YOUR AMAZING TEEN BRAIN

This down-to-earth guide to cognitive behavioral therapy based on adolescent brain development is practical and accessibly written.

Developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck as an alternative to traditional methods, CBT focuses on how thoughts influence behaviors. Nebolsine, an experienced CBT practitioner, provides clear interpretations of many research studies that back up her suggestions for changing readers’ attitudes toward their problems, illustrated with anecdotal examples from real teens’ lives. The book opens with simple scientific explanations of the teen brain and its structure and functioning. Relatively well-adjusted young people who need some direction for dealing with studying, overcoming procrastination, gaining confidence in school, and increasing their ability to make and keep worthwhile friendships will benefit from this text that focuses on teaching strategies for dealing constructively with common issues. (The author recommends that teens dealing with more serious issues reach out to a trusted adult.) The dangers of drinking, drugs, and risky sexual behavior are addressed. Short sections labeled “Brain Hack” offer practical suggestions, supplementing other specific techniques in the main text. The chatty narrative directly addressing readers is inviting, although some repetition and jokey asides can be annoying. Chapters on stress and meditation and mindfulness will be of general interest, and the last section, on creating a meaningful narrative for one’s life, will also appeal to many.

Teens looking for help in understanding their brains and making positive shifts will find this effective.