Five Options for Parents of Teens with Anger Issues

Five Options for Parents of Teens with Anger Issues

Parenting isn’t easy. It can feel especially difficult when your teenager struggles to control their anger. It can feel like you’re in unfamiliar territory, or even feel unsafe. Adolescence is tough for both parents and teens. They need effective solutions to deal with emotional and behavioral challenges.

This blog covers five options for parents to help their teen with anger management. It also looks at the comprehensive support provided by therapeutic programs such as Elevations Residential Treatment Center (RTC).

Understanding Anger Issues in Teens

Adolescence is a time of significant change, both physically and emotionally, and it’s common for teens to experience bursts of anger. However, when anger becomes chronic, intense, or destructive, it may signal a deeper issue that needs attention.

Here are five ways to support your teen with anger management:

1. Open Communication

One of the first steps in addressing your teen’s anger is maintaining open and empathetic communication. Create a safe space for them to express their feelings and concerns without judgment. Encourage them to discuss what triggers their anger and listen actively to gain insight into their emotions. If they refuse to speak to you, consider if a trusted relative could be a good resource for them to speak about their frustrations.

Some families may prefer to write letters to avoid the initial confrontation and potential escalation of direct communication. Once the letter is received, you can communicate about things with more clarity and perspective.

2. Therapy and Counseling

Therapy can be a valuable resource for teens struggling with anger issues. A licensed therapist can help your teenager explore the root causes of their anger and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Individual, family, and group therapy are all options to consider.

While your teen may not be willing to participate initially, a therapist with patience and experience supporting teens with anger issues can help ease this process.

3. Support Groups

Support groups can provide teenagers with a sense of belonging and understanding. Connecting with peers who are facing similar challenges can be comforting and reassuring. Look for local support groups or online communities catering to teenagers and their parents.

4. School-Based Interventions

Many schools offer counseling services and anger management programs. Collaborate with your child’s school to explore these resources and develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if necessary.

5. Alternative Therapies

Some teenagers may benefit from alternative therapies such as art therapy, music therapy, nature-based therapies, or mindfulness practices. These creative outlets can help them constructively channel their emotions

The Role of Residential Treatment Centers

While the above mentioned options can be effective for many teenagers, some may require more intensive and specialized care. This is where residential treatment centers like Elevations come into play.

Elevations is a leading residential treatment center (RTC) dedicated to helping adolescents struggling with complex emotional and behavioral challenges, including anger issues. This residential program offers teens the opportunity to heal and build a plan for their future well-being while maintaining academic success, enjoying recreational activities, and rebuilding their family connections.

1. Highly Trained Staff

Elevations employs dedicated professionals, including therapists, counselors, and educators, who are experts in working with teenagers. As an interdisciplinary team, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to each teen’s unique needs.

With in-house staff trained to clinically and emotionally support teens through complex situations, this program offers a stronger foundation than the support of an individual therapist or school-based counselor.

2. Therapeutic Environment

Residential treatment centers provide a structured and supportive environment where teens can focus on their healing and growth. The 24/7 supervision provides a constant support network while allowing teenagers to work through their challenges.

Living in a therapeutic environment such as Elevations provides comprehensive support:

  1. A group of peers to build camaraderie and connection
  2. Therapeutic recreational activities
  3. Licensed therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and expert staff
  4. Family support
  5. Academic programming

3. Evidence-Based Therapies

Elevations’ licensed therapists use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies help teens address the root causes of their anger and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

With each treatment plan, therapists are able to work with the family and any prior treatment professionals to see what treatment options will best support the teen’s path towards wellbeing

4. Academic Support

Education is a priority at Elevations. With a fully accredited academic program, teenagers can continue and advance their education while receiving residential therapy. This is especially helpful for teens who have angry outbursts in school.

The individualization of treatment is mirrored in the classroom. Small class sizes allow for more direct support from licensed teachers as students go through coursework. Teachers have therapeutic training and the constant support of clinical staff to help students regulate their emotions and overcome any struggles they face in the classroom.

5. Family Involvement

Elevations recognizes the importance of family in the healing process. Relationships are not a one-way street; healing from interpersonal traumas or mending broken trust requires collaboration.

We provide family therapy and support, helping parents and teens rebuild trust and improve communication. When families work together to rebuild their relationships and create a toolbox of therapeutic skills, teens have a better chance of finding success when they return home.

The Right Solution For Your Family

Raising an angry teenager is tough, but there are ways to support and help them succeed. If you need help, it’s important to seek it early. You can choose traditional therapy, support groups, or, for a comprehensive solution, a residential treatment center like Elevations. Your teenager can learn to control their anger and start a better future with patience, understanding, and the right help.