Adolescent Anxiety Counseling

The teenage years are riddled with moments of anxiety. This a period of life when we all became very conscious of our personalities, our physical appearance, and the general way in which people interacted with us. 

Teens begin thinking about preparing for the future while balancing current responsibilities. They face pressure from family, peers, school, and other social/educational engagements. With increased independence comes increased opportunity for anxiety. Additionally, during our teen years, teens are often very critical of themselves and how they fit in with peers which creates a trigger for anxiety.

To make matters worse, surviving adolescence has become more challenging as the internet and social media have grown. In the past, the school day ended with the final bell of the day. Kids were given a break in the evenings to settle emotions, collect their thoughts, and move past the conflicts from the school day. Now, the conversations, fights, bullying, and rumors from the school day continue to persist online through Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, texts, and other apps.

Signs Your Child Might Be Anxious

Anxiety can present itself in a number of ways. Sometimes these can vary greatly between individuals. If you have questions or think your child might be struggling with anxiety, you should reach out for help. We’ll be happy to talk to your about your concerns and help you decide if counseling is right for your child.

Below are some general signs you can look for you.

Emotional/Thinking Signs:

Physical Signs:

Counseling For Anxiety

Anxiety is best treated by the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Cognitive Behavior Therapy is popular counseling model which focuses on the way our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are related to one another. In regards to anxiety, CBT will help you learn to understand what anxiety feels like for you, what thoughts are automatically created when you feel anxious, and how your body has learned to respond to those thoughts.

As you become more knowledgeable about your anxiety and comfortable managing its intensity, we will find ways for you to challenge yourself within reasonable limits. This is a great way for you to learn to use your new skills in the real world while still being supported in counseling. The eventual goal is that you develop the skills, confidence, and resiliency to live your ideal life without being confined by anxiety.

My Work With Teens and Anxiety

 I spent four years counseling teens where they spend the majority of their time…in school. I have walked the same crowded hallways during class changes. I have seen the intimidating lunch rooms. I have watched new freshman walk into a campus of 2,000+ students. I have worked with honors student who are suddenly overwhelmed by homework, social engagements, and future planning.

Anxiety has the ability to stop lives in their tracks. It forces us into strict rules and routines telling us where we can go, what we can do, who we can see in order to avoid feeling anxious. Following these rules leaves us with a life defined by avoiding our anxiety rather than engaging our passions. I want you and/or your child to be able to experience the anxiety but live your life anyway.