Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Supporting transition-age youth in the CFRP framework includes teaching practical coping strategies that allow the youth to self-regulate during periods of distress. Teaching progressive muscle relaxation techniques is an effective, evidence-based intervention for self-soothing, as it provides a tangible skill to manage distress. The CFRP study guide notes, “For transition-age youth struggling to self-soothe during distress, teaching progressive relaxation techniques is an effective intervention to promote emotional regulation.” Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (option A) would take a longer time to address underlying issues and would not be as immediately effective as muscle relaxation techniques to address the distress. Exposure therapy (option B) is specific to anxiety disorders and may not apply to general distress. Referring for medication (option D) may be considered but is not the first-line intervention for teaching self-soothing skills.

CFRP Study Guide (Section on Transition-Age Youth Services): “Teaching progressive relaxation techniques is an effective intervention for transition-age youth unable to self-soothe during distress, enhancing emotional self-regulation.”