From Heartbreak to GROWTH
BY AMANDA MILLER
B reakups hurt at any age, but teen heartbreak hits differently. For adolescents experiencing their first serious relationship loss, emotions can feel intense, all-consuming, and impossible to shake. There’s a reason for that. Marti Burton, MA, ALC, NCC, EMDR-T, and therapist at Empower Counseling & Coaching shares the two main reasons why romantic breakups tend to hit teens so hard
emotionally: brain development and the impact of first experiences. Burton explains, “In the teenage years, the emotional part of our brain tends to be a little more active, and without a fully developed prefrontal cortex, teens have a difficult time thinking rationally about their experience. Teens also tend to not have much experience with romantic relationships and breakups, so they don’t have much context to base their experiences on.”
That intensity is exactly why teens need time—and support—to grieve before they can grow. RESIST THE URGE TO FIX Parents often encourage their teen to get back out there, hoping a quick reset will ease the pain. After all, that’s their child, and watching someone break their heart is incredibly hard. While the instinct is understandable, experts say rushing the
44 FEBRUARY 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator