CALMING TEENAGE ANXIETY

A therapist offers a guide to supporting anxious teens.

Galano, an adult and adolescent therapist, aims to help parents of stressed kids with a therapeutic process, organized into three sections: The first explains how to recognize anxiety in teens and its possible causes and contributing factors, including stress and social change; the second discusses preventive care, techniques for effective communication, setting healthy boundaries, building self-esteem, and modeling behavior; and the final section covers finding providers and managing the cost of therapy; in it, the author suggests affordable options and lists a variety of alternative and holistic resources. Featured, anonymous quotations from the author’s clients (identified only by age) express typical teens’ concerns in their own words, and anecdotal case studies illustrate key points. Galano addresses the harmful effects of social media, as many books do, but she also shows how it can be used positively, using the simple idea of a “highlight reel” to discuss the