The MindBody Workbook for Teens: Writing Exercises to Reduce Stress and Feel Better Emotionally and Physically

A Research-Backed Journaling Program for Teen Emotional and Physical Health

This workbook offers teenagers a structured, guided approach to expressive writing—a proven method for processing feelings, reducing stress, and improving both mental and physical wellbeing.

Why Expressive Writing Works:

Writing about your feelings offers a different perspective than just thinking about them. It provides release, clarity, and insight. Research consistently shows that expressive writing has measurable health benefits. The adult version of this workbook was part of Dr. Schechter's pain treatment outcome study published in Alternative Therapies (Sept/Oct 2007).

Designed for the Complex Emotional Life of Teens:

Teenagers navigate intense changes—physical development, evolving friendships, romantic relationships, academic pressure, family dynamics, and identity formation. This workbook helps teens safely explore and express emotions that might otherwise go unacknowledged, potentially manifesting as physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or chronic pain.

What This Workbook Offers:

• Carefully crafted prompts that encourage honest self-reflection
• A safe space to process feelings that are difficult to express aloud
• Skills that support social and emotional learning—a crucial but often under-resourced part of education
• A method for making connections between emotions and physical health

Who Can Use This Workbook:

• Teens working independently or alongside Dr. Schechter's online course for adolescents (available at mindbodymedicine dot com under Treatment and Education)
• Teachers integrating social-emotional learning into their curriculum
• School counselors supporting student wellness programs
• Psychotherapists working with adolescent clients
• Parents helping their teens develop emotional awareness and coping skills

Many physical conditions arise from or are worsened by unexpressed or misunderstood emotions. This workbook teaches the skill of expressive writing to help teens make those crucial connections and improve their overall health and wellbeing

Dr. David Schechter graduated with a degree from Princeton University. While a medical student at NYU in the early 1980's, he was first exposed to a stress related disorder-- his own! After successful treatment as a patient of Dr. John Sarno, he performed a telephone follow up study, in Dr. Sarno s office. This study's results are cited in Dr. Sarno s first two books. After a residency in Family Medicine, he received a Certificate of Additional Qualifications in Sports Medicine. Dr. Schechter has been treating chronic pain and other functional disorders with a psycho-education approach for over 25 years in private practice. He has a credential in Integrative Pain Management. In addition, Dr. Schechter is the author of Think Away Your Pain, The MindBody Workbook, The MindBody AudioProgram, and The MindBody Patient Panel DVD, which comprise a home educational program for TMS. Dr. Schechter was the Principal Investigator of the Seligman Medical Institute between 2003-2007 and with that part-time grant, he published several papers, the final one an outcome study published in Alternative Therapies. Dr. Schechter has been named a Top Doctor for over ten years and is listed in US News and World Report, Men's Health Magazine, and LA Magazine as a Top Doctor in his field(s). Dr Schechter spends most of his time seeing patients in Culver City, CA and educating the public about stress-related disorders with podcast, TV, and radio appearances. His website is mindbodymedicine dot come and his twitter @pain_md_la. His facebook on this subject is at facebook dot com ThinkAwayYourPain