Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in children and teens, affecting nearly 1 in 3 adolescents. This article explores how anxiety manifests in young people, the neurological factors behind it, and why early intervention is essential. It highlights how Touch Brain Counselling supports youth with evidence-based counselling and non-invasive neurofeedback, helping them build emotional resilience and focus naturally—without medication. Families can access ongoing resources, educational tools, and affordable care with insurance coverage.
Anxiety in Youth: It’s Real. It’s Rising. And It’s Treatable.
Understanding Anxiety in Youth: Causes, Impact, and Non-Invasive Support Options
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions affecting children and adolescents today. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 31.9% of adolescents aged 13–18 experience an anxiety disorder, with many showing symptoms as early as age 6–10. Despite its prevalence, anxiety often goes undetected and untreated in youth, which can lead to long-term mental health challenges.
What Does Anxiety Look Like in Youth?
Anxiety in children and teens often presents differently than in adults. Some common signs include:
Persistent worry or fear about everyday situations
Example: A 10-year-old student who constantly complains of stomach pain before school may not have a medical issue—but rather, separation anxiety or social anxiety.
Types Of Anxieites
Neurological Underpinnings of Anxiety
Anxiety in youth is often linked to dysregulation in the brain’s limbic system, particularly in areas like the amygdala, which governs fear responses. Chronic activation of the stress response system can lead to heightened sympathetic nervous system arousal, making it difficult for the brain to return to a calm, regulated state.
Research has shown that children with anxiety often show increased amygdala activity and decreased connectivity between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate emotional responses (Silvers et al., 2016).
Why Early Intervention Matters
When left untreated, anxiety can impact:
Academic performance
Social development
Self-esteem and identity formation
Risk for depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation
According to the CDC, untreated anxiety can persist into adulthood and increase the risk of developing other disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Evidence-Based Support: Counselling and Neurofeedback
At Touch Brain Counselling, we focus on non-invasive, brain-based interventions alongside traditional talk therapy. Here's how we support youth struggling with anxiety:
1. Non-Invasive Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a technique that trains the brain to regulate itself more effectively by providing real-time feedback on brainwave activity. It has shown promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, and trauma in youth.
How it works: Sensors placed on the scalp monitor brainwave activity while the child engages with a computer-based task. The system rewards regulated brainwave patterns through visual/auditory feedback.
Benefits: Improves emotional regulation, focus, and sleep patterns without medication.
Evidence: Studies have demonstrated that neurofeedback can help reduce anxiety symptoms in children by promoting self-regulation of arousal and stress responses (Hammond, 2005; Arns et al., 2
2. Trauma-Informed and Cognitive Counselling
Our therapists provide a safe, supportive environment where youth can explore the roots of their anxiety, develop emotional vocabulary, and build coping strategies using:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Play-based approaches for younger children
Parental coaching to support home environments
Example: A teen experiencing panic attacks learns to identify automatic negative thoughts and replace them with balanced, reality-based thinking through CBT.
The Benefits of Counselling for Youth with Anxiety
Counselling plays a vital role in helping children and teens understand, manage, and overcome anxiety. While symptoms of anxiety may seem purely emotional or behavioral, they often stem from deeper patterns in the brain, nervous system, and lived experiences. Effective counselling provides tools for long-term mental wellness—not just short-term symptom relief.
1. Building Emotional Awareness and Coping Skills
Many young people struggling with anxiety haven’t yet developed the language or skills to express what they’re feeling. Counselling gives them a safe space to:
Identify and name emotions (e.g., fear, shame, overwhelm)
Understand what triggers their anxiety
Develop age-appropriate coping strategies, such as deep breathing, grounding, or reframing anxious thoughts
Learn self-regulation techniques to calm the body and mind
2. Strengthening Self-Esteem and Resilience
Anxiety can erode a child’s confidence, making everyday tasks (like school presentations or social events) feel impossible. Through counselling, youth gain:
A better understanding of their own strengths
Tools to challenge negative self-talk
Encouragement and validation in a non-judgmental setting
A sense of control over their thoughts and reactions
Over time, this helps children and teens build resilience—so they bounce back more easily from challenges.
3. Non-Invasive Neurofeedback
We offer neurofeedback therapy—a safe, medication-free approach that helps retrain the brain to self-regulate emotional and behavioral responses.
What we do: We use real-time brainwave feedback to help children develop more regulated, calm, and focused brain patterns.
Why it works: Neurofeedback has been shown to improve symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and sleep disorders in children and teens (Hammond, 2005; Arns et al., 2009).
Comfortable & kid-friendly: Our sessions are non-invasive and engaging—tailored for youth comfort and success
4. Addressing the Root Causes, Not Just the Symptoms
Many youth experience anxiety as a result of deeper, unspoken issues—such as trauma, bullying, family stress, learning difficulties, or identity questions. Counselling offers a safe, structured way to explore these experiences and resolve the underlying patterns contributing to anxiety.
At Touch Brain Counselling, we use trauma-informed and developmentally sensitive approaches so youth never feel overwhelmed or “pushed too fast.” Therapy moves at their pace.
5. Improving Relationships and Social Skills
Anxiety often isolates youth—whether from peers, family, or teachers. Counselling can help children and teens:
Improve communication skills
Develop conflict-resolution strategies
Strengthen bonds with parents or caregivers
Feel more comfortable and confident in group settings
Our team often incorporates parent coaching into the counselling process to help families better understand and support their child.
6. Creating Long-Term Brain and Nervous System Change
When combined with non-invasive neurofeedback, counselling not only teaches coping strategies but helps reshape brain activity over time. Neurofeedback trains the brain to self-regulate, while counselling helps integrate these changes emotionally and behaviorally.
Together, they form a powerful approach that supports both the neurological and psychological aspects of anxiety.
At Touch Brain Counselling, our therapists specialize in working with youth, using proven methods like:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness-based therapy
Play and expressive therapies
Trauma-informed practices
We help youth feel safe, seen, and empowered to navigate life with greater confidence and calm.
Resources and Ongoing Support
Touch Brain is committed to education and accessibility. That’s why we provide:
Free downloadable guides and checklists for parents and caregivers
Regular tips and educational content on our social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram: / touchbrain/counselor)
Free initial consultations to help families find the right path forward
We Accept Insurance
We believe high-quality mental health care should be accessible. That’s why Touch Brain Counselling proudly accepts insurance. We work with families to ensure affordability and reduce barriers to care.
We Accept the following: CVAP, AFU, ICBC, MCF, FNHA - Select private insurances are also accepted but please consult with your provider first.
Supporting Youth, Supporting Futures
Youth deserve tools and environments that help them thrive—not just survive. At Touch Brain Counselling, we’re committed to offering gentle, non-invasive, and effective approaches tailored to each child’s needs.
📍 Learn more or book a free consultation: 👉 www.touchbraincounselling.com 📞 (672) 552-5070 📱 @touchbraincounselor on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn
References:
Hammond, D. C. (2005). Neurofeedback Treatment of Depression and Anxiety. Journal of Adult Development, 12(2–3), 131–137.
Arns, M., de Ridder, S., Strehl, U., Breteler, M., & Coenen, A. (2009). Efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD: The effects on inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity: a meta-analysis. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 40(3), 180–189.
Silvers, J. A., Insel, C., Powers, K., Franz, P., Helion, C., Martin, R. E., ... & Ochsner, K. N. (2016). vlPFC–vmPFC–amygdala interactions underlie age-related differences in cognitive regulation of emotion. Cerebral Cortex, 27(7), 3502–3514.
Begin with a thorough assessment to gain a clear understanding of your mental health concerns. This process helps us identify the most effective strategies for your specific needs.
