Therapy for Teens
Anxiety in Teens
Teens with anxiety often experience a heightened sensitivity to the world around them, which can make them incredibly empathetic, observant, and thoughtful. But that same sensitivity can lead to constant worry and stress about things they can’t control, leaving them feeling stuck or overwhelmed. They might struggle with everyday tasks or avoid new experiences because they are scared of the “what ifs.” Therapy gives teens a safe place to express their feelings, identify what triggers their anxiety, and develop tools to manage it. By building coping skills, practicing relaxation, and gaining a better understanding of themselves, therapy helps teens feel calmer, more confident, and ready to face life’s ups and downs.
Perfectionism
Teens with perfectionism often set extremely high standards for themselves because they’re afraid of failing or falling short. While this can lead to impressive achievements, it also creates constant pressure and a fear of making mistakes. They might overthink decisions, put things off because they’re worried it won’t be perfect, or be hard on themselves when things don’t go as planned. Perfectionism can also impact relationships—expecting others to meet the same high standards or pulling away when they feel they’re not measuring up. Therapy helps teens recognize and challenge these unrealistic expectations, guiding them toward healthier ways of thinking and living. By practicing self-compassion, setting realistic goals, and learning to embrace imperfection, teens can let go of the pressure and feel more balanced and confident.
Life Transitions
Whether it’s starting at a new school, adjusting to changes at home, or taking on new responsibilities, teens in transition often feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. These changes can be overwhelming, leaving them unsure about who they are, what’s next, or how to handle their new environment. Sometimes the pressure to adapt quickly can bring on stress, self-doubt, and a sense of being out of control. Therapy gives teens a supportive space to talk through these changes, sort out their feelings, and learn ways to manage the stress that comes with them. By helping them set realistic goals, build confidence, and embrace the unknown, therapy empowers teens to handle transitions with resilience and more clarity about the path forward.
How Anxiety Affects Teens
Avoidance of emotions and experiences
Anxiety often leads teens to avoid uncomfortable situations, but this avoidance can make those feelings even more overwhelming over time. In therapy, teens can learn to stay present with their emotions, explore what’s really going on in the moment, and develop the awareness and tools they need to face challenges with more confidence, even when anxiety shows up.
Lower confidence
Anxiety can make teens question their abilities, undermining their confidence and making it difficult to appreciate their own strengths. Therapy can help them learn how to quiet those doubts, manage their anxiety, and start seeing themselves in a more positive light. Over time, this helps them build confidence and trust in their ability to navigate life’s inevitable challenges.
Difficulty with Decision-Making
Anxiety can make decisions feel overwhelming for teens, leading to overthinking, second-guessing, or putting things off out of fear of making the wrong choice. They may feel stuck or unsure of how to move forward. Therapy can help teens understand what’s behind their hesitation, work through their fears, and build the confidence they need to make decisions with more clarity and greater ease.
