How to Address Teen Anxiety with Christian Counseling
Anxiety is a normal part of life, especially for teenagers as they transition from childhood to adulthood. However, when anxiety begins to impact your teen’s day-to-day life, affecting their ability to thrive personally, relationally, and spiritually, then it might be time to get some help. Christian counseling for teen anxiety can provide the support that you’re looking for. Using biblical insights and proven therapeutic methods, Christian therapists can help your teen find the empowerment that he or she needs to overcome their anxiety. Some of the benefits that Christian counseling for teen anxiety can provide include:
- Learning Healthy Coping Skills for Managing Stress
- Understanding of the Underlying Causes of Anxiety
- Gaining a Positive Outlook on Life
- Finding a Sense of Purpose and Support for Attaining Personal Goals
- Forming Meaningful Relationships with Themselves, Others, and God
Common Symptoms of Teen Anxiety
How do you know if your teen’s anxiety is a normal part of adolescence or an indicator of something more serious? While every teen is different—and so is his or her experience with anxiety—there are some common symptoms that parents and caregivers can watch out for. If you notice any of the following, then professional counseling might provide the relief that your teen needs:
- Avoids Family, Friends, and Social Situations
- Frequent Headaches, Stomachaches, Sleep Difficulties
- Feelings of Suffocation, Dizziness, or Racing Heartbeat
- Eating More or Less Than Normal
- Difficulty Focusing at School or Dropping Grades
- Frequent Irritability, Restlessness, or Worry
- Sudden Outbursts of Anger or Sadness
Types of Anxiety Addressed by Christian Counseling
One of the ways that Christian counseling can help with teen anxiety is by figuring out what type of anxiety is present for your teen. There are multiple types of anxiety, and knowing what you are up against can go a long way toward finding the best treatment method. Some of the types of anxiety that your teen’s Christian therapist can address include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Specific Phobia
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Christian Counseling Methods for Teen Anxiety
When your teen begins Christian counseling for anxiety, the therapist will take the time to get to know your child personally, and they will work together at a pace that your teen feels comfortable with. In a space of trust, compassion, and faith, your teen’s counselor might offer a variety of therapeutic approaches depending on the unique needs of your child. Common anxiety therapy approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Your teen will learn about the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to his or her anxiety and find ways of letting go of harmful patterns.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Christian counselor can work with your teen to help him or her better understand and manage their emotions and form healthy coping strategies for anxiety.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR can help your teen delve deeper into past distressing situations or experiences that may have created anxiety. By unpacking past experiences, your teen can experience release from the past impacting their present and future.
To enhance these therapies, Christian counseling can incorporate faith-based practices to the extent that your teen feels comfortable, such as:
- Biblical Support: Scripture can be read and implemented within therapy to help redirect negative thoughts and soothe anxious emotions.
- Prayer: The Christian counselor can pray with your teen during the session if requested.
- Christian Insights: Faith-based values are supported and encouraged during therapy, and Christian counselors provide your teen with an environment of judgment-free compassion and support.
- Spiritual Encouragement: Your teen is encouraged to grow in their relationship with God and others through faith and the love of God that overcomes anxieties and fears.
Faith is Stronger Than Fear!
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
While anxiety is common for teens, Christian counseling for teenage anxiety provides hope. Through Christ, we are not bound to any of the devices of the enemy, including fear, worry, and anxiety. We look forward to helping you find the answers that you’re looking for. Meanwhile, here are some scriptures about anxiety that you and your teen might find useful.
“Peace I leave with you; the peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14:27
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” – Psalm 46:1-3
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
Find Out More About Christian Counseling for Teen Anxiety in Raleigh, NC
If your teen is struggling with anxiety, then you might be dealing with no small amount of worry yourself. It’s good that you are looking for help, and there is support available that will get you and your teen through this difficult season.
If you’re looking for Christian therapists in Raleigh, NC who offer counseling for teenage anxiety, then contact Sojourner Counseling. We will be happy to answer any questions, and we can meet with your teen to help alleviate any concerns that he or she might have about therapy. We offer a tailored therapeutic approach to faith-based counseling, so your teen can find the help needed for their unique needs.