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Signs of a Toxic Relationship

teens struggle within a toxic relationship that could benefit from relationship therapy

Relationships can be difficult for teens as they experience new feelings and emotions for their peers. Teens will find relationships that match the type of relationships they grow up around. If verbal or physical abuse is common, they attract people who will foster that type of relationship. Knowing the signs of a toxic relationship can help teens recognize the warning signs and avoid them. Relationship therapy for teens is the best way to help teens form healthy relationships now and in the future.

At Imagine Seattle, we help teen boys and girls between 12 and 17 who struggle with relationships due to social anxiety, low self-esteem, or other factors. Our behavioral therapists work closely with each teen and their family to uncover the root cause of the issue and learn how to spot bad relationship traits in people. For more information about our relationship therapy for teens, call 888.346.0473 or fill out our online form today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

What Are the Signs of a Toxic Relationship?

Relationships are complex and will have good and bad days, but how do you spot the difference between a toxic relationship and just a bump in the road? In a healthy relationship, couples work together to resolve any issues and support each other through their actions and words. In a toxic relationship, arguments are spiteful and can be emotionally abusive to their partner.

Not all of the signs of a toxic relationship are easy to see. Many couples will go to great lengths to hide any relationship troubles from their friends and family. Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to see the toxicity that surrounds them. Some of the common signs of a toxic relationship include:

  • Tries to control their behavior
  • Uses negative or insulting language
  • Does not show any kind of support
  • Spends money recklessly
  • Is often envious or jealous
  • Is very disrespectful
  • Attempts to turn them against their friends and family

At Imagine Seattle, we will work with your teen son or daughter to teach them the signs of a toxic relationship and how to stand up for themselves. The skills they learn will help them form healthy and supportive friendships and romantic relationships.

Why Do People Stay in Toxic Relationships?

Love is a complicated emotion that is different for each person. While some may see a relationship as toxic and something to avoid, the person in love sees it as a temporary problem and will make up excuses for any bad behavior.

Here are some of the reasons people stay in toxic relationships:

  1. The need to fix things—Some teens will seek out people who they see as someone they can fix and will put up with a lot to fix them. They see it as their responsibility to stay with them no matter what.
  2. A distorted view of relationships—Teens who live around toxic relationships as they grow up will see the way their parents interact as how relationships are supposed to be. If they argue a lot and are combative with each other, they will think that’s what love is.
  3. Fear of loneliness—Toxic relationships can create low self-esteem to the point where they feel no one else will love them. They would rather stay in an abusive relationship than be alone.

Toxic relationships can negatively impact your teen’s mental health and can lead to depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Discover Relationship Therapy for Teens in Washington at Imagine Seattle

At Imagine Seattle, we support teens aged 12-17 who have trouble forming healthy relationships. Our therapists help teens recognize the signs of a toxic relationship and work on improving their self-esteem through private and group therapy sessions. If your teen son or daughter has trouble forming healthy relationships with their peers, call 888.346.0473 to speak with our friendly staff today about enrolling them in our mental health treatment center.