Social anxiety disorder affects many of our young adolescents and teenagers. Often times you will notice that your teen is very nervous about a presentation they have to do in class or reluctant to ask a teacher a question. Outside of school, you may realize that your teen will not order their dinner when out to eat or will not ask a store employee a question. At times, I have heard parents say that they just thought their teen was a little shy, but sometimes, it can be a bigger issue. In my experience, adolescents who are faced with this usually are struggling with their self-esteem and are worried about what others may think of them. They are petrified of the possible reaction they may get from others if they make a mistake.
How Can You Help Your Teen at Home
At home with your child or teenager, try to explore their self-esteem and emphasize the importance of what they feel about themselves, not what others feel. Utilizing some stories of your past, or of someone you may know can help them to not only understand, but to also connect with another person and not feel alone. Another suggestion would be to discuss the negative impacts their actions could have, for example, not getting a better grade due to their refusal to talk to a teacher. My last suggestion would be to try to encourage them to take small steps on becoming more comfortable socially with others, such as paying for something they wanted at a store. Social Anxiety is extremely treatable through therapy, specifically using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques and I encourage all who are reading this to bring your child to therapy while also utilizing some of the tips.
Author: Tara Amanna
As a counselor, I approach therapy through a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework while integrating other evidence-based approaches when they best support a client’s needs. I believe therapy should be flexible and collaborative, and I tailor my approach to each individual rather than using a one-size-fits-all model. My style is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and authentic. I strive to create a safe space where clients feel heard, respected, and understood. I believe that you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to support you in exploring patterns, building skills, and discovering new ways to move toward the life you want. Together, we will work to identify helpful strategies, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and develop practical tools that can create meaningful and lasting change. My goal is to empower clients while honoring their experiences, strengths, and personal values.