At the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Silicon Valley, we offer cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for teenagers with specific Phobias. Our approach with teenagers is practical, goal-oriented, compassionate, and scientifically-based while focusing on your teen’s individual needs. With our central location in Saratoga just a 1/2 mile (2 minute drive) from Hwy 85, we serve the Silicon Valley communities of San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Cupertino, Campbell, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Los Altos. If you think your teenager may be experiencing a Phobia, you can learn more about Phobias and our treatment approach below.

What is a Phobia in Teens?

Phobias are persistent and unreasonable fears of specific objects or situations. Common phobias impacting teens include fears of spiders, insects, and other animals, fears of certain situations, such as tunnels, bridges or elevators, or fears of natural environments, such as heights, storms or water. Teens with phobias will understand that their fears are unreasonable, yet find it very difficult to control their anxiety and worry about the feared object or situation.

Symptoms of Phobias in Teenagers

• Extreme and excessive fear of a specific object or situation.
• Extreme anxiety or panic response when confronted with the feared object or situation.
• Avoidance of the feared object or situation that gets in the way of normal routine. For example, your teen may have trouble traveling to school, be unable to engage in recreational activities, or have distressing dreams due to the phobia.

Cognitive Behavioral Model of Phobias for Adolescents

The causes of phobias are not always clear. Some phobias seem to be related to a specific triggering event (e.g. developing a phobia of dogs after being bitten by one) or learned from parents or other caregivers who have similar fears, but this is not always the case. In the CBT model of phobias, it is not necessary (or that helpful) to determine the root cause of your teen’s fear. The phobia is maintained by your teen’s exaggerated beliefs about the dangerousness of the feared object or situation, their beliefs that they will not be able to cope with their fear, and their avoidance or safety behaviors that prevent new learning. These beliefs and behaviors will be the focus on treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Teens with Phobias

CBT focuses on changing the irrational thoughts and safety behaviors that are maintaining your teen’s phobia by teaching your teen new coping strategies and helping them face their fears. Your teen will learn about common anxiety and panic symptoms and how avoidance of the feared object or situation maintains their phobia. After a thorough assessment of your teen’s phobic responses, they will begin to learn more helpful ways to respond to worries and fears (e.g. positive self-talk, changing irrational thoughts about their fears). Armed with new coping strategies, your teen will begin to face their fears through exposure therapy. This may include imagining being around the feared object or situation, being exposed to objects that aren’t real (drawings, photos, plastic figures) and, eventually, confronting the actual objects or situations in real life. Your teen’s therapist will usually start exposures in the office and may accompany your teen to places where they can confront their fears in the real world if needed.

Common Goals of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Teenagers with Phobias

• Reduce fear of specific object or situation.
• Reduce avoidance and safety behaviors.
• Increase comfort and independence in being in public environments.
• Resume normal routines and follow through with daily activities.

Getting Help for Your Teen’s Phobia

If you teen is willing to talk about their phobia, it is important to listen and be open-minded. Your teen’s fear may be hard to understand yet it is very real to them. Help your teen understand that anxiety and uncertainty are normal parts of adolescence and that they can overcome their fears. It may be helpful to talk about how you have overcome fears and anxiety in your past. Be supportive, encouraging, and remind your teen of what he or she does well. After talking with your teen, it may be time to get some professional help.

The Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Silicon Valley specializes in therapy and counseling for teenagers with phobias. With our central location in Saratoga just a 1/2 mile (2 minute drive) from Hwy 85, we serve the Silicon Valley communities of San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Cupertino, Campbell, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Los Altos. Contact us at (408) 384-8404 for more information on how we can help your teen overcome their phobia.