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Types of Therapy for Teenage Low Self-Esteem in Arizona

Different Types of Therapy for Teenage Low Self Esteem or Self Image

Did you know that most teenagers who conform to the societal pressure to look good battle self-worth issues? Self-worth and body image issues are problems affecting many teenagers. Some end up engaging in destructive behaviors as a maladaptive coping mechanism.

At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand how low self-image impacts a teenager’s well-being. We work with parents in Arizona and their teens to provide solutions that encourage holistic well-being. In this blog, we will discuss the several types of therapies for low self-worth. We will also discuss how they work to treat both low self-worth and negative body image. Join us as we discuss the benefits of professional intervention for an improved self-image.

Types of Therapies for Enhancing Teen Self-Esteem

Several therapeutic modalities are used to enhance teenagers’ self-worth. In this section, we will explore the various types of therapy and their process, duration, and cost. We will also discuss their effectiveness in treating self-image in teenagers.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Teen CBT is one of the best therapy modalities in enhancing a teenager’s self-worth. It works to identify and challenge a teenager’s negative thought process. CBT targets the underlying root cause of a teenager’s low self-worth. Whether it is peer pressure or unrealistic society’s beauty standards, CBT offers a holistic treatment plan that focuses on reshaping negative and inaccurate thoughts about self.

CBT is often accessible and covered by insurance plans. The out-of-pocket costs can vary from one treatment center to another. However, at Nexus Teen Academy, we partner with healthcare providers to provide seamless support to families seeking assistance. We provide an easy, free, and obligation-free way to verify your insurance coverage eligibility. 

The duration may vary depending on a teenager’s recovery progress. Some treatment plans may range from 5 to 20 sessions, each running for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Some may also span several months until your teenager’s self-worth issues are fully treated.

CBT for teens benefits in promoting positive self-worth in teenagers. Several studies have supported its effectiveness in treating several mental health situations, including teen self-worth. A study showed that only ten sessions of CBT were enough to change a teenager’s negative self-perception to a positive one.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT for teens is also among the best therapy options for treating and managing low self-worth among teens. Like CBT, DBT works to reshape teenagers’ negative thought processes and unhealthy habits. However, unlike CBT, DBT encourages teenagers to embrace both their positive and negative emotions. It does not label any emotion as wrong but teaches teenagers that all emotions are valid. It teaches teenagers the right coping skills to manage their stress and negative emotions.

Most healthcare providers cover DBT in their insurance plans. The cost can fluctuate if your teenager has other underlying conditions. It is important to check eligibility for insurance coverage before starting treatment.

DBT is usually conducted over several months, ranging from six to 12 months. A teenager’s recovery progress influences the varying time frame. Others may take longer or shorter to see and notice changes in their self-perception. You should not expect your teenager to be completely healed after just a month of DBT therapy.

During DBT therapy, teenagers enroll in both individual and group therapy to foster emotional regulation and curb self-destructive behavior. Some skills teenagers are taught in DBT include mindfulness, distress tolerance, and managing interpersonal relationships.

Several studies show that DBT is effective in increasing self-esteem. One study done on the effectiveness of DBT reiterated that DBT increased self-esteem among patients who have borderline personality disorder.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT

Teenagers suffering from a negative self-image or low self-worth may try a maladaptive coping mechanism to avoid addressing their condition. This reaction is normal, so Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is necessary. ACT teaches teenagers to embrace their emotions, thoughts, and perceptions. It helps teenagers to stay in the present and accept all their feelings, as avoiding them could worsen their condition. 

Like many other therapies, ACT is covered by most insurance. As a parent, ensuring the preferred treatment mode is eligible for insurance coverage before embarking on treatment is important. The duration of treatment may vary depending on how severe your teenager’s self-image and self-worth is. 

Some patients may need 8 to 20 sessions to see changes. At the same time, others may take more than 20 sessions to see positive improvements. It is important to remember that recovery is not linear, and your duty as a parent is to be your teenager’s number one support system. Encourage them through their recovery journey, celebrating every little milestone and win. 

Studies on the effectiveness of ACT point to its efficacy in managing teen self-worth and other mental health and substance use disorders. One study indicated that ACT is effective in treating various mental health conditions like depression and other bodily health problems. More research is, however, needed to explain the added value of ACT.

