Harm Reduction for High-Risk Teens: A Therapist's Approach | Teens: No Cap Ep. 24
Teens Uncharted: the PodShow Notes
In this episode of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee—a teen mental health specialist—dives deep into the philosophy of harm reduction and why it's a game-changer for engaging high-risk teens in therapy. Learn why traditional methods like strict "no-harm contracts" can often backfire, and how meeting teens where they are with curiosity and neutrality can build trust and save lives.
Charity breaks down: 🤔 Why "resistance" is just data, not defiance 🧩 How harm reduction lowers barriers to treatment 🚫 The difference between harm reduction and enabling 🧠 Practical strategies to center a teen's voice and build buy-in 🎬 Even a Disney analogy (hello, Ariel!) to illustrate her points
If you're a parent, therapist, or anyone working with teenagers, this episode is packed with insights to transform your approach.
Want more? Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!
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Connect with Charity: www.teensuncharted.com www.raisingvibrance.com [email protected] @teens.uncharted
Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & What is Harm Reduction? 02:52 The Problem with "They Just Need DBT" 08:38 Harm Reduction as Long-Term Protection 12:49 The Power of Curiosity Over Demonization 17:55 Resistance is Data, Not a Bad Thing 19:13 Harm Reduction vs. Enabling 25:34 A Real-World Story from Community Mental Health 30:08 Wrap-Up & How to Learn More
#TeensNoCap #HarmReduction #TeenMentalHealth #TherapyForTeens #MentalHealthPodcast #TeensNoCap #DBT #HighRiskTeens #ParentingTeens #TeenTherapy #MentalHealthProvider #ChildTherapist #SelfHarmRecovery #SubstanceUse #MentalHealthAwareness
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