At the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Silicon Valley in Saratoga/San Jose, we offer cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for teenagers with Generalized Anxiety and Excessive Worry. 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 Generalized Anxiety and Excessive Worry, you can learn more about Generalized Anxiety Disorder and our treatment approach below.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Teens?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is excessive worry and anxiety about a number of aspects of life including school achievement, friends, family issues, and personal appearance. Teens who are experiencing generalized anxiety and excessive worry find it difficult to stop themselves from worrying and find that the worry gets in the way of their lives.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Teenagers

• Worrying and “what if” thinking about a number of life events and activities
• Feeling restless and “on edge”
• Low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Being easily irritated and annoyed by others
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep or still feeling tired after sleep
• Changes in functioning including dropping grades and increased conflict with family and friends

Cognitive Behavioral Model of Generalized Anxiety Disorder for Adolescents

For most teens with generalized anxiety, worry is used to distract their minds from negative thoughts and emotional experiences, including feelings of sadness, anger, fear and disappointment. Worry works in the short run by occupying the mind and preventing it from experiencing these negative emotions. However, worry tends to increase anxiety on top of the upsetting emotions, ultimately creating even more distress for the teen. Some teens may also believe that worrying prevents or prepares them for negative life events, making them reluctant to give up this behavior. Other teens struggle with uncertainty and may cope with ambiguous or indefinite situations by worrying excessively.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Teens with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

CBT for generalized anxiety seeks to modify the beliefs and behaviors that maintain your teen’s anxiety and excessive worry. The first component of treatment is education about the nature of anxiety and how generalized anxiety is maintained by a desire to avoid negative emotions, as well as the teen’s belief that he or she will not be able to cope with negative and stressful situations. After identifying the thoughts and behaviors that maintain your teen’s anxiety and identifying “worry patterns,” the therapist will teach new skills for dealing with excessive worry and coping with anxious feelings. These skills with include calming strategies (e.g. diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery) and cognitive interventions aimed at replacing fearful “what if” thoughts with positive, constructive and realistic thoughts. The next component of treatment is for the teens to face their fears, in session and in the real world, and practice their new ways of respond to anxiety. With practice and experience facing their worries, most teens find themselves worrying less and being more able to cope with stress and uncertainty.

Common Goals of Cognitive Behavior Therapy with Teenagers

• Reduce overall anxiety level and worrying
• Build coping skills for dealing with anxiety and other normal negative emotions and stressful life events
• Increase tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty, as well as their belief that they will be able to handle stressful situations

Getting Help for Your Teen with Anxiety and Worry

If your teen is willing to talk about his or her anxiety and worries, it is important to listen and be open-minded. Their worries will seem excessive and exaggerated, but it is important not to try to talk your teen out of being worried. Help your teen understand that uncertainty and fear about the future are normal and understandable. 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 generalized anxiety and worry. 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 manage their anxiety and worry.