A Guide to Anxiety Therapy for Teens
Did you know that Gen Z is considered the most anxious generation? Teens and young adults in 2023 face an immense amount of stress and pressure. Beyond that, Gen Z is widely considered to be the most collectively aware generation when it comes to mental health and wellness.
If you’re a teen today, you’re less likely to ignore it when anxiety, panic, depression, and other mental health issues come up — because unlike generations before you, you understand mental health isn’t something you can just tough out, push through, or pretend doesn’t exist.
So if you’re a teen (or a parent of a teen) who is realizing anxiety is becoming kind of a problem — you’re in the right place.
Here at SoCal Wellness Group, we’re therapists well-versed in treating anxiety, particularly in teens and young adults! At our office in Tustin, CA and virtually throughout the state of California, we provide anxiety therapy that will give you the tools you need to work through the stress and overwhelm, and find a state of calm and control again.
On the blog today, we’re diving into the crucial topic of teen anxiety and sharing a bit more about what anxiety therapy looks like for our teen clients at SoCal Wellness Group. We hope to shed some light on what anxiety therapy is, why it's important, and how it can make a world of difference for getting through your teenage years.
Understanding Teen Anxiety
Before we dive into therapy, let's talk about what anxiety in teenagers really looks like. If you’re reading this as a teenager with anxiety, this is going to sound pretty familiar.
We all know that adolescence can be a rollercoaster of emotions, but for some, it's more like a never-ending loop of worry and stress. Sure, it’s fairly normal for teens to feel anxious from time to time. After all, life in the 21st century isn't a cakewalk. From academics to peer pressure to social media, the sources of stress are endless and seem to only be growing every year.
However, when that anxiety starts interfering with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being, it's time to take notice. Symptoms of anxiety in teens can vary, but common signs include excessive worrying, irritability, physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches, avoidance of social situations, and changes in sleep patterns or appetite.
Is this spot on? Might be time to think about starting therapy.
Why is it important to address anxiety in teens?
As licensed therapists, we’re sure of this fact: anxiety isn't just a phase teenagers will outgrow – it's a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects. Unmanaged anxiety in teens can lead to a host of problems, including academic struggles, strained relationships, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other long-term mental health concerns. In fact, untreated anxiety in adolescence is often a precursor to more severe issues in adulthood.
This is why addressing anxiety during the teenage years is so crucial. It's like tending to a garden while the plants are still young – it prevents the weeds from taking over later. And the best tool in your arsenal for tackling teen anxiety is therapy.
Types of Therapy for Teen Anxiety
Therapy is a diverse field, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to treating teen anxiety. At SoCal Wellness Group, we consider each client’s individual needs and tailor our treatment approach and recommendations to meet those needs. Whether you’re visiting us in person in Tustin, CA or as a teletherapy client online, we strive to provide the best care possible for our teens dealing with anxiety issues.
Let's take a closer look at some of the most common types of therapy we use, that have proven effective for anxious teenagers:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is like the superhero of the therapy world, and it's often the first choice for treating teen anxiety. This approach helps teens identify negative thought patterns and teaches them how to replace them with more constructive, positive ones. It's a highly structured, goal-oriented form of therapy that equips teens with the tools to manage their anxiety effectively.
Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
Exposure therapy is all about facing your fears head-on. For teens struggling with specific phobias or social anxiety, this therapy gradually exposes them to the situations or objects they fear. ERP is a treatment specifically designed for obsessive compulsive disorder, but can be adapted to support clients with anxiety to face their fears and feel supported by anxiety-reducing tools along the way. Over time by challenging anxiety-based fears, you’ll become less anxious and more confident in facing these stressors.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on teaching teens to accept their anxious thoughts and feelings without judgment. It helps them detach from their anxiety and commit to living a fulfilling life guided by their values. ACT encourages mindfulness and resilience in the face of anxiety.
Family Therapy
Sometimes, anxiety is a family affair. Family therapy brings parents and teens together to address the root causes of anxiety and develop strategies for managing it as a family unit. It's a holistic approach that recognizes the family's influence on a teen's mental health.
Art Therapy
For some of our clients who may struggle to open up in talk therapy, art therapy can be highly effective. It uses games, art, and other creative activities to help teens communicate their feelings and fears in a safe and non-threatening environment.
