Taking the Summer Off From Therapy?

Many parents ask me, "can my teen take the summer off for therapy?" With summer vacations, people going out of town, and students not consistently facing the pressure of the school year, it makes sense! To help you get a good understanding of if decreasing the consistency of therapy sessions for the summer is a good fit for you or your teen, I put together a short guide to help you decide!

Benefits of Utilizing Summer for Skill Application

1. Reinforcement of Skills:

- Consistency: Regular practice during the summer helps maintain the progress made during the school year. Skills can fade if not used, and the summer break provides an extended period to solidify them.

- Habit Formation: Continuous practice helps in turning newly learned skills into habits. This makes them more automatic and integrated into daily life.

2. Real-Life Application:

- Practical Experience: The less structured environment of summer provides varied opportunities to apply skills in different settings, helping teens see the relevance and utility of what they have learned.

- Problem-Solving: Encountering new situations during summer activities can present unique challenges, giving teens a chance to use their skills creatively and flexibly.

3. Building Confidence:

- Mastery: Repeated use of skills enhances mastery, boosting self-confidence and self-efficacy. Teens feel more competent in handling challenges independently.

- Positive Reinforcement: Successes during the summer can reinforce the value of the skills and the therapeutic process, making teens more invested in continuing therapy if needed.

4. Reduced Stress:

- Lower Pressure: Without the stress of schoolwork and academic pressure, teens might find it easier to focus on personal development and applying therapeutic skills.

- Family Involvement: Families often have more time to engage in joint activities and practice together, which can strengthen family bonds and support the therapeutic process.

When Taking the Summer Off is Not Advisable

1. Severe or Acute Issues:

- Critical Need for Support: If a teen is dealing with severe mental health issues such as major depression, anxiety disorders, or other acute conditions, taking a break could lead to a regression in their progress or exacerbate symptoms.

- Safety Concerns: For teens with significant risk factors (e.g., self-harm, suicidal ideation), continuous therapeutic support is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being.

2. Lack of Stability:

- Unstable Home Environment: If the home environment is unstable or stressful, the support and structure provided by regular therapy sessions can be essential for the teen’s emotional regulation and stability.

- Life Transitions: Major life changes (e.g., moving to a new city, family disruptions) can increase stress and the need for ongoing therapeutic support.

3. Inconsistent Progress:

- Irregular Progress: If the teen has shown inconsistent progress or difficulty in applying skills independently, taking a break might hinder the consolidation of those skills.

- Need for Intensive Support: Some teens may require a more intensive and sustained therapeutic approach to achieve meaningful progress, making a break counterproductive.

In non-clinically distressing cases, utilizing the summer to practice and apply therapeutic skills can be highly beneficial for reinforcing learning, gaining practical experience, and building confidence. However, in cases of severe mental health issues, instability, or inconsistent progress, maintaining regular therapeutic support is crucial to ensure continued progress and safety. Parents and therapists should collaboratively assess the individual needs and circumstances of the teen to determine the best course of action.