Anxiety can be debilitating for adults and children and interfere with daily life and activities. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological intervention to help individuals manage anxiety and achieve positive outcomes. HillsidesCares offers a cognitive-behavioral therapy program for young people in Pasadena, California. Our certified therapists are dedicated to helping children, and their families understand anxiety and develop healthy coping strategies for managing it.
If you or a child in your life is struggling with anxiety, contact HillsidesCares today at 323.641.4842 to learn more about CBT for anxiety and get the support your child needs. We’re here to help.
Behavioral Therapy vs. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on observable behavior and teaches new coping skills to replace negative behaviors. It also involves conditioning techniques, such as rewards and punishments.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a more nuanced form of behavioral therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors to improve mental health. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge the automatic negative thoughts that drive their anxiety and teaches them coping skills to manage their symptoms more effectively.
How Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Works for Anxiety
CBT is an evidence-based treatment for anxiety conditions, and research has shown that it works well for adults and children. CBT usually involves an initial assessment session, where a therapist will talk to the client to identify their specific anxiety symptoms. The therapist will then create a tailored treatment plan based on the client’s needs.
CBT can be delivered in individual or group settings and usually involves 12 to 20 weekly sessions. During these sessions, the therapist will help clients identify distorted or negative thoughts and beliefs causing their anxiety. Then, the therapist will teach the client strategies for disputing these thoughts and replacing them with more positive, realistic ones. The client will also learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation.
Benefits of CBT for Anxiety
CBT for children’s anxiety has been a highly effective approach. Young minds are pliable and adaptable, and with the proper guidance, they can learn to reframe their negative thoughts into positive ones, thereby reducing the impact of anxiety.
Some of the significant benefits of CBT for youths dealing with anxiety include:
- Improved problem-solving skills – Youths become better at dealing with challenging situations as they are equipped with strategies that help them to confront their fears effectively.
- Increased self-confidence – As they master the techniques taught in CBT, young people often experience a boost in their self-esteem.
- Reduced anxiety symptoms – Regular practice of CBT techniques can result in a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety.
- Improved emotional resilience – By learning to manage their anxiety, youths develop resilience, which will serve them well throughout their lives.
Remember, it’s never too early to give your child the tools they need to take control of their mental health. CBT can provide these tools in a safe, supportive environment and help set the stage for a healthier, happier future.
Finding a CBT Program for Your Child
Finding the right CBT program for your child is a critical step in their journey towards managing anxiety. As a parent or guardian, conducting adequate research, consulting with professionals, and paying attention to your child’s comfort and preferences is essential.
Look for a program with certified therapists with experience working with children and teens. They should be able to build a rapport with your child. They should also make your child feel safe and comfortable during the therapy sessions.
Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Therefore, finding a program that can customize therapy according to your child’s specific needs is important. Trust your instincts, and don’t rush the process. Finding the right fit can make all the difference in your child’s journey toward overcoming anxiety with CBT.
Contact HillsidesCares and Get the Support Your Child Needs
Anxiety can be overwhelming, but CBT can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms and achieving positive outcomes. Individuals can gain control over their anxiety symptoms by identifying negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to anxiety and learning coping skills. HillsidesCares offers a cognitive-behavioral therapy program for young people in Pasadena, California. We have experienced therapists dedicated to helping children, and their families understand anxiety and develop healthy coping strategies. Contact us today at 323.641.4842 to learn more about CBT for anxiety and get the support your child needs.