Tenafly High School

The information below is provided by Heather Brown-Huston, our Care Plus clinician:

 

The events of this week have been deeply traumatic to the entire Tenafly community. Students, whether directly involved or indirectly aware of the events, are likely to have a response to this trauma. When a traumatic event occurs, it is not unusual for adolescents to feel sadness, shame, guilt or anger, to be irritable or withdrawn, to be anxious about their safety or others' safety, to act out in unusual ways, to feel "detached" and to have trouble focusing.  For adults supporting our Tenafly students, I've outlined some resources below for understanding trauma symptoms in teens and for supporting and caring for them as they endure these difficult times. 

 

As the Care Plus clinician at Tenafly High School, I am in the "Blue Room" in the guidance office for students to drop in during lunch.  Student Assistance Counselor Ms. Jessica Lopes and the entire Guidance team are also available for drop-in support at lunch or during the day for students.  If you as a parent wish to speak to me about your child's symptoms and accessing community resources for trauma, such as trauma-informed therapy or other supports, feel free to reach out to me directly at heatherb@careplusnj.org or at (201) 816-6626.

 

Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents after Disasters

(while addressed to "after disasters" these are appropriate tips to support a teen after any type of trauma).

 

Helping Children After a Traumatic Event:

(Includes sections on signs and symptoms in adolescents).

 

Performcare- 24 hour hotline for youth in crisis in NJ. (877) 652-7624.

(This can activate Children's Mobile Response to be at your home within an hour, or within the day at your convenience, and connect to ongoing free therapy in your home for 8 weeks).

 

Heather Brown-Huston, MS, LPC