Ep. 31 - Teen Mental Health: Navigating Trauma, Social Media, and Family Dynamics with Mike Giresi, CAC, CTP, ICADC, NMP

The Holistic Counselor

In this insightful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, sits down with Mike Giresi, Chief Clinical Officer at Family First Adolescent Services. Together, they explore a range of topics focused on the complexities of teen mental health, offering guidance for both teens and those who are raising them.

Having worked with teens for decades, Diana reflects on her experiences as a parent of four while bringing in Mike’s expertise to highlight the current trends, challenges, and solutions in adolescent therapy. From self-harm to dissociation, marijuana-induced psychosis to social media’s impact on self-image, they unpack the issues affecting teens today.

Key Topics:

• Understanding the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM®) and its role in treating complex trauma.

• The rise of self-harm, dissociation, and autism diagnoses in teens.

• The impact of social media on teen mental health and body image.

• The increasing prevalence of marijuana-induced psychosis in adolescents.

• Practical steps for families to support teens, including creating individualized parent treatment plans.

Notable Quotes:

• “Narcissism is the investment of our life energy in maintaining our self-image.” — Mike Giresi

• “Children are hardwired to internalize the failures of their environment. If their survival depends on their environment, they will see themselves as bad rather than believe their environment has failed them.” — Mike Giresi

• “The greatest gift we could ever give to our children is our own happiness. They’ll take responsibility for it.” — Mike Giresi

• “Becoming self-aware isn’t just for therapists—it’s for everyone. Knowing why you believe what you believe is crucial to real, lasting growth.” — Diana S. Rice

Connect with Mike Giresi:

Mike is the Chief Clinical Officer at Family First Adolescent Services, a premier residential treatment center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He has extensive experience in trauma and addiction therapy, specializing in working with adolescents and families.

Resources:

• Visit Family First Adolescent Services for more information on teen treatment programs.

• Book recommendation: Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image, and the Capacity for Relationships by Dr. Laurence Heller.

Final Thoughts:

Mike shares invaluable insights for parents, caregivers, and teens alike, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and addressing trauma for healthier relationships and family dynamics. Diana closes the episode with encouragement to listeners: “Trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind.”

Call to Action:

For more practical tips and psychoeducational insights, subscribe to The Holistic Counselor Podcast and check out the latest blog posts on Liberation Lunes.