted every week to allow teens to develop levels of trust and companionship among one another. The sessions help reduce feelings of isolation and can foster healthy connections through shared experiences. Group therapy also allows teenagers to learn different coping skills like communication and emotional intelligence.
8. Equine Therapy
Equine therapy uses horses to promote mental and emotional well-being. Teens participate in activities like feeding, leading, and riding horses under an equine therapist’s supervision. Equine therapy benefits a traumatized teen by increasing feelings of self-worth. Tending to the horses encourages a sense of responsibility and empathy among traumatized teens and reduces depressive symptoms.
9. Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are usually held in community centers, schools, or local kitchens. These classes can be done in group settings to foster camaraderie. During sessions, teenagers get to prepare different types of meals under the guidance of a therapist or a trained chef. To build a routine, cooking classes are held once a week. The benefits of cooking classes include creativity, teaching teenagers necessary life skills, and promoting a sense of accomplishment among traumatized teens, thus boosting their self-worth.
10. Adventure Therapy
Adventure therapy includes activities like rock climbing, rafting, or hiking. It is mostly done in groups under the guidance of a trained professional.
Sessions are scheduled, and depending on the intensity of the therapy, one session can last up to several days. Since it involves several challenges and activities, it teaches teenagers problem-solving skills, helps build self-worth, and equips them with positive coping skills to navigate challenging situations.
11. Dance Therapy: Movement and Somatic Therapy Activities
Dance therapy is an interesting and relaxing way to promote mental health. A certified dance therapist leads sessions that can be held in dance studios or any spacious room with sound equipment. They can also engage in expressive movement to help them express their emotions through their bodies.
Dance sessions can be held weekly to establish a rhythmic pattern, aiding emotional regulation. If done regularly, dance therapy can be very beneficial. It enhances body awareness, improves mood, and emotionally releases traumatized teenagers. Dance therapy also fosters a sense of community and support through group dances.
12. Volunteer Work
Volunteer work can be for local non-profits, community organizations, or various other events. Teens can volunteer by helping at food banks, participating in community clean-ups, or assisting in local animal shelters. Volunteer opportunities help teens battling trauma feel more connected to the community. Giving back to the community can boost an individual’s self-worth, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
13. Drama Therapy
Drama therapy can be conducted in theater settings, school auditoriums, or therapy centers with performance space. Activities include script writing, role-playing, and performances. Sessions may be held once or twice a week, depending on the needs. Drama therapy encourages creativity for teenagers where teens can use performances as an outlet to express their lifestyle and emotions.
14. Pet Therapy
Pet therapy is a guided interaction between teenagers and animals. Teenagers interact with trained pets such as dogs, cats, and horses. If done correctly and regularly, pet therapy may reduce stress and anxiety, providing comfort to teenagers. Animals offer unconditional love, which can heal teens experiencing emotional distress.
15. Gardening
Under the guidance of a therapist, teenagers can learn to plant, weed, and harvest plants. Sessions are ideally held weekly to observe the progress of plants. Gardening is therapeutic for traumatized teenagers since it allows them to nurture and care for something living outside of themselves. This can be calming and meditative, teaching them to care for themselves as they care for the plants. It also teaches teenagers to take responsibility for their health and mental wellness.
16. Biking
Biking is a fun activity that can be done on the local roads or in a park. Teens can go for solo or group rides, possibly guided by a therapist or bicycle enthusiast who understands its benefits. Biking sessions can be held regularly, depending on a teenager’s physical endurance. Biking has several advantages, like improved physical health, reduced anxiety and stress, and providing a sense of freedom of control for teens recovering from trauma.
17. Team Sports
Team sports encourage peer interaction and are held in community centers, local clubs, or community sports centers. Teenagers can engage in sports like football or soccer under the guidance of a professional coach. These activities help foster teamwork and teach communication and cooperation skills. Other benefits include improved health, encouraging social skills, and teaching teenagers to cope with wins and losses. All of these skills are valuable lessons for emotional recovery.
18. Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy is a therapeutic modality for teenagers with sensory problems. In sensory integration programs, teenagers engage in several activities that stimulate their senses. Sessions can vary depending on the occupational therapy treatment plan. Sensory integration therapy helps teenagers regulate their sensory emotions and encourages concentration and focus, an aspect traumatized teenagers struggle with.
