Episode 25: Parenting the Defiant Teen

PREVIEW: Defiance and opposition can be normal and even healthy signs of adolescence. When do these patterns become unhealthy? How can parents effectively respond to their teen’s defiant behavior? What are the best strategies for parents who are at their wit’s end during this phase of parenting? Here to help us answer some of these questions is Open Sky Senior Clinical Therapist, Jonathan Mitchell. Jonathan will also share helpful examples from his work at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy and from his own experience asa defiant teen. GUEST PROFILE: JONATHAN MITCHELL, MA, LPC Jonathan has been working with adolescent boys and their families at Open Sky since 2009. His clinical approach draws on the teachings of dialectical behavioral therapy, Gestalt therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and years of experience as a field guide. As a therapist, he is appreciated for his pleasant and direct nature, intuitive connection with clients, and knack for working with defiant and strongly guarded adolescents. TOPICS COVERED: Parenting, defiance, opposition, oppositional defiance, defiant teen, defiant child, behavior problems, parenting tips, core values, therapy, wilderness therapy, treatment SELECT QUOTES: “Defiance is - in its roots - an exaggerated expression of independence or differentiation from the family.” “This is all the anatomy of defiance. It comes from a place of powerlessness and not being seen and heard by the world around them.” “It feels powerful but it’s so isolating. I know from myself and the kids that I work with who are really defiant, they’re really lonely. It’s the double edge sword of defiance in that it’s powerful but it also ostracizes us from the world around us and from relationships. We’re not connected to people when we’re defiant.” “The other tenet of what has worked for families who have been successful navigating this defiance issue is being consistent about leaning into the process and not giving up. Remaining patient, remaining open, continuing the healthy pressure on the child, and finding some support in the world around them.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.