Therapy for Teen Anxiety in Walnut Creek | Resilience Focused
Being a teenager today isn’t easy. Between school pressure, peer relationships, forming an independent identity, and the constant pull of social media, it’s no wonder so many teens feel anxious and overwhelmed. If your teen has been struggling, know that you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common challenges teens go through, and with the right support, it can be managed— sometimes even becoming a source of growth. That’s where resilience-focused therapy for teen anxiety can help.
Why Teens Experience Anxiety
Anxiety is the body’s natural stress response, but for many teens, the anxiety dial feels stuck on high—leaving them in a constant state of overwhelm. Common reasons include:
School stress: Advanced-level classes, grades, and the demands of preparing for college
Peer Relationships: Friendship shifts, peer pressure, and online comparisons
Life transitions: Starting at a new school, working through questions of identity, or adjusting to family changes
High self-expectations: Teens who strive to do everything “just right” may end up feeling worn down
Left unaddressed, anxiety can take a toll on sleep, learning, confidence, relationships, and overall well-being.
Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling
It’s not always easy to know if what your teen is experiencing is “just normal stress” or something more. Signs that anxiety may be getting in the way include:
Difficulty sleeping or having a hard time winding down
Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other physical signs of stress.
Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities
Irritability, worry, or panic
Avoiding school or situations that feel overwhelming
Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or daily activities
If these sound familiar, therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for your teen to work through what’s happening beneath the surface.
How Therapy Helps Teens Manage Anxiety
At Resilience Focused Therapy in Walnut Creek, I specialize in helping teens (ages 14–17) better understand their anxiety, learn practical tools to calm their nervous system, and build confidence to handle life’s challenges.
In therapy, your teen can:
Learn coping skills to reduce worry and overwhelm
Practice mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding techniques
Build healthier self-talk and self-compassion
Strengthen communication with family and peers
Explore stress management strategies for school and social life
Gain confidence and a stronger sense of self-trust as they learn they can handle challenges more effectively
With support, teens often discover that they’re stronger and more resilient than they realized.
My Approach to Teen Therapy for Anxiety
As a nurse, therapist, and parent, I understand how important it is for teens to feel safe, respected, and heard. My approach integrates evidence-based practices that have been shown to help teens reduce anxiety and build resilience:
Mindfulness practices: Learning to pause and pay attention to the present moment helps teens quiet racing thoughts, lower stress, and feel more at ease. Simple techniques—including mindful breathing or grounding exercises— give them skills they can use anytime, anywhere.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT helps teens notice their thoughts and feelings without being controlled by them. Instead of getting stuck in worry or self-criticism, they learn to focus on their values and take small, meaningful steps toward what matters most. This often helps teens build confidence and a stronger sense of identity.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills: DBT provides practical tools for managing strong emotions, improving communication, and handling stress more effectively. For teens, these skills can be a game-changer— helping them build stronger relationships, set healthy boundaries, and feel more confident in their daily lives.
Compassion Practices (MSC, CFT): Research shows that practicing compassion—toward ourselves and others—supports resilience and strengthens motivation during difficult times, while also reducing stress and anxiety. For teens, who are often their own harshest critics, learning self-compassion can be a game-changer. Instead of being weighed down by negative self-talk, compassion practices help teens treat themselves the way they would treat a good friend.
Compassion practices also create a sense of safety. When teens feel safe, their brains can shift out of ‘fight or flight’ mode, making it easier to learn, problem-solve, and grow.
By combining these approaches, I tailor therapy to each teen’s unique needs. Together, we focus on calming anxiety, building confidence, and strengthening relationships with family and peers.
Teen sessions are held in-person at my Walnut Creek office, where I provide a safe and comfortable space for teens to feel supported, valued, and understood.
Supporting Parents Along the Way
Parenting a teen with anxiety can feel overwhelming. Part of my work with teens involves supporting parents by offering guidance, tools, and communication strategies that nurture your relationship and provide the reassurance your teen needs.
Taking the Next Step
If your teen is struggling with anxiety, reaching out for support can make a real difference. I offer a free 15-minute consultation, allowing you and your teen to get a sense of what working together might be like. It’s a chance for us to connect, answer your questions, and take the first step toward healing and relief for your teen. I’m here to support your family every step of the way.
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References:
https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2021/mental-health-minute-stress-and-anxiety-in-adolescents