19. Peer Support Groups
Peer support groups are held in schools, community centers, or on online platforms. They provide a safe environment for teenagers to talk about shared experiences. Peer support groups are conducted once or twice a week under the guidance of certified therapists. These support groups foster a sense of community and understanding. They enable teens to share their experiences with trauma and the necessary coping skills they use and also validate teenagers, reminding them that trauma recovery is possible.
20. Cognitive Behavioral Workshops
Teen Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a talk therapy that identifies and challenges an individual’s thought process. It is typically conducted in hospitals, community, or therapy centers. These workshops are led by a certified psychologist who focuses on teaching CBT skills. Some of these skills include stress management for anxiety and mood disorders.
Teen CBT workshops are held weekly. During these sessions, teenagers are taught new skills to help manage their trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy benefits teenagers by helping them modify their thought processes. They change negative thoughts to positive thoughts that help teens regulate their emotions and overcome trauma-related symptoms.
21. Family Therapy Sessions
Teen Family therapy is crucial in teen trauma recovery. It addresses any underlying factors that may contribute to a teenager’s traumatic episodes. Family therapy is usually done at therapy centers or clinics. It can also be done at home under the guidance of a trained family therapist. They can be weekly or twice weekly to ensure the family receives ongoing support. Family therapy helps address the family dynamics. It strengthens family bonds and educates families on teen trauma. It teaches families how to support each other and navigate the aftermath of trauma.
At Nexus, we understand the importance of family therapy and the family dynamic of mental health treatment. We utilize family therapy and offer weekly family time, during which parents and loved ones can visit their teens and check on them.
22. Trauma Narratives
Trauma narratives involve teenagers narrating and sharing their trauma experiences. This can be done through various therapy programs. The activity involves teenagers verbally sharing or writing down their experiences during trauma-focused therapy sessions. Sharing with other teenagers helps teenagers process and integrate their experiences. It also reminds them that they are not alone in the fight against trauma.
23. Cultural Excursions
Cultural excursions refer to trips focused on teaching teenagers about different cultures by visiting museums, theaters, cultural festivals, or historical sites. These programs can be planned monthly or quarterly, depending on the intensity of the treatment plan. The benefit of cultural excursion for traumatized teens is its ability to enhance their understanding of the world. It fosters a connection between arts and history, an activity that stimulates a teenager’s memory and broadens their perspective of the world.
24. Digital Detox Programs
‘Digital Detox’ refers to taking time away from social media. Most occur at digital detox camps or residential treatment centers. In other scenarios, it may be practiced at home. Teenagers engage in different activities during a digital detox to discourage using digital devices, activities may include reading, journaling, or outdoor camping. A professional counselor or therapist usually guides digital detox.
Digital detox sessions vary. Some may last a week, a weekend, or even a month. When done correctly, they have benefits like stress and anxiety reduction. They also enhance face-to-face interactions and encourage involvement in activities that promote mental health.
25. Life Skills Training
Life skills training programs are offered in schools, therapy centers, and community centers. It involves classes and workshops that teach teenagers practical steps to navigate the complexities of trauma. Led by a qualified instructor, the classes can range from cooking classes to communication skills. Life skills training has regular sessions conducted weekly. When done competently, this training has vast benefits. It equips traumatized teens with the necessary skills to handle everyday life’s hurdles confidently.
Conclusion
Different activities benefit the overall well-being of a teenager battling trauma. Physical exercise and mindfulness reduce stress and anxiety, while art and dance therapy help teenagers express themselves creatively. Each activity needs to be tailored to suit your teenager’s specific needs.
If your teenager is battling trauma and you would love specialized activities for them, we are here to help. At Nexus Teen Academy’s Arizona mental health treatment program we are committed to supporting teenagers through their recovery journey. We have tailored treatment modalities and activities to promote overall wellness in teenagers. Contact us today for detailed information or to arrange a visit to see these activities in action.
