When a teen enters treatment, families hear about therapy, classes, and support groups. These terms can blur together—but the experiences are meaningfully different, and each serves a distinct purpose.
Group therapy is a central part of adolescent treatment at Muir Wood — not because individual therapy isn’t essential, but because group work offers something individual sessions cannot. For teens in particular, the shared experience of being with peers who are navigating similar challenges reduces shame, builds connection, and creates a therapeutic space that accelerates […]
Neuropsychological testing is an extensive and comprehensive evaluation process that encompasses a wide range of tests and allows treatment specialists to identify areas of need and specific challenges that can be addressed through a personalized treatment program. At Muir Wood, each patient begins his experience with neuropsych testing. Starting with this process allows us to […]
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is an evidence-based approach originally developed for adults with significant emotional dysregulation — and adapted to become one of the most valuable skill-building frameworks available in adolescent treatment. At Muir Wood, DBT-informed skills are integrated into both group programming and individual therapy as part of the standard residential experience for […]
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is one of the most widely researched and effective therapeutic approaches for adolescents. At Muir Wood, CBT is a foundational part of how we help teens understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors — and build practical skills for responding to the challenges they’re facing. What CBT Is […]
A-CRA reduces or eliminates substance abuse by increasing positive reinforcers for teens in areas of their lives related to family, social relationships, jobs and educational resources. By using A-CRA in treatment, teen boys are equipped with the tools they need to lead healthy, happy lives without depending on alcohol or drugs.Explaining the CRA ModelThe Adolescent […]
If you have a teenager going through puberty, you probably understand what the word “tumultuous” really means. Having an adolescent going through puberty isn’t an easy task but neither is going through it firsthand. We’ve all experienced the big transition back in our adolescent lives but sometimes we forget what it’s really like to experience […]
In the eyes of a parent, a child might be physically beautiful, emotionally generous and intensely intelligent. When that child looks in the mirror, however, the teen might see only bumps and flaws, and the teen might have additional concerns regarding intelligence and social interactions. Teens are often the harshest judges of their own capabilities, […]
Sometimes teenagers can seem like different beings altogether. Some might say they’re over-reactive, dramatic, and impulsive. Is that true? Well, yes and no. It is true that teenagers and adolescents can often behave flagrantly and emotionally. Adolescents simply have different brain chemistry that hasn’t fully formed into adult brains yet. Brain Terminology Scientists say that […]
In order to understand how to handle bullying that your son may be experiencing, it is important to understand exactly what bullying is. The media attention on bullying in recent years has shed new light on its harmful effects, but what is bullying, really? According to Stopbullying.gov, a website set up to address bullying in […]
Recovering from an addiction isn’t easy. Teens who enroll in comprehensive programs for their addictions may desperately want to get better, and they may work hard to change when they’re surrounded by the culture of recovery in their treatment programs, but they may fall back into bad habits when their treatment programs are complete. In […]
When you embark on a comprehensive drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation program for your substance-abusing teen, you are opening the door to a path that offers him the opportunity to work toward a future that is bright and exciting. What defines that future specifically in terms of academic accomplishment, mental and physical health, and interpersonal […]
Getting a teenager ready to go to college can be a stressful experience for parents, especially if the teen is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. Parents who have high hopes for their children may be devastated by the idea that their son is turning out to be an addict. Making it through this difficult […]
