More than 30% of American teens are living with an anxiety disorder, and many do not get the treatment they need due to stigma, inaccessibility, and co-occurring mental health concerns. A cognitive-behavioral therapy program is an important part of any treatment plan for anxiety. Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275 today for more information about anxiety treatment for adolescent boys.
What Is Anxiety Disorder?
Everyone has occasional feelings of nervousness or tension. Having an anxiety disorder can be like feeling that way all the time or feeling those emotions so intensely your body actually believes it is in danger. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Separation anxiety
- Specific phobias
- Substance-induced anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
Some people live with more than one type of anxiety. The symptoms of anxiety disorders vary depending on which type a person has but generally include:
- Feeling tense, nervous, or restless for no reason
- Feelings of panic or impending doom
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Trouble focusing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Constant worry
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms frequently, or if symptoms interfere with day-to-day activities, you may have a treatable anxiety disorder. Medications, lifestyle changes, and behavioral therapy for anxiety are all effective options.
How Counseling for Mental Health Can Help Anxiety
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used treatments for anxiety. It is a well-studied, evidence-based approach that addresses negative patterns of thinking and behaving. Unlike “talk therapy,” CBT does not address past issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on the present. The focus is on changing dysfunctional patterns that prevent clients from meeting their goals.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety helps clients become more aware of their negative thoughts about the stimuli that incite their anxiety. Once a person is more aware of their thought patterns, they can begin to change those patterns and decrease the amount of anxiety they experience. At the same time, a CBT counselor provides healthy new coping skills that better support their client’s mental health.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy typically includes a variety of “homework” assignments aimed at helping clients recognize their own behaviors. Journaling, mindfulness practices like meditation, developing good self-care habits, and a technique known as cognitive restructuring are some of the assignments that may be recommended.
Behavioral therapy for anxiety helps people recognize and change the patterns that lead to anxious feelings while also suggesting positive behaviors to replace the old ones.
Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Every therapeutic approach has its own benefits and drawbacks. Some are more effective for specific types of mental health disorders than others. CBT may be used in conjunction with other types of therapy or as a stand-alone approach, depending on an individual’s symptoms and unique needs.
Some of the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy include the following:
- It is meant to be a limited course of treatment lasting only two or three months
- CBT for anxiety has been rigorously studied with natural field studies and placebo-controlled trials
- It is adaptable to individual needs
- It can boost self-esteem and increase confidence
CBT teaches clients how to look for their own cues and adapt their thinking and behavior to avoid or lessen the severity of anxiety symptoms. It is not a “cure” for anxiety disorders, but it enhances an individual’s understanding of their own behavioral patterns and empowers clients to pursue personal growth.
Find Effective Counseling for Mental Health at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we offer comprehensive treatments for anxiety and other mental health disorders for adolescent boys. If your teen boy could benefit from behavioral counseling for anxiety, contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275 today.
