3 Ways CBT Helps Neurodivergent Teens

Cognitive Behavior therapy, or CBT, is a research-informed method of helping change behaviors, habits, and even feelings by addressing the thoughts that feed into these behaviors. This method has been shown to be extremely helpful for neurodivergent teens in particular, who struggle disproportionately with things like intrusive thoughts, hyper fixation, and destructive behaviors or habits. The focus on achievable goals helps adolescents feel accomplished and enjoy observable change while they address the overall challenges that brought them to therapy. 

1. Addressing the problem at the root:

One of the major tenets of CBT is the addressing of intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are exactly what they sound like—thoughts or trains of thought that seem to originate from out of nowhere. They can be thoughts of many kinds, but typically show up as negative self-talk, distractions, or thoughts promoting self-destructive behaviors and habits. CBT targets these thoughts and provides teens with skills to not only identify when intrusive thoughts are occurring, but to help address them, resist them, and ultimately prevent them all together. 

2. Working with your mind, not against it:

CBT is designed to work with the way your mind works, instead of against it. The skills taught in CBT are designed around what already works for you, and doesn’t try to force something that doesn’t. The focus is on advancing and expanding existing skills and building up new skills in a way that feels natural. This makes it particularly adaptable and appealing for neurodiverse adolescents in particular, who may struggle to change habits and behaviors. 

3. Build confidence and happiness:

Some of the most important aspects of CBT have to do with learning to love and appreciate yourself. It focuses on the individual’s strengths and resiliencies, and builds on these to help form confidence, increase hope and optimism, and build skills that help adolescents live a better life and form healthier relationships. All people, neurodiverse adolescents included, have the ability to achieve their goals and improve their lives—CBT simply helps them work with and appreciate what they’re good at and lean on these things in order to improve other areas of their lives. 

If you want to learn more about how CBT can help you or your teen, contact us today.