25 Best Trauma Recovery Activities for Arizona Teens
Published On May 4, 2024
Table of Contents
Trauma can have profound effects on teenagers and their mental, emotional, and physical well-being all being affected, with PTSD affecting 5% of adolescents. It often requires professional intervention complemented by various physical activities to promote a teenager’s well-being. At Nexus Teen Academy, we pride ourselves on providing support for teenagers undergoing mental health challenges such as trauma or PTSD. We have specialized treatment modalities tailored to every teenager’s needs. In this blog, we will be discussing 25 activities and how they benefit teenagers’ trauma recovery.
1. Physical Exercise: Yoga and Running
Yoga and running are the best examples of light yet effective exercises. Yoga can be practiced at home; you only need a spacious environment that encourages free movement. Sessions are typically held regularly under the guidance of a certified yoga coach but can also be done through video instruction online.
When done regularly and correctly, Yoga has several benefits, including improving flexibility, reducing stress, and improving mental clarity in teenagers.
Running is also a great, low-impact form of exercise that is easy to get into. Depending on the individual’s ability, it can be either light sprinting, jogging, or even speed walking — anything to get the blood flowing.
Running improves cardiovascular health, promotes relaxation, and boosts natural energy. Running also releases endorphins, which improve mood and are beneficial in teenagers’ trauma recovery.
2. Art Therapy: Painting and Sculpture
Art therapy is a treatment modality that encourages healing through creative expression. It is best conducted in a well-equipped art studio or a therapy center with art materials.
Art therapy should be done weekly under the guidance of a professional art therapist well-versed in different techniques. Duration per session depends on the art teacher. It may range from one to 3 hours. The more art therapy sessions your teenager attends, the more their art grows and develops more depth. One of the important benefits of art therapy is that it reduces stress and anxiety. Art provides a visual and tactile outlet for expression, allowing teenagers to explore their emotions without pressure. Feelings too hard to verbalize are taken out in art.
3. Music Therapy
Music therapy uses music or elements of music to improve overall physical and mental well-being. It is conducted in a soundproof environment to eliminate noise pollution.
Conducted by a certified music therapist, sessions may involve creating music, singing, or playing an instrument.
Music therapy sessions are conducted twice a week or weekly to maximize their therapeutic benefits. The duration of each session depends on the therapist and instructor.
When done regularly, music therapy has vast benefits for a traumatized teenager’s mental health. It improves relations, reduces stress, regulates emotions, and improves mood.
4. Nature Walks
Nature walks are a perfect way to relax both the body and mind. They can be at your local park, nature reserve, or botanical garden. All these destinations provide ideal settings to get lost in the beauty of nature. For teen trauma recovery, teenagers go for nature walks under the guidance of a therapist or counselor. Done in individual or group settings, the walks usually focus on mindfulness.
Nature walks are best done twice a week or weekly. It is important to set a routine that teenagers can look forward to as they can promote stability and help reduce stress and anxiety in teenagers battling trauma.
Nature walks have several benefits. They reduce feelings of anxiety and depression in traumatized teens. They can also enhance mood, encourage emotional regulation, and provide peace and calm. Nature walks also promote physical health and a connection to the physical world.
5. Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are great ways to keep a clear mind. These exercises require quiet spaces free from triggers and distractions. They are best done indoors or outside in a calm and collected setting.
Mindfulness and meditation are mostly practiced under the guidance of a therapist. During these sessions, teens battling trauma can learn several meditation techniques. Mindfulness exercises can also include breathing exercises and exercises engaging the different senses. These exercises should be done regularly daily practice is most effective, even for short periods.
Mindfulness and meditation have vast benefits on teenagers’ mental health. Mindfulness helps teenagers center their thoughts, focusing only on the present moment. It also encourages concentration, reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress, and improves a teenager’s overall emotional resilience.
6. Creative Writing and Journaling
Creative writing and journaling are among the best ways to process emotions. Teenagers can use physical or digital notebooks to jot down their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. A therapist can guide them on topics to write about.
Journaling daily is more effective when done over long periods. It helps teens battle trauma and reflect on their emotions daily. This provides an outlet for expressing difficult emotions. It also serves as a therapeutic tool to avoid overwhelming feelings of anxiety.
