by Lauren Goodman | Aug 13, 2026 | Therapy for Chronically Ill Teens
What Do Chronically Ill Teens Experience?
If your teenager is living with a chronic illness, you know they may feel different from their peers. The limitations your teen faces are likely different from those of other teenagers, but what teens with chronic illnesses tend to forget is that there are still many experiences they have in common. Every chronically ill teen we’ve worked with at Teen Therapy OC has struggled with feeling “other” or different from their peers. Every young man and woman wants to do what other teens are doing without limitations. CBT for chronically ill teens can help ease some of this emotional pain and help teens regain their joy.
Chronically ill teens need to find a careful balance between doing as much as they can while also knowing when to slow down. If your son or daughter pushes too hard, they may experience a physical setback, which can make them feel even more isolated. If your teenager spends most of their time worrying about how to prevent a flare-up of physical symptoms, their life can become focused on carefully following rules instead of enjoying the moment. CBT can help them combat this.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help Chronically Ill Teens?
Real Life Examples
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, usually called CBT, helps your child challenge self-imposed emotional and sometimes physical limitations. One chronically ill teenager I worked with developed POTS and EDS at age 16. Before becoming sick, she had been the life of the party, the most energetic, and one of the most athletic people in her friend group. When she could no longer maintain the energy needed to fill those roles, she completely withdrew from her social circle. We used CBT for chronically ill teens to challenge her belief that she was “only a valuable friend if she can entertain everyone.”
Another young woman was dealing with a physical condition that caused dizziness and fainting. Because of this, she developed a fear of going out in public unless she could be seated. I can completely understand how this fear developed; I would be scared too. She eventually underwent treatment that stopped the fainting, but the dizziness continued. Whenever she felt dizzy, she became afraid that she would faint, to the point that she stopped going out with friends altogether. The resulting social isolation became depressing. We used CBT to help her challenge her fear of feeling dizzy. Once she was able to face that fear, she started socializing more, which helped bring more joy back into her life.
CBT Increases Mental Flexibility in Adolescents
CBT can help increase your chronically ill teenager’s mental flexibility. Oftentimes, teens want to do things the same way they did before they became sick. However, that may no longer be possible. Your teenager may need to learn how to participate in activities as much as they can while also being willing to modify them. We challenge all-or-nothing and black-and-white thinking about what life can look like. Your teen can likely do more than they think. In my experience, I rarely see a chronically ill teen who consistently overdoes it. More often, the effort to control flare-ups and difficult symptoms causes teens to pull back farther than necessary.
For example, instead of no longer seeing friends, why not invite them over to watch a movie? There are many ways to participate in an activity without doing everything exactly as you did before. For your teen, partially participating can do a lot to maintain joy, connection, and mental health. When these areas of life improve, your teen may also be more likely to maintain some level of physical activity. This can support their overall health as well.
Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain Aren’t Easy for Teens
At Teen Therapy OC, we know having a chronically ill teen isn’t easy. We know this isn’t what any of you signed up for or how you expected life to go. We agree that it’s hard, and we wish you weren’t facing this. However, learning to first accept what cannot be changed and then find ways to live life as fully as possible may be the best option your teenager has right now. CBT can help with this. Please feel free to reach out with questions. While we don’t pretend to have all the answers, we may have a few ideas that could improve your teen’s quality of life.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Aug 13, 2026 | Teen Anxiety Therapy
What To Do When Your Teen is Dealing with Academic Stress
One thing all adolescents have in common is that at some point or another school stresses them out. Whether they’re given a tough assignment, they need a certain grade on a final exam to pass the class, or anything in between, academic stress is hard to deal with. This is what makes knowing how to help teens with academic stress so important.
5 Tips on How to Help Teens with Academic Stress
Here are 5 tips to help your teenager cope with school stress:
1. Help Them Keep the Big Picture in Mind.
Remind your teen that a high school grade or class doesn’t define who they are as a person. It’s the effort they make and the ability to cope with challenges that matters.
2. Give Them Guidance on How to Seek Out the Help They Need
One way to help teens with academic stress is teaching them how to find important resources. As your teenager gets older, you should do less of the actual calling/emailing teachers and tutors for them. Instead, teach them how they can get help and access resources on their own.
3. Teach Them to Break Problems Into Small Pieces.
When your teen gets large assignment like a long paper or project, it can feel overwhelming. Teach them to make a checklist of steps to get the assignment done. Kids who learn to patiently outline papers, research carefully, write a draft, edit their draft, and then turn in their papers tend to get better grades. They also learn huge life skills about time management and planning.
4. Help Your Teen Learn to Pace Themself Slowly
Studying a little bit every day will benefit your teen more than studying in spurts. Help your teen learn that even on days they have no homework assignments, they should still be working on school. If they take the time to work when there’s no work assigned, then they can stay ahead. This reduces future stress.