Family Therapy

Teen Family Therapy

Family therapy has vast benefits for a teenager’s well-being. It creates a holistic treatment approach for teenagers with self-worth and self-image conditions. Through structured sessions, family therapy improves communication and solves any underlying issues in the family. While often covered by insurance, out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on the therapist. 

Family therapy’s duration is flexible, depending on the family and the teenager’s specific needs. It typically ranges from 12 to 20 sessions. Depending on recovery progress, it may also span over a few months or a few years.

During family therapy, a therapist identifies any issues that may be causing rifts in the family. The therapist also teaches the family how to create a healthy environment to support their teen’s self-esteem.

Supported by several reasons, teen family therapy benefits both teen mental health and overall family dynamics. One study concluded that family therapy reduces both the internal and external symptoms in adolescents while improving overall family relations.

Group Therapy

Group therapy offers a supportive platform for teenagers battling self-worth and self-image issues. It fosters a space where teenagers can share experiences and learn from peers undergoing the same hurdles. It also encourages mutual understanding and support.

Unlike individual therapy, teen group therapy is affordable and is covered by several insurance providers.

Most group therapies usually run between 8 to 12 weeks, with each session running for an hour or two. During sessions, teenagers engage with other teenagers in activities that help them improve their self-worth and body image. Such activities may include writing a gratitude journal or practicing meditation. These activities help prevent the isolation and loneliness that teens may experience during recovery. It also fosters a sense of belonging and validates their feelings, potentially improving a teenager’s self-image.

Several studies have supported the benefits of group therapy for adolescents with low self-worth and body image issues. One study showed that group therapy promotes positive self-worth by enabling teenagers to learn more about themselves and others. Group therapy may be the right treatment option for enrolling your teenager.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies

Mindfulness-Based Therapies

Mindfulness-based therapies have shown promising benefits in the treatment and management of body image and self-worth issues. The approach focuses on training teenagers to be present at the moment. It also encourages teenagers to embrace their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Mindful-based therapies use meditation, yoga, and breathing techniques to reduce stress. It also trains teenagers on relevant coping skills like journaling and emotional regulation to achieve a positive self-image.

The cost of therapy varies from one treatment center to the other. However, at Nexus Teen Academy, we offer simple and easy procedures for parents to check their insurance eligibility. This process helps parents determine whether their healthcare provider covers such therapy.

Mindfulness-based therapies are very effective in helping teenagers battling with low self-worth or body image issues. One study showed that eight weeks of mindfulness-based Cognitive therapy(MBCT) improved the cognitive and affective aspects of an individual’s well-being. 

Conclusion

When it comes to supporting your teen’s mental health and well-being, consulting with a mental health professional is paramount. Each teen is unique, and it is essential to find the right therapeutic approach tailored to their needs. Seek guidance from mental health experts who can assess your teen’s challenges and recommend appropriate interventions. Apart from professional help, parents must create a supportive home environment that encourages a teenager’s recovery. Need help determining the right treatment approach for your teenager? Contact Us because we can help your teenager navigate challenges, build resilience, and cultivate a positive sense of self together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some signs to look for include constant self-criticism, avoiding social interactions, difficulty accepting compliments, and perfectionism. Other signs may also include engaging in destructive behavior or talking about altering their bodies either through surgery or drastic body piercings.

Assessments are done through clinical interviews, where the therapist asks the teenagers about their self-perception and the root causes of their low self-worth. The assessment test may also include standardized tools like questionnaires designed to measure self-esteem, self-image, and related constructs.

CBT primarily focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to low self-worth. DBT incorporates mindfulness techniques to help teens regulate and accept their feelings and emotions.

Art therapy is best used as a complementary therapy to traditional therapies. It is more effective when combined with other therapeutic approaches, such as CBT or DBT. It helps address underlying cognitive and behavioral patterns contributing to low self-esteem while providing fun ways for teenagers to express themselves.

Group therapy provides a supportive environment for teenagers to share similar experiences with peers. Unlike individual therapy sessions, group therapy allows teens to share experiences, receive feedback, and practice social skills in a safe setting.

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