Teens

Activity Therapy

Activity therapy is a from of play therapy adapted to the unique needs of adolescents and teens. It provides a non-judgmental and supportive space for teens to share concerns and experiences, express emotions, and explore identity. Instead of traditional toys and games used in play therapy with younger children, activity therapy includes a range of expressive mediums such as art supplies, music instruments, and writing materials. Teens can choose to draw, paint, sculpt, journal, or create music to represent and work through their feelings. Creative activities like art or music can help adolescents convey feelings they may struggle to express verbally. Games and activities incorporated designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation may also be included. My approach to activity therapy empowers teens to choose their own modes for expression. In some cases, family members may be involved in the therapy process.

  • In activity therapy, teens can use toys, art materials, or other symbolic objects to represent their emotions and experiences. Teens often use symbols and metaphors to communicate their inner experiences and may create stories or narratives during that reflect their experiences. These stories can provide a safe space for them to explore and make sense of their thoughts and emotions and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety and depression. Adolescents can create visual representations of their thoughts and work on replacing negative beliefs with more positive ones.

  • Adolescence is a critical period for self-discovery and identity formation, activity therapy provides a safe and creative space for teenagers to explore their self-concept and examine their roles in various social contexts, including family, school, and peer groups. They can create visual or symbolic representations of their identity or create a vision of their ideal self and explore steps to achieve that vision. This can help to integrate multiple aspects of their identity, such as cultural, ethnic, gender, sexual, and personal identities. Through creative activities, teens can develop a more positive self-image and a sense of self-worth.

  • Adolescence is a time when friendships and social interactions become increasingly important. Difficulties in this area can have a significant impact on a teen's well-being. In activity therapy teens can engage in activities that promote self-esteem and self-confidence, which are essential for forming positive peer relationships. Activity therapy can help teens explore the dynamics within their peer groups, including issues related to peer pressure, bullying, exclusion, or feeling left out. They can process their experiences, identify the sources of conflicts with peers and develop strategies to navigate and resolve challenging situations.

  • The changes in school environment, peer relationships, and growing personal responsibilities can made adapting to adolescence a challenge for teens with ADHD and neurodiversity. Activity therapy can can help adolescents develop and practice coping strategies for managing impulsivity, frustration, and anxiety, as well as incorporate activities that help improve attention and focus. It can include games and tasks that require sustained attention as well as activities that encourage planning, problem-solving, and goal-setting. Activity therapy can also provide sensory experiences that help teens learn to better regulate their sensory systems.