Mind-Body Therapies for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Conditions
Written By: Dr. Beata Lewis
Mind-body therapies are increasingly being incorporated into pediatric and adolescent mental health. These therapies, including mindfulness, yoga, biofeedback, and guided imagery, provide tools to make traditional therapy more comprehensive and address the physical, mental, and emotional dimensions of health.
Mind-body therapies have the potential to equip children and adolescents with practical skills for managing stress, improving focus, and fostering inner peace. They can play a crucial role in helping children and adolescents establish healthy habits and attitudes that have a lifelong impact on them as they grow.
Benefits of mind-body therapies
There are many potential benefits to mind-body therapies. Mind-body therapies can improve both physical and mental health. Regular yoga practice can enhance flexibility, strength, and balance, while also fostering a healthy body image and active lifestyle. Khalsa et al. (2012) find evidence for the efficacy of yoga in improving sleep, mood, and anxiety among adolescents.
Mind-body therapies can also enhance academic performance. Zenner et al. (2014) highlight the positive influence of mindfulness programs in schools on students' cognitive and socio-emotional outcomes. Mindfulness can help with attention and focus, which can improve classroom performance. Yoga can mitigate exam stress and increase energy levels, fostering greater academic engagement.
Mind-body therapies can be adapted to the unique needs and developmental stages of children and adolescents. Mindfulness practices can include mindful coloring or listening to music mindfully. Yoga classes can incorporate games and storytelling to make them enjoyable and accessible.
Incorporating mind-body therapies into a child or adolescent's routine can offer extensive benefits. By developing skills to manage stress, enhance focus, and cultivate inner peace, children and adolescents are better equipped to navigate the challenges of growing up. This can lead to improved relationships, better academic performance, and a higher quality of life.
Mind-body therapies can help children and adolescents develop heightened self-awareness, which can empower them to take responsibility for their health and well-being. This sense of self-efficacy can extend to many aspects of their lives.
Mind-Body Therapies at Mind Body Seven
At Mind Body Seven, we consider mind-body therapies valuable additions to traditional treatments which provide a more holistic approach to the mental, emotional and physical health of the children and adolescents we see. We are dedicated to offering safe, effective, and age-appropriate mind-body therapies for children and adolescents, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment where children and adolescents can explore mind-body therapies.
We pride ourselves on our personalized approach to mind-body therapies and work closely with each child or adolescent and their families to develop tailored therapeutic plans. We believe that by making these practices accessible and enjoyable, we can inspire children and adolescents to embrace mind-body therapies as a lifestyle choice, not just a treatment method. Our goal is to empower our young patients to take an active role in their health and well-being.
We continue to stay updated with the latest research and best practices in the field of mind-body therapies. We are excited about the potential of these therapies to enhance the physical and mental health of children and adolescents and to help them develop habits of self-care and resilience that can support them throughout their lives.
Mind Body Seven clinicians offer treatment in Brooklyn and via teletherapy for adolescents and adults. If have not worked with us and want to get started please contact us here, so we can set you up with the clinicians that best suit your individual needs. If you are an existing patient get in touch with us here to set up your next appointment.