Tapping into the Strengths Within: How Counselling Can Empower Teens to Overcome Anxiety

Teen Anxiety: Symptoms, Treatment, and Benefits of Seeking Counselling

Adolescence is a period of growth, transition, and change. However, for some teens, it can also be a time of anxiety and stress. Anxiety is a common mental health issue among teens, and it can manifest in different ways, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Here, we will explore some of the symptoms of teen anxiety, treatment options, and benefits of seeking counselling.

Symptoms of Teen Anxiety

The symptoms of teen anxiety can vary from person to person. However, some common signs of anxiety include:

• Excessive worry about future events or past experiences

• Feeling restless or on edge

• Irritability or mood swings

• Difficulty concentrating

• Muscle tension or aches

• Insomnia or trouble sleeping

• Avoiding social situations or places that trigger anxiety

• Panic attacks (rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, etc.)

Treatment Options for Teen Anxiety

There are several evidence-based treatments for teen anxiety, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and narrative therapy. Each of these approaches has its unique strategies and techniques to help teens manage their anxiety.

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. In CBT, the therapist helps the teen identify their anxious thoughts and beliefs and challenges them with evidence-based strategies. For example, if a teen believes that their social anxiety is caused by being judged by others, the therapist may challenge this belief by asking the teen to recall a time when they received positive feedback from their peers, thereby identifying exceptions to the belief. CBT also includes exposure therapy, where the teen gradually exposes themselves to feared situations in an effort to desensitize and decrease the intensity of their anxiety.

2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is a mindfulness-based approach that emphasizes acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings. In ACT, the therapist helps the teen develop acceptance and mindfulness skills to reduce the impact of their anxiety. The goal of ACT is not to eliminate anxiety but to change the relationship with it. For example, if a teen experiences anxiety when presenting in front of the class, the therapist may help them focus on the present moment and acknowledge the anxiety without judgment, anchoring to presence and reducing the impact of the anxiety.

3. Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on changing the way a person tells their life story. In narrative therapy, the therapist helps the teen reframe their anxious experiences as separate from themselves. For example, if a teen believes that they are a "socially anxious person," the therapist may help them redefine themselves as a person who experiences social anxiety in some situations. This supports the client in reconnecting with their sense of self outside of and apart from their struggle. Narrative therapy aims to create a new narrative that empowers the teen to overcome their anxiety.

Benefits of Seeking Counselling for Teen Anxiety

Seeking counselling for teen anxiety can have many benefits. Counselling can provide a safe space for teens to express their thoughts and feelings and develop coping skills to manage their anxiety. Here are some examples of outcomes teens and parents report from counselling:

1. Increased self-awareness: Counselling can help teens develop a better understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This increased self-awareness can help them identify triggers for their anxiety and develop coping strategies.

2. Improved relationships: Anxiety can impact a teen's relationships with their family, friends, and peers. Counselling can help them develop communication and social skills to improve their relationships.

3. Reduced anxiety symptoms: Evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and narrative therapy have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in teens. Counselling can help teens learn and practice these skills.

4. Improved academic performance: Anxiety can interfere with a teen's academic performance. Counselling can help them develop study skills and coping strategies to manage test anxiety and other academic stressors.

5. Increased overall well-being: Managing anxiety can improve a teen's overall well-being and quality of life. Counselling can provide tools and strategies for teens to better manage their anxiety and enjoy life.

Teen anxiety is a common mental health issue that can have a significant impact on a teen's life. However, evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and Narrative Therapy can help teens manage their anxiety symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Seeking counselling can provide a safe and supportive space for teens to learn and practice these skills. The benefits of counselling for teen anxiety can include increased self-awareness, improved relationships, reduced anxiety symptoms, improved academic performance, and increased overall well-being. Strengthening relationship to self, being aware of our internal experiences and how to take good care of ourselves when experiencing anxiety, worry or panic is a life skill that we can support teens in developing. Counselling can provide skills, that with practice, can last a lifetime.

Do you think your teen would benefit from individual counselling to support them in processing intense feelings and developing skills to support them in thriving? Call or email to book. Or, Book Online.