Helping Your Teen Overcome Anxiety: A Guide to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

As a parent of a teenager, it can be difficult to understand the different types of therapy that are available to help your child. One type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety in teens is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is based on the idea that by changing the way we think and behave, we can change the way we feel. CBT is a hands-on approach that requires both the therapist and the client to be invested in the process and willing to actively participate.

One of the key components of CBT for anxiety is identifying and challenging negative thought patterns. This can involve learning to recognize when we are engaging in negative self-talk, and replacing those thoughts with more positive and realistic ones. For example, if your teen is prone to catastrophizing (i.e. imagining the worst-case scenario), they might learn to challenge those thoughts by asking themselves if there is any evidence to support them.

Another important aspect of CBT for anxiety is exposure therapy. This involves gradually exposing your teen to the things that make them anxious, in a safe and controlled environment. Over time, this can help them to build up their tolerance to anxiety-provoking situations and learn that they can cope with them.

CBT for anxiety is a highly effective form of therapy, with many teens reporting significant improvements in their symptoms. It is also a relatively short-term form of therapy, with most teens seeing results within a few months.

If you’re a parent looking for effective therapy options for your teen’s anxiety, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be a great choice. CBT is a highly effective form of therapy that can help your teen learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, and develop coping strategies to manage their anxiety. At England Therapy, we offer CBT and other evidence-based therapies to help teens overcome anxiety and other mental health challenges in person and online in Oklahoma. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your teen on their journey to better mental health. Don’t wait to get the support your teen needs – take action today and help them start feeling better.