what suggestions do you have for teens that are in crisis?
I am glad you are doing this. It is important work.
A very long time ago I did some volunteer work with a day treatment program for people at a mental health center. The thing I remember most strongly is the advice I got from the therapists when I got in. It was to do the exercises, but not to try to do therapy. That made a lot of sense to me. For people with serious mental health problems, or for people in crisis the therapeutic work is best left in the hands of the professionals.
However, simply providing the exercise is an enormous help, and something most therapeutic professionals will not be able to do as well as you can. Cardiovascular exercise is great for reducing stress. Yoga is great for learning how to regulate response to stress.
I agree that youth are likely to respond well to something like zumba. Have you worked with teens before? Keep it fun, make sure your music is up to date, but avoid songs with clear triggers. Listen carefully to the lyrics before using the song. Avoid too much correction unless it is necessary for safety.
If you are going to do yoga you might look into purchasing a set of touch discs….. or at least ask the staff there what they think about using them. They are small circular discs that one places at the corner of one’s mat… turn one side up and the person needs space… no physical adjustment…. turn the other up…. touch is ok.
Good luck with this.