5. Teach Them to Study in Groups
If your child is stressed about how to handle a difficult class, it can really help if they get together with a few of their friends who have the same class. It makes it more fun, and it makes it easier to stick with it for longer. Different students understand different parts of the material. If they work together, they can help each other learn.
What You Can Do to Help Teens Dealing with Academic Stress
School can feel overwhelming at times. One of the best things you can do is help your teenager develop a plan for managing their workload. Teens aren’t always great at following through on their plans, so you may need to gently help them stay on track.
It’s also important to recognize your child’s limits. If your teen is working as hard as they can and earning a 2.5 GPA, don’t pressure them to become a 3.5 student. Over time, they may begin to feel like nothing they do is ever good enough. Instead, focus on effort, growth, and progress.
Most importantly, remind your teenager that they don’t have to face academic challenges alone. With support, encouragement, and a good plan, they can work through even the classes and assignments that feel impossible right now.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Aug 8, 2026 | Group Therapy For Teens
Benefits of Group Therapy for Teens: Why Connection Matters
Suddenly, everything seems so uncertain in life. There’s drama with friends, crushes develop, and you may be feeling more pressure to succeed in academics and sports to have a bright future. Plus, teens aren’t always nice to each other, so there can be a lot to handle during the teenage years. One or the benefits of group therapy for teens is that it can help teenagers feel less alone while learning how to manage these challenges.
While childhood mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD can develop during the early years, the teenage years are often when these conditions become more difficult to manage. Group therapy can be effective in helping teenagers deal with the pressures of growing up and develop lasting coping skills that they can carry into adulthood.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a mental health service where people come together, either virtually or in person. During these sessions, they talk about the challenges they are facing. One or more licensed therapists who specialize in child and teen therapy lead and moderate group therapy sessions for teenagers.
Many different types of group therapy are available for teenagers. These sessions can be general or focused on specific issues that teens may face. Specialized group therapy sessions can focus on:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Depression
- Trauma
- Social anxiety
- Grief
- Chronic pain or illness
- Weight perception challenges
- ADHD
- Intense Reactions
- …and so much more!
What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy for Teens?
Support From Peers
It’s hard not to feel lonely when you are a teenager. When it feels like everyone and everything is against you, it can be an isolating experience. You may feel like no one gets you or understands what you’re going through.
Group therapy can change that experience. It can help teens find support from their peers and connect with people they never expected to have things in common with. It can also reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by showing teens that many people experience similar struggles.
Raises Self-Awareness
One of the benefits of group therapy for teens is that it can increase self-awareness and compassion. We all do it: We look at the issues we face in life and can only see things from our own perspective. Group therapy provides constructive feedback and different viewpoints that you may not have considered before.
Sharing your struggles with others can also be empowering. We often think about what we’re facing and feel completely alone. While every situation and person is unique, it can be surprising to discover that other teenagers are dealing with similar challenges.
It Teaches Social Skills
Group therapy for teenagers is a great way to focus on healthy communication and conflict resolution. It can teach teens how to be less reactive and more thoughtful when interacting with other teens or adults.
You can also learn to read body language and understand what someone may mean beyond their exact words. These skills can be challenging to develop during the teenage years, but they can benefit you for the rest of your life.
Increases Motivation
Learning that you are not alone in what you’re going through can be highly empowering. This sense of connection can help you think about your long-term goals and make positive changes. While adults don’t always give teenagers enough credit, teens have goals and dreams they want to reach, too. Seeing other people work toward their goals can be a powerful motivator to do the same, no matter your age.
How Can Group Therapy Benefit Your Teen?
If your teen is struggling, group therapy can support their mental and social growth in a meaningful way. It can also be a more affordable option if you’re exploring therapy but feeling concerned about cost. If you’d like to learn more about group therapy for teens or other mental health services, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jazmine, our group therapist who provides free 15 minute consultations. We’re happy to talk with you about your teen and help you figure out the next step for your family.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Aug 7, 2026 | Therapy For Young Adults
How to Cope With Anxiety About Adulting
Adulthood comes with a lot of freedom, but it also comes with bills, responsibilities, and big decisions. If you’re feeling anxiety about adulting, you’re not alone. Many young adults worry about making the wrong choices or wonder if they’re truly ready to be on their own. The good news is that these feelings are completely normal, and there are healthy ways to manage them.
If you’re getting ready to venture out on your own for the first time, you don’t have to let your worries take over. Here are a few ways to cope and feel more confident as you enter this new stage of life.
Acknowledge How You’re Feeling
The first step is to recognize how you’re feeling. Adulting can be overwhelming, and it’s okay to admit that. Give yourself permission to experience those emotions without judging yourself. Remember, you’re not the only one feeling this way. Many young adults are navigating the same fears and uncertainties.
Break Big Tasks Into Smaller Steps
One of the best ways to reduce anxiety about adulting is to break large responsibilities into smaller, more manageable tasks. Whether you’re creating your first budget, figuring out insurance paperwork, or simply grocery shopping on your own, taking things one step at a time can make everything feel much less overwhelming.
