CBT for Teen Anxiety
CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is a widely used therapeutic model that is primarily focused on addressing and altering thoughts and behaviors that contribute to our symptoms or negative experiences. This approach is goal-oriented and one of the most practical forms of psychotherapy, as it helps us develop coping mechanisms and strategies to manage various psychological challenges, including anxiety.
When using CBT for teens and young adults, it is particularly effective because it provides structure and collaboration. The following is information on how CBT works and how it can be beneficial for teens struggling with anxiety.
Identification of negative thought patterns
One of the first steps in CBT is noticing and understanding why we think the way we do. About anxiety, we are focused on understanding what it is we fear and why our thoughts have brought us to the conclusions we have made from that fear.
Challenge and restructure thoughts
Once we have figured out what thoughts we have and why, we. work with our therapist or other licensed mental health provider to begin challenging and restructuring those thoughts. This process involves making an evidence-based case for or against our beliefs and creating more balanced perspectives.
Behavioral strategies
Behavioral strategies come in next to help us gradually face and begin to overcome situations that trigger our anxiety. Sometimes this involves exposure techniques where we confront an anxiety-provoking situation in a controlled manner, building resilience over time.
Skill-building
CBT also focuses on coping skills to keep us equipped to handle our anxiety. This can include relaxation techniques, communication strategies, and problem-solving skills.
Homework assignments
CBT is also a modality that uses homework. The note here is to do assignments in between sessions so that the therapeutic work follows us into real life and makes our treatment more effective. Continuing our work outside of the session makes it easier to translate what we work on in session to real-time anxiety-provoking situations.
As with any therapeutic approach, it is important to note that effectiveness is highly dependent on the person engaged in the therapy. CBT does have plenty of research backing it, but it does not work for every person. Factors that impact effectiveness are commitment, severity of the anxiety, and quality of the therapeutic relationship. This is why it is crucial to work through our symptoms with a licensed mental health professional to explore what is the right fit for our treatment.
Halle Crutch is an LPC-Associate seeing teen girls and young women battling anxiety in Southlake, Texas. CBT is one of the few modalities used in her practice and has shown to be successful in treating many cases. Taking the time to work through symptoms with the CBT modality could prove to be useful in changing your life. Ready to explore that possibility? Request an appointment!
