Family Therapy for Teens Offers Comprehensive Support in Davie

Family Therapy for Teens Offers Comprehensive Support in Davie

Davie, FL – For parents in Davie, a community renowned for its Western heritage and equestrian lifestyle, whose teenagers are struggling and finding weekly counseling insufficient, a different approach to support is gaining traction. Family therapy for teens, particularly the model employed by Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA), integrates parents directly into the treatment process, aiming for more lasting change.

Dr. Maria Mejia, PhD, LMFT, Clinical Director for AWA Davie, emphasizes that parents are not mere observers but active members of the treatment team. “Change has to hold at home, not just in session,” Dr. Mejia explains, highlighting AWA’s family-centered model across its South Florida programs.

Many parents initially feel the need to hand off their teen to professionals. However, AWA takes a different stance, recognizing that teens require consistent support beyond the therapy room. Dr. Mejia notes that while programs can teach skills, families are crucial in helping those skills take root in real life. This family-based approach provides clearer direction for parents, more consistent support for teens, and helps align the home environment with treatment goals, making progress feel less fragile.

Family sessions at AWA serve a distinct purpose from individual therapy. While teens still need private space to open up honestly in their own sessions, family sessions focus on communication patterns, how parents can respond differently, and how to support progress without overstepping. Individual therapy builds trust and insight for the teen, while family work addresses what happens at home, including communication and patterns.

A significant component of AWA’s model is the robust parent support system. Dr. Mejia confirms that parents are not left to navigate challenges alone between sessions. AWA includes a weekly Parent Support Group and weekly coaching calls. These calls allow parents to share observations from home, while the group fosters a sense of community and equips caregivers with tools. This support helps parents respond with more confidence, reduces the feeling that every difficult day is a failure, and makes the home environment more predictable and supportive.

Dr. Mejia addresses a common concern among parents: the fear that family therapy will lead to blame. She reassures families that the approach is not about finding fault, but about providing support. “They didn’t get a handbook when their child was born,” she states, advocating for support over shame. This shift in perspective allows families to focus on building a safer, steadier environment, encouraging curiosity over correction, establishing better routines, reducing escalation during difficult moments, and improving follow-through with coping skills.

For some teens, a higher level of care is necessary. Dr. Mejia explains that AWA’s Therapeutic Day Program offers a more intensive starting point, providing structure and support to help teens stabilize and build momentum. This program includes family involvement, weekly parent support, and coaching alongside the teen’s treatment, offering a comprehensive solution when emotional and behavioral challenges significantly impact daily functioning.

Families often report a noticeable difference, not just because their teen is in treatment, but because they are actively included in a meaningful way. AWA testimonials frequently highlight how the program supports both teens and parents through a mix of individual sessions, group therapy, and family involvement.