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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Therapy and Counseling for Teenagers in Saratoga/San Jose

At the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Silicon Valley in Saratoga/San Jose, we offer cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for teenagers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Our approach with teenagers is practical, goal-oriented, compassionate, and scientifically-based while focusing on your teen’s individual needs. With our central location in Saratoga just a 1/2 mile (2 minute drive) from Hwy 85, we serve the Silicon Valley communities of San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Cupertino, Campbell, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Los Altos. If you think your teenager may be experiencing PTSD, you can learn more about PTSD and our treatment approach below.

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Teens?

Your teen may develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event that involved the threat of bodily injury or death. PTSD may develop after physical or sexual abuse, rape, witnessing domestic violence, or a car accident and other accidents. Teens may also experience vicarious PTSD from hearing about someone else’s trauma or seeing traumatic images on TV or in photos. Not all teens who experience a trauma will develop PTSD and it is normal for teens to feel fearful and apprehensive after such a serious, life-threatening event. If your teen’s symptoms persist for more than a month after the event, they may be experiencing PTSD and should be assessed by mental health professional.

Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Teenagers

PTSD includes three main categories of symptoms:

  • Reliving the trauma in a way that interferes with day-to-day activities, such as disturbing dreams, flashbacks, recurrent and intrusive memories, or reenacting the trauma.
  • Avoidance of feelings, objects or people that remind them of the trauma. Teens also may feel detached or numb and withdraw from friends, family and social activities
  • Other anxiety symptoms including exaggerated startle response, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, hypervigilance, and irritability or anger outbursts

Cognitive Behavioral Model of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for Adolescents

When experiencing a trauma, teens are confronted by feelings of anger, fear and despair that can be reactivated when they are reminded of a traumatic event. For example, a teen who was in a serious car accident may be fearful of riding in cars or driving in the areas where the accident occurred. Experiencing a trauma may also challenge your teen’s beliefs that the world is basically safe and that others are trustworthy. Your teen may overestimate the probability of experiencing another trauma, leading to more avoidance and anxiety.

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for Teens with PTSD

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence based and collaborative approach that includes the whole family and helps your teen confront their fears and learn to cope with triggers, intrusive memories, and anxiety. You and your teen will receive education about trauma and how PTSD develops. You will also learn effective ways of responding to your teen’s symptoms and how to support them throughout treatment. Your teen will learn relaxation strategies and develop coping skills for managing the difficult emotions that will come up throughout treatment. Cognitive strategies will be used to help your teen modify unhelpful and mistaken beliefs about the trauma (e.g. belief that the trauma was their fault or belief that the trauma is likely to occur again). Your teen will also have the opportunity to tell their story in a supportive environment so they can desensitize to the traumatic images and memories and gain perspective on the trauma, as well as attribute new meaning to the trauma.

Common Goals of Cognitive Behavior Therapy with Teenagers
  • Reduce re-experiencing symptoms such as traumatic dreams and intrusive memories.
  • Resume normal activities, including attending school and spending time with family and friends.
  • Talk with trusted family and friends about the trauma and ask for help when sad or overwhelmed.
  • Decrease anxiety/arousal symptoms.
Getting Help for Your Teen with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

If you teen is willing to talk about the trauma she experienced, it is important to listen and be open-minded. It may be hard for you to hear about what happened, but your teen needs you to be supportive and encouraging. Help your teen understand that the trauma was not their fault and that they are safe now. After talking with your teen, it may be time to get some professional help.

The Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Silicon Valley specializes in therapy and counseling for teenagers with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With our central location in Saratoga just a 1/2 mile (2 minute drive) from Hwy 85, we serve the Silicon Valley communities of San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Cupertino, Campbell, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Los Altos. Contact us at (408) 384-8404 for more information on how we can help your teen conquer their PTSD.