When parents of teenagers come in worried about how much time their teen spends on their phone, the story underneath is usually more complicated than screen time alone. Back to school tends to be when it comes to a head: homework competing with notifications, sleep pushed later, mornings getting harder to start. Most of the […]
Teen Screen Time, ADHD, and Anxiety: What’s Underneath Read More »
Some kids can tell you exactly what happened and how it made them feel. A lot of kids can’t, not because they’re hiding something, but because the words simply aren’t there yet. That gap is where sandtray therapy tends to help. DBT of South Jersey now offers sandtray therapy for children and teens, alongside our
Sandtray Therapy for Kids: A New Way In at DBT of South Jersey Read More »
Telling a child they will be starting therapy can bring up a lot for parents and caregivers. You may worry that they will feel punished, embarrassed, scared, or confused. You may also be carrying your own fears about whether therapy means something is seriously wrong. Therapy is not a punishment, and it does not mean
High school can ask a lot of a teenager. There are classes, grades, sports, jobs, activities, family expectations, friendships, social media, future planning, and the constant pressure to look like everything is under control. For many teens, anxiety shows up in ways adults do not always recognize right away. It can look like procrastination, irritability,
How DBT Skills Help Teens Manage Anxiety in High School Read More »
The weeks before school starts can bring a lot to the surface for children and families. A child may be excited to see friends, worried about a new teacher, grieving the end of summer freedom, or carrying stress that has been building quietly for months. Parents and caregivers often notice small changes first: a child
Does My Child Need Therapy? 5 Signs to Look for Before School Starts Read More »
For parents, raising a sensitive child can feel confusing, isolating, and utterly exhausting. One moment, your child is joyful and engaged, and the next, they are melting down, shutting down, or saying things that feel scary to hear. You may find yourself stuck in a cycle of constantly wondering, “What am I doing wrong?” or
Written By: Habeebah Abdus-Salaam, LSW, CSSW Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has proven effective for children and teens struggling with emotional challenges like anxiety, depression, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT blends cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies to help individuals regulate their emotions, improve relationships, and manage distress. While DBT
How Parents Can Support DBT Therapy for Children and Teens Read More »
Written By: Habeebah Abdus-Salaam, LSW, CSSW In today’s fast-paced and challenging world, children and teenagers are faced with unique emotional and social pressures. From academic stress to the growing influence of social media, many struggle to navigate their emotions effectively. Whether it’s dealing with peer pressure, managing expectations, or coping with fluctuating self-esteem, these emotional
