Teen Anxiety

teen therapy support in Edmonton & Sherwood Park

When teens have anxiety, the “What if” worry thoughts can play on repeat in their minds. They avoid situations that are difficult or uncomfortable which leaves them feeling lonely, left out and less confident in the long term. Your anxious teen may spend hours on end doing homework to perfection, or they may procrastinate for days to calm the fear that they will never measure up.

Does your teen…

Constantly worry?
Struggle with stress on a frequent basis?
Avoid people or situations out of fear?
Complain of frequent stomach aches and headaches?
Experience sudden or frequent panic attacks?

Anxiety can come in many forms including avoidance of discomfort or situations, body aches, illnesses and panic attacks. Your teen does not have to miss out on life, friends or school.

Therapy also helps teens recognize the physical and emotional signs of anxiety so they can respond before worries become overwhelming. With coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving skills, your teen can reduce avoidance, reconnect with friends and activities, and feel more resilient and empowered to live fully despite anxious moments.

Here is how Thrive Therapists help teens manage their anxiety in Therapy:

Welcome all emotions without judgement
Challenge unhelpful thoughts
Provide coping mechanisms to overcome cognitive distortions (irrational thoughts)
Build self esteem and establish personal values that overpower their worries
Teach teens ways let go of thoughts that are beyond their control
Provide methods to help decrease anxiety in stressful situations
Focus on meaningful goals and life outside of anxiety

At Thrive Teen Therapy, we help your teen face their fears in a safe and supportive environment. Counselling gives them tools to manage anxious thoughts, regulate intense emotions, and gradually approach situations that once felt impossible. Over time, your teen can build confidence, take control of their anxiety, and feel more capable in everyday life.

WHAT THERAPY MODALITIES HELP TO DECREASE ANXIETY

Several therapy modalities are effective in helping individuals manage anxiety, and the choice often depends on the person’s age, symptoms, and preferences.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and evidence-based approaches for anxiety. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxious feelings, while teaching practical coping strategies such as relaxation techniques and gradual exposure to feared situations.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another helpful modality, particularly for individuals who experience intense emotions alongside anxiety. DBT emphasizes mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, helping individuals manage anxiety without becoming overwhelmed.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches anxiety by encouraging individuals to accept anxious thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, while committing to behaviors that align with their values, reducing the power anxiety has over daily life.

Psychodynamic therapy can also be useful, especially when anxiety is linked to unresolved emotional conflicts or past experiences. This approach helps individuals gain insight into underlying causes of anxiety and how early relationships or experiences may influence current emotional responses.

Exposure therapy, often used within CBT, specifically targets fear and avoidance by gradually and safely exposing individuals to anxiety-provoking situations to reduce fear over time.

Other supportive approaches include mindfulness-based therapies, which focus on present-moment awareness and stress reduction, and family therapy, which is especially beneficial for children and adolescents by improving communication and support within the family system. In some cases, therapy may be combined with medication for more effective management. A mental health professional can help determine the most appropriate modality based on individual needs and goals.

HOW CAN PARENTS HELP THEIR CHILDREN MANAGE THEIR ANXIETY

Parents can help their children manage anxiety by creating a safe and supportive environment where feelings are taken seriously and openly discussed. When parents listen calmly and validate their child’s emotions instead of dismissing or minimizing them, children feel understood and more secure. Explaining anxiety in simple, age-appropriate terms helps children recognize that it is a normal response and not something to fear. When children understand what is happening in their bodies and minds, they are better equipped to cope with anxious feelings.

Teaching practical coping skills is another important way parents can help. Simple strategies such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, positive self-talk, and relaxation activities like drawing or listening to music can help children calm themselves when anxiety arises. Encouraging children to face their fears gradually, rather than avoiding them, helps reduce anxiety over time and builds confidence. Parents should praise effort and bravery, even when outcomes are not perfect, to reinforce resilience.