7. Group Therapy Sessions
Group therapy is typically conducted in a safe and controlled environment. A certified therapist leads the group therapy sessions and guides the teenagers through the discussions and activities.
Sessions are conducted every week to allow teens to develop levels of trust and companionship among one another. The sessions help reduce feelings of isolation and can foster healthy connections through shared experiences. Group therapy also allows teenagers to learn different coping skills like communication and emotional intelligence.
8. Equine Therapy
Equine therapy uses horses to promote mental and emotional well-being. Teens participate in activities like feeding, leading, and riding horses under an equine therapist’s supervision. Equine therapy benefits a traumatized teen by increasing feelings of self-worth. Tending to the horses encourages a sense of responsibility and empathy among traumatized teens and reduces depressive symptoms.
9. Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are usually held in community centers, schools, or local kitchens. These classes can be done in group settings to foster camaraderie. During sessions, teenagers get to prepare different types of meals under the guidance of a therapist or a trained chef. To build a routine, cooking classes are held once a week. The benefits of cooking classes include creativity, teaching teenagers necessary life skills, and promoting a sense of accomplishment among traumatized teens, thus boosting their self-worth.
10. Adventure Therapy
Adventure therapy includes activities like rock climbing, rafting, or hiking. It is mostly done in groups under the guidance of a trained professional.
Sessions are scheduled, and depending on the intensity of the therapy, one session can last up to several days. Since it involves several challenges and activities, it teaches teenagers problem-solving skills, helps build self-worth, and equips them with positive coping skills to navigate challenging situations.
11. Dance Therapy: Movement and Somatic Therapy Activities
Dance therapy is an interesting and relaxing way to promote mental health. A certified dance therapist leads sessions that can be held in dance studios or any spacious room with sound equipment. They can also engage in expressive movement to help them express their emotions through their bodies.
Dance sessions can be held weekly to establish a rhythmic pattern, aiding emotional regulation. If done regularly, dance therapy can be very beneficial. It enhances body awareness, improves mood, and emotionally releases traumatized teenagers. Dance therapy also fosters a sense of community and support through group dances.
12. Volunteer Work
Volunteer work can be for local non-profits, community organizations, or various other events. Teens can volunteer by helping at food banks, participating in community clean-ups, or assisting in local animal shelters. Volunteer opportunities help teens battling trauma feel more connected to the community. Giving back to the community can boost an individual’s self-worth, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
13. Drama Therapy
Drama therapy can be conducted in theater settings, school auditoriums, or therapy centers with performance space. Activities include script writing, role-playing, and performances. Sessions may be held once or twice a week, depending on the needs. Drama therapy encourages creativity for teenagers where teens can use performances as an outlet to express their lifestyle and emotions.
14. Pet Therapy
Pet therapy is a guided interaction between teenagers and animals. Teenagers interact with trained pets such as dogs, cats, and horses. If done correctly and regularly, pet therapy may reduce stress and anxiety, providing comfort to teenagers. Animals offer unconditional love, which can heal teens experiencing emotional distress.
15. Gardening
Under the guidance of a therapist, teenagers can learn to plant, weed, and harvest plants. Sessions are ideally held weekly to observe the progress of plants. Gardening is therapeutic for traumatized teenagers since it allows them to nurture and care for something living outside of themselves. This can be calming and meditative, teaching them to care for themselves as they care for the plants. It also teaches teenagers to take responsibility for their health and mental wellness.
16. Biking
Biking is a fun activity that can be done on the local roads or in a park. Teens can go for solo or group rides, possibly guided by a therapist or bicycle enthusiast who understands its benefits. Biking sessions can be held regularly, depending on a teenager’s physical endurance. Biking has several advantages, like improved physical health, reduced anxiety and stress, and providing a sense of freedom of control for teens recovering from trauma.
17. Team Sports
Team sports encourage peer interaction and are held in community centers, local clubs, or community sports centers. Teenagers can engage in sports like football or soccer under the guidance of a professional coach. These activities help foster teamwork and teach communication and cooperation skills. Other benefits include improved health, encouraging social skills, and teaching teenagers to cope with wins and losses. All of these skills are valuable lessons for emotional recovery.
18. Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy is a therapeutic modality for teenagers with sensory problems. In sensory integration programs, teenagers engage in several activities that stimulate their senses. Sessions can vary depending on the occupational therapy treatment plan. Sensory integration therapy helps teenagers regulate their sensory emotions and encourages concentration and focus, an aspect traumatized teenagers struggle with.
19. Peer Support Groups
Peer support groups are held in schools, community centers, or on online platforms. They provide a safe environment for teenagers to talk about shared experiences. Peer support groups are conducted once or twice a week under the guidance of certified therapists. These support groups foster a sense of community and understanding. They enable teens to share their experiences with trauma and the necessary coping skills they use and also validate teenagers, reminding them that trauma recovery is possible.
20. Cognitive Behavioral Workshops
Teen Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a talk therapy that identifies and challenges an individual’s thought process. It is typically conducted in hospitals, community, or therapy centers. These workshops are led by a certified psychologist who focuses on teaching CBT skills. Some of these skills include stress management for anxiety and mood disorders.
Teen CBT workshops are held weekly. During these sessions, teenagers are taught new skills to help manage their trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy benefits teenagers by helping them modify their thought processes. They change negative thoughts to positive thoughts that help teens regulate their emotions and overcome trauma-related symptoms.
21. Family Therapy Sessions
Teen Family therapy is crucial in teen trauma recovery. It addresses any underlying factors that may contribute to a teenager’s traumatic episodes. Family therapy is usually done at therapy centers or clinics. It can also be done at home under the guidance of a trained family therapist. They can be weekly or twice weekly to ensure the family receives ongoing support. Family therapy helps address the family dynamics. It strengthens family bonds and educates families on teen trauma. It teaches families how to support each other and navigate the aftermath of trauma.
At Nexus, we understand the importance of family therapy and the family dynamic of mental health treatment. We utilize family therapy and offer weekly family time, during which parents and loved ones can visit their teens and check on them.
22. Trauma Narratives
Trauma narratives involve teenagers narrating and sharing their trauma experiences. This can be done through various therapy programs. The activity involves teenagers verbally sharing or writing down their experiences during trauma-focused therapy sessions. Sharing with other teenagers helps teenagers process and integrate their experiences. It also reminds them that they are not alone in the fight against trauma.
23. Cultural Excursions
Cultural excursions refer to trips focused on teaching teenagers about different cultures by visiting museums, theaters, cultural festivals, or historical sites. These programs can be planned monthly or quarterly, depending on the intensity of the treatment plan. The benefit of cultural excursion for traumatized teens is its ability to enhance their understanding of the world. It fosters a connection between arts and history, an activity that stimulates a teenager’s memory and broadens their perspective of the world.
24. Digital Detox Programs
‘Digital Detox’ refers to taking time away from social media. Most occur at digital detox camps or residential treatment centers. In other scenarios, it may be practiced at home. Teenagers engage in different activities during a digital detox to discourage using digital devices, activities may include reading, journaling, or outdoor camping. A professional counselor or therapist usually guides digital detox.
Digital detox sessions vary. Some may last a week, a weekend, or even a month. When done correctly, they have benefits like stress and anxiety reduction. They also enhance face-to-face interactions and encourage involvement in activities that promote mental health.
25. Life Skills Training
Life skills training programs are offered in schools, therapy centers, and community centers. It involves classes and workshops that teach teenagers practical steps to navigate the complexities of trauma. Led by a qualified instructor, the classes can range from cooking classes to communication skills. Life skills training has regular sessions conducted weekly. When done competently, this training has vast benefits. It equips traumatized teens with the necessary skills to handle everyday life’s hurdles confidently.
Conclusion
Different activities benefit the overall well-being of a teenager battling trauma. Physical exercise and mindfulness reduce stress and anxiety, while art and dance therapy help teenagers express themselves creatively. Each activity needs to be tailored to suit your teenager’s specific needs.
If your teenager is battling trauma and you would love specialized activities for them, we are here to help. At Nexus Teen Academy’s Arizona mental health treatment program we are committed to supporting teenagers through their recovery journey. We have tailored treatment modalities and activities to promote overall wellness in teenagers. Contact us today for detailed information or to arrange a visit to see these activities in action.