CivilPsych Services

Teens and their parents

Teens

It's important for kids to know the difference between thoughts and feelings. Teens who learn it early carry it for the rest of their lives.

Written by Dr. Heath, Ph.D. Neuropsychology, Ph.D. Forensic Psychology. 40+ years of cognitive behavioral work. Reviewed November 2026.

Call (870) 219-6312 Text instead

What's really going on

What people say"She's just being a teenager," or the opposite: a new label every month.
What's usually happeningTeenagers are building the thinking habits they will run as adults. Moods swing hard because the conclusions behind them come fast and go untested: everyone hates me, I ruined everything, nothing will change. Teach a teen to catch and test those and you have given them a tool for life.

What you might notice

  • Grades, sleep or friendships have dropped off.
  • Your teen has pulled away from the family more than usual.
  • Arguments at home have become the main way you talk.
  • They talk about themselves in harsh, final terms.
  • Phones, games or substances take up most of their time.

How we work on it

The same method every time: find the thought, test it, practice a better one.

  1. Meet the family firstA parent or guardian and the teen, to agree on what you want to be different.
  2. Work with the teenSessions teach the thought-feeling difference with their own examples, not a lecture.
  3. Keep parents in the loopParents get updates on progress and what to practice at home.
  4. Practice at homeEach week ends with something small the teen tries before the next session.

Questions

Do I sit in on my teen's sessions?

Usually for part of the first one. After that, parents get updates on progress while the details of what a teen says stay private, unless safety is at risk.

What ages do you see?

Teenagers, by video anywhere in Arkansas or Missouri or in person in Jonesboro.

What if my teen doesn't want to come?

Many don't, at first. The first session is often where that changes.

Next

Call (870) 219-6312 Other ways to reach me

If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911.