Try making a to-do list and celebrating each small accomplishment. Every task you complete is another step toward becoming more confident and independent.
Prioritize Self-Care to Manage Anxiety About Adulting
When life gets busy, self-care is often the first thing to disappear. However, taking care of your physical and mental health is one of the best ways to manage stress and anxiety.
Aim to get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and make time for activities you enjoy. Whether it’s reading, exercising, spending time outdoors, or practicing mindfulness, caring for yourself helps you handle life’s challenges more effectively.
Set Realistic Expectations
No one has adulthood completely figured out, even if it seems that way on social media. Give yourself permission to learn as you go. Life rarely follows a perfect plan. Stay open to new opportunities, learn from mistakes, and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Learn Basic Financial Skills
Money is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for many young adults. Learning the basics of budgeting, saving, and managing your finances can help you feel more in control. There are plenty of helpful resources available, from budgeting apps to free online financial education. Small steps today can help you build confidence and reduce financial stress in the future.
Celebrate Your Progress
It’s easy to focus on everything you still need to learn, but don’t forget to notice how far you’ve already come. Celebrate the small wins, whether it’s paying a bill on time, cooking your own meals, sticking to a budget, or handling a challenge on your own. Those little victories build confidence over time.
Seek Support When Anxiety About Adulting Feels Overwhelming
You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. Talking with trusted friends, family members, mentors, or a therapist can help you gain perspective and feel less alone. If anxiety begins to interfere with your daily life or feels too overwhelming to manage on your own, therapy can provide practical tools and support as you navigate this transition.
You’re Learning, Not Failing
Adulting comes with challenges, but it also comes with opportunities to grow. No one becomes a confident adult overnight. Every new responsibility you take on helps you build resilience and life skills. If you’re struggling with anxiety as a young adult, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Therapy for young adults can help you build confidence, manage stress, and feel more prepared for whatever comes next.
Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Aug 7, 2026 | Teen Anxiety Therapy
Teen Alcoholism
Sadly, teen alcohol addiction is more common than many parents realize. When we think of an alcoholic, we usually picture an adult, not a teenager. It can be hard to imagine that a teen could develop a dependence on alcohol, especially since they’re underage. However, some teenagers do develop unhealthy drinking habits that can quickly turn into addiction.
Most teenagers are not daily drinkers, if they drink at all. If they do drink, it is usually only at parties or social events. Still, if you ask your teen, they can probably name one or two classmates who have a reputation for “always” being drunk. These are the teens at the highest risk for addiction (if they’re not already struggling with it).
Teen Alcohol Addiction and Blackout Drinking
These are the teens I worry about most as a therapist. They come back to school on Monday talking about how they were so drunk over the weekend that they can’t remember large parts of it. They may laugh it off, but what they don’t realize is that this is called blackout drinking, and it has a very high correlation with future alcoholism.
These adolescents tend to struggle with limits. Every time they drink, the only thing that stops them is their body. They may start vomiting or pass out, but until then they keep taking shots, sipping beer, or drinking mixed drinks. Most of us can think of someone we knew in high school who fit this description. Did they become an alcoholic? The girl I’m thinking of did. Thankfully, she’s now thriving in recovery, but her twenties were incredibly difficult.
Alcohol Dependence in Social Situations
Many teens who develop alcohol addiction don’t seem to know how to socialize without drinking. In fact, not bringing alcohol to a social gathering often doesn’t even occur to them. If they go bowling with friends, they sneak alcohol into a water bottle. If they go to a school dance, they mix rum into their soda before they even arrive. (One of my best friends in high school did this. Sadly, he later struggled with addiction.) They know where the after-party will be, and they believe alcohol is simply part of having fun. In reality, they may be developing a dangerous dependence on alcohol.
When Does Teen Alcohol Addiction Become Serious?
Teenagers can develop real physical dependence on alcohol, just like adults. They can experience withdrawal symptoms, and in some cases, may need medically supervised detox. Some teens also require inpatient treatment or rehab to safely stop drinking.
As a parent, it’s important to pay attention to patterns rather than isolated incidents. If your teen seems preoccupied with partying, restless when they’re not, or increasingly surrounded by peers who normalize heavy drinking, those are worth noticing. While experimentation is common in adolescence, frequent binge drinking, blackouts, vomiting, or passing out are not “normal teen behavior.” These can be warning signs of teen alcohol addiction and should be taken seriously.
Getting Help for Teen Alcohol Addiction
If this describes your child, you may feel scared, frustrated, or even helpless. It can be incredibly painful to watch a teen make choices that feel out of your control. This is often the point where outside support becomes important. Not only is this important for your teen, it can be important for you as the parent. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
So, can teens be alcoholics? Sadly, yes. But there is also real hope. With early support, treatment, and connection, recovery is absolutely possible.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
