Teenage years come with plenty of challenges, both physical and emotional. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders experienced by teenagers. It can manifest in various forms like social anxiety, performance anxiety, generalized anxiety, and panic attacks, among others. With the COVID-19 pandemic, some teenagers have experienced a spike in anxiety levels due to the uncertainty and disruption caused by the virus. This blog will explore how teens with anxiety can benefit from person-centered therapy.
What is Person-Centered Therapy?
Person-centered therapy is a type of counselling that focuses on the client’s unique experiences, feelings, and thoughts. The therapist provides a safe, non-judgmental environment to help clients explore their emotions and gain insight into their behaviors. The therapist is empathetic, genuine, and attentive to client’s needs, providing support and understanding as they work through their issues.
How Can Person-Centered Therapy Help Teenagers With Anxiety?
Person-centered therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the client’s helpful and effective growth. This type of therapy is especially effective among teenagers suffering from anxiety disorders. By providing a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and supportive environment, Person-centered psychotherapy encourages teenagers to talk about their anxieties and fears without fear of ridicule or rejection. A counsellor who uses Person-centered therapy practices active listening and develops a deep understanding of their young client, validating their feelings and experiences in a way that helps them feel heard and understood. Person-centered counselling is a powerful tool for helping teenagers learn how to cope with anxiety by providing them with the necessary support, guidance, and tools to build resiliency and self-confidence.
What are the Benefits of Person-Centered Therapy for Teenagers With Anxiety?
Person-centered therapy is an excellent choice for teenagers who may be struggling with anxiety due to the pressure to fit in, excel academically, and navigate the complexities of teenage life. Below are some benefits that teenagers can gain from person-centered therapy:
Increased Self-Awareness – Person-centered therapy helps teenagers identify their emotions and thoughts and understand how they contribute to their anxiety. By developing self-awareness, teenagers can learn to manage their feelings better.
Enhanced Coping Skills – The counselling sessions equip teenagers with skills to cope with anxiety in their day-to-day lives. The therapist works collaboratively with the client to find practical and actionable approaches to manage anxiety.
Improved Self-Esteem – Person-centered therapy supports teens in developing a more positive sense of self. By accepting themselves for who they are and gaining insight into their thoughts and actions, teenagers can develop greater self-esteem.
Reduced Symptoms of Anxiety – Person-centered therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety. As teenagers feel more supported and understood, they are more likely to open up and work collaboratively with the therapist.
What Can A Teenager With Anxiety Expect From Person-Centered Therapy?
Person-centered therapy is a type of psychotherapy used to treat a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety. For a teenager struggling with anxiety, entering into therapy can be daunting, so finding the right counsellor is crucial. Person-centered therapy is led by the therapist, who creates a safe and non-judgmental environment for teenagers to express themselves freely. The therapist provides support and guidance to the teenager, allowing them to explore their anxiety sources and find solutions to cope with their feelings. The key aim of this therapy is to empower the teenager, building their self-esteem and confidence. By using counselling techniques such as active listening and empathy, the psychotherapist ensures that the teenager feels heard and understood. The approach of person-centered therapy can significantly help teenagers with anxiety establish a positive relationship with themselves and others.
How Long Does Person-Centered Therapy Take To Work For A Teenager Suffering/Dealing With Anxiety?
Psychotherapy is an effective approach to addressing mental health issues such as anxiety. Person-centered therapy, also called client-centered therapy or Rogerian therapy, is a type of psychotherapy that can be particularly beneficial for teenagers struggling with anxiety. Compared to other forms of counseling, the length of time it takes for person-centered therapy to work can vary depending on the individual. However, research suggests that person-centered therapy can produce positive results in as little as six sessions. It is important to work with a skilled counselor who can tailor the therapy to meet the specific needs of the teenager. The therapist provides a safe and non-judgmental environment in which the teenager can express their thoughts and feelings. Person-centered therapy focuses on empowering clients to take responsibility for their own growth and healing, which can lead to long-lasting benefits.
How Do I Know If Person-Centered Therapy Is The Right Treatment For A Teenager With Anxiety?
As a concerned parent, it can be difficult to know the best course of action in supporting a teenager struggling with anxiety. Person-centered therapy, a form of psychotherapy, may be an effective treatment to consider. In this type of therapy, the therapist works collaboratively with the client to create a safe, supportive space where they can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can be especially important for teenagers who are often navigating pressure from society and peers to mask their emotions. Before pursuing person-centered therapy, it is important to find a reputable therapist experienced in working with adolescents and who specializes in anxiety counselling. By doing so, you can ensure your teenager receives the most appropriate care tailored to their unique needs.
How Does Person-Centered Therapy Work for Teenagers With Anxiety?
The goal of person-centered therapy is to provide a safe and supportive therapeutic environment for the teen to explore their emotions. It typically involves weekly one-on-one therapy sessions in which the client leads the conversation. The therapist listens attentively and often asks open-ended questions to encourage clients to dig deeper into their thoughts and emotions. The client takes ownership of their progress, and the therapist acts as a facilitator in helping them understand their feelings better.
Person-centered therapy is a valuable option for teenagers dealing with anxiety. The non-judgmental environment that it provides can help teenagers develop greater self-awareness, coping skills, and self-esteem and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Understanding how person-centered therapy works for teenagers can help parents and caregivers make more informed decisions about the type of support they need. By providing a safe and supportive space for teenagers to explore their emotions, they can build resilience, develop greater self-understanding, and lead happier, more fulfilled lives.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Sarah Jackson, BBA, MACP, RP (Qualifying), or another Kitchener psychotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
