Surf therapy for teens
Sitting in a closed room and talking to a therapist might not always be the most favored option for teenagers suffering from mental health disorders or substance abuse. According to studies, many adolescent patients dread the thought of being counseled in a one-on-one manner as it can be stress inducing, and often makes them feel bombarded. Fortunately, there are several ways to heal, and many of them are fun and carefree treatment activities, like surf therapy.
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What is Teen Surf Therapy?
Teen surf therapy, generally known as Ocean Therapy, is one of the latest developments in psychotherapy. Initially, this healing method was used to help veterans deal with PTSD, depression, combat stress, trauma, and other life-threatening stress disorders. Over time, other mental health experts discovered relevant uses for this traditional method for teen substance abuse, and symptoms associated with mental health conditions.
As the name suggests, surf therapy uses the tranquility and the beauty of the ocean to alleviate certain conditions such as insomnia, increase self-efficacy, and improve mental concentration among teenagers.
How Does Teen Surf Therapy Help with Recovery and Healing?
There are a few reasons why medical professionals believe that surfing is an effective treatment activity for teens with mental health and substance abuse issues. First, surfing is fun, exciting, and enjoyable. When teenagers have fun and are carefree about their surroundings, their tension and stress levels significantly drop.
Surfing also helps troubled teens focus their minds on something unconnected with their problems. This positive experience allows them to feel joy. As we all know, water has a healing, soothing effect on our bodies –and usually, there are no plausible explanations as to why –we just feel it deep within.
Furthermore, surfing requires energy, and is considered a tiring sport. Teenagers need to exhaust their physical energy so their bodies long for a good sleep at night. Given that most teens battling mental health symptoms suffer from poor sleep and sleep-related disorders like insomnia, surf therapy can help teens fall asleep soundly without any medication
Ride the Waves Toward Healing
Teen surfer therapy offers a powerful, nature-based approach to emotional growth and recovery. If your teen is struggling with mental health challenges, our surf therapy program can help them build confidence, reduce stress, and connect with themselves in a supportive, ocean-centered environment. Contact us today to learn more or get started.
Benefits of Teen Surf Therapy
Teen surf therapy proves to be one of the most appealing treatment options for teenagers recovering mental health issues and dual diagnosis addiction. Not only does it promote balance, but it challenges troubled teens to get out of their comfort zones and think outside the box. Apart from these benefits, ocean therapy can also help them with the following aspects:
Developing Mindfulness
Surfing requires the patient to be in “the present moment.” If they don’t, they won’t be able to stand on the surfboard, less alone maintain their balance. Being mindful is a crucial trait to develop in the healing and recovery process as it helps patients let go of the shame and guilt they’ve acquired from their previous decisions and mistakes.
Reduction of Unhealthy Cravings
Surfing is undeniably one of the best substance-free alternatives to mental health treatment. Notably, the adrenaline rush that the patient feels while battling with waves helps diminish the cravings for alcohol and other addictive substances.
Increased Self-sufficiency
Teen surf therapy teaches patients how to navigate alone in deep waters and survive, increasing self-reliance and efficacy. When they have successfully developed this skill, there’s a great chance they can also apply it to other areas of their lives.
Improved Social Skills
Surf therapy is a great way for teens to bond and connect with others engaging in the activity. This can help teens feel less alone and fee like they are a part of a larger community. Being part of a group also gives adolescents the opportunity to grow their interpersonal skills.
Our goal in developing Key Healthcare was to create programs that gave teens the guidance they needed to draw on their strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling happy lives. Based on our own experiences, we believe that everyone has the ability to change if given the proper structure and connection
Ryan Blivas & Evan Powell
Founders of Key Healthcare
Teen Surf Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Key Healthcare provides teen surf therapy in Los Angeles, CA as a part of our teen treatment programs. Teens will participate in group surf therapy sessions to help treat their mental health conditions alongside weekly individual therapy.
To learn more about our intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, teen residential treatment, and extended care programs, contact us today.
It might feel like a big step, but remember why you're here—you’re looking for a way forward.
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Dr. Elnaz Mayeh PhD, LMFT
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