Therapy for Anxiety in Teens & Young Adults in Fairfax, VA
What Is Anxiety and How Is It Affecting Teens & Young Adults in Northern VA?
Anxiety is more than just worry—it’s the brain and body’s alarm system working overtime, even when there’s no real danger. For teens and young adults in Northern VA, anxiety often shows up in ways that parents might not immediately recognize. Instead of voicing fears, teens may act withdrawn, irritable, or overly focused on performance.
Here are some common ways anxiety affects young teens or adults:
- Physical symptoms: Stomachaches, headaches, trouble sleeping, or restlessness often signal underlying anxiety.
- Academic pressure: Worry about grades, sports, or college can spiral into perfectionism or avoidance and school refusal.
- Social struggles: Fear of being judged can make friendships or dating feel overwhelming, leading to isolation.
- Emotional impact: Anxiety can show up as irritability, anger, depression, or shutting down rather than obvious nervousness.
For parents, it’s important to know that anxiety isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a real, treatable condition that many kids face. With support—through therapy, healthy coping tools, and encouragement—teens and young adults can learn to manage anxiety and build resilience.
Anxiety: Prevalence in the United States (Source: NIH)
Our Approach to Anxiety in Teens & Young Adults
At Cabush, Paul & Associates, our therapists use evidence-based tools like CBT, ERP, mindfulness, and breathing techniques to help teens and young adults recognize anxious thoughts, manage physical symptoms, and build coping strategies. Sessions often emphasize stress reduction, problem-solving, and practicing gradual exposure to triggers in safe, supportive environments.
A typical case could include one or more of the following approaches:
“My son was withdrawn, anxious, and angry. Now, six months later, he’s more grounded and confident—and we finally feel connected again.”
Anxiety Coping Strategies for Parents
Here are three effective strategies parents of teens and young adults with anxiety can use:
Normalize feelings and encourage open conversations – Let him or her know anxiety is common and safe to talk about. Avoid dismissing worries; instead, listen calmly and validate his/her emotions.
Model healthy coping skills – Show him/her how to manage stress through deep breathing, exercise, problem-solving, or positive self-talk, so they learn by example.
Break challenges into manageable steps – Whether it’s schoolwork, social events, or sports, help him or her face fears gradually in small, achievable steps rather than all at once.
Anxiety: Myth Vs. Fact
Myth: Boys don’t really struggle with anxiety—it’s more of a “girl problem.”
Fact: Anxiety affects boys just as much, though they may hide it behind irritability, withdrawal, or even anger.
Myth: If he or she seems fine on the outside, they must not be anxious.
Fact: Many mask their anxiety. Just because he or she is keeping it together publicly doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling inside.
Myth: Anxiety is just “worrying too much” and your kid should toughen up.
Fact: Anxiety is a real health condition that affects the brain and body. It’s not about willpower or weakness.
Myth: Sports, school success, or staying busy will cure anxiety.
Fact: While healthy activities help, anxiety often needs intentional support like therapy, coping skills, and sometimes medication.
Myth: Talking about anxiety will make it worse.
Fact: Open conversations can actually reduce stigma, help boys and girls feel understood, and encourage them to seek the support they need.
Contact Us for a Free Phone Consultation About Anxiety
Call us at (703) 691-0036 or fill in our easy contact form.