Questions about therapy? Let’s chat!
The Therapist-Client Connection
One of the most critical aspects of therapy, regardless of the specific approach, is the therapist-client relationship. Teens need to feel comfortable and safe with their therapist to open up about their anxiety. A good therapist is someone who listens without judgment, offers guidance, and genuinely cares about the well-being of their young clients. At SoCal Wellness Group, our therapists take the time to really get to know each of our teen clients. Many of us struggled with anxiety as teens too! So it’s easy for us to approach each teen we work with non-judgmentally and with true empathy — because we’ve been there too, and we totally get it.
This relationship can take time to develop, but once trust is established, teens often find therapy to be a supportive and empowering experience. The right therapist can become a valuable ally in their journey to manage and overcome anxiety.
At SoCal Wellness Group, we offer both in-person therapy in Tustin (Orange County, CA) and online throughout California state. For some teens that feel more comfortable online, this can be a great way to get started in therapy. Others can form a more authentic relationship with a therapist in-person, face to face.
Not sure which is right for you? Give us a call and one of our awesome therapists will help you figure it out!
Breaking the Stigma
It's important to address the elephant in the room – the stigma surrounding mental health and therapy. While Gen Z really leads the charge as far as destigmatizing therapy and anxiety issues, there are definitely still barriers to overcome. Sadly, there's still a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding out there and often that comes from parents of teens that just don’t get therapy and mental health treatment. Many teens and their families may hesitate to seek help due to fears of judgment or shame.
Breaking this stigma is an essential step towards ensuring that teens get the help they need. Therapy is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength and a willingness to tackle one's problems head-on. Remember, anxiety is not something teens can simply "snap out of." It's a legitimate health concern that deserves the same attention and care as any physical illness.
When to Seek Help
Recognizing the signs of anxiety in yourself or your teenager is the first step, but knowing when to seek professional help is equally important. If you and your teen's anxiety is persistent, severe, or significantly impacts daily life, it's time to consider therapy. Here are some specific situations that should prompt you to seek help:
Physical symptoms: If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms related to anxiety.
Avoidance behaviors: When you start avoiding school, social events, or other essential activities due to anxiety.
Academic decline: If your anxiety leads to a significant drop in academic performance.
Substance use/other maladaptive coping: When you find yourself turning to drugs, alcohol, disordered eating, or other not so helpful coping mechanisms to self-medicate your anxiety.
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts: In extreme cases, when you’re noticing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, immediate intervention is crucial.
Navigating the Path to Therapy
So, you've recognized the need for therapy, and you're ready to take the next step. But where do you begin? It can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, we're here to guide you through the process. Whether you’re coming to therapy here at SoCal Wellness Group (in-person in Tustin, CA or online) or you’re looking elsewhere — this brief guide will help you take this first steps.
1. Start the Conversation
If you’re a parent, the first step is to talk to your teen about their anxiety. Listen to their thoughts and feelings, and reassure them that you're there to support them. Let them know that seeking therapy is a way to empower themselves, not a sign of failure.
If you’re the teen, you might need to start by letting your parents know you need some help and are interested in getting therapy. Let your parents into the way you’ve been feeling (if you feel safe sharing with them) and maybe show them this article to help them understand better why therapy could be helpful for you!
2. Research and Find a Therapist
Not all therapists are going to be the right fit for you, and finding the right one is crucial. Look for licensed therapists with experience in treating adolescent anxiety (like us, here at SoCal Wellness Group!) You can ask for recommendations from your teen's school counselor, pediatrician, or trusted friends and family. A therapist’s style and energy should be considered too when choosing who to work this. Do you respond well to someone more direct? Or are you more comfortable with someone who’s a bit more gentle? Consider whether a therapist that uses humor in session would feel helpful, or if you’d like to work with someone who has similar interests to you. A client’s success in therapy is majorly influenced by your relationship with your therapist — so feeling good about who you choose is super important!
Think we might be a good fit? Schedule a FREE introductory call with one of our awesome therapists at SoCal Wellness Group.
3. Initial Consultation and First Appointment
Once you've found a potential therapist, arrange an initial consultation call. Most therapy practices will offer a free 15-20 minute consultation call so you can chat with your potential new therapist and get a feel for how you’d work with them. Think of this call like a trial run to see if the therapist-client relationship will work for you. If you’re comfortable moving forward, here’s where you’ll schedule your first appointment and assessment. This is an opportunity for you or your teen to meet the therapist in person or online (depending on the format you choose) for a longer appointment, spend some time chatting through your history, what brings you to therapy, and determine initial treatment goals.
4. Create a Plan
After the initial session and assessment, if both you and your teen feel comfortable with the therapist, it's time to create a treatment plan. This plan will outline the goals of therapy, the frequency of sessions, and the specific therapeutic approach that will be used. At SoCal Wellness Group, we emphasize collaborative care! This means you’re just as much in charge of your treatment plan as we (the therapists) are. We understand that while we might be the experts in therapy, you’re the expert of your experience and will know better than anyone else what works for you and what doesn’t. We’ll create your treatment plan together, as a team.
5. Consistency and Patience
Therapy is not a quick fix, and progress can be slow at times. Sometimes things might even feel worse before they feel better because we may be addressing topics or areas of your life that can be very challenging to confront. If you’re a parent, encourage your teen to stick with it, even on tough days. And if you’re the teen in therapy yourself, just remember that it’s important to keep going even if you’re feeling impatient with your progress. In 2023, we’re pretty used to instant gratification (think Amazon Prime delivering your package on the same day, or UberEats delivering your food in mere minutes!) Therapy is the long-game — it works if you give it time and effort. Consistency and patience are key to making therapy a success!
6. Monitor and Adjust
In therapy, we’ll regularly monitor your progress and figure out what approach is working, and what approach is not. As a parent or as the client yourself, don’t be afraid to talk to your therapist about any concerns or changes you've noticed. We welcome feedback from our clients at SoCal Wellness Group and regularly make adjustments to therapy when you keep us informed about what is and isn’t helping. Therapy is a dynamic practice — that means it’s always changing based on the ways you might be changing! Therapy plans can be adapted as needed to address specific challenges or goals that might come up throughout your time in therapy.
Supporting Your Teen's Journey (for parents)
Listen up parents! While therapy plays a significant role in helping teens manage anxiety, there are many ways you can support your child's journey outside of the therapist's office (which can be just as important as their treatment!):
Be Patient
Recognize that progress takes time. Don't rush your teen or pressure them to get better quickly.
Encourage Open Communication
Maintain an open and non-judgmental line of communication with your teen. Let them know that you're there to listen and support them.
Promote Self-Care
Encourage healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, a non-restrictive and varied diet, and adequate sleep. Self-care is a crucial component of anxiety management and you can help your teen by supporting this at home.
Get Educated
Take the time to educate yourself about anxiety and the specific therapeutic approach your teen is undergoing. Reading this article is a great start! This will help you better understand and support their progress. If you’re interested in more education resources, ask your teen’s therapist for book recommendations to learn more.
Reduce Stress at Home
Create a calm and supportive environment at home. Minimize unnecessary stressors and maintain a routine that promotes stability. This might be easier said than done, and perhaps there are stressors that exist in the home that you might not be aware of yet. If you can remain open to feedback from your teen’s therapist and make adjustments as recommended, this could significantly help your teen breathe a little easier.
The Path to a Brighter Future
Therapy for anxiety in teens is like opening a door to a brighter future. It's about equipping yourself with the tools you need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond. Remember that you're not alone on this journey – there are countless professionals, resources, and support networks available to help you or your teen break free from the clutches of anxiety.
And at SoCal Wellness Group, we strive to be a source of support whether you’re attending therapy in-person in Tustin, CA or online via teletherapy.
So, if you're a parent or a teen reading this, remember that anxiety doesn't define you, and seeking help is a courageous step toward a happier and healthier life. Let's break the stigma, start the conversation, and take the path to a brighter, anxiety-free future – because our teens deserve nothing less.
Are you looking for the support of a therapist who specializes in teen anxiety?
You’re in the right place! Reach out to SoCal Wellness Group today to learn more about therapy and book your first session.
Disclaimer: Please note that this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating, it's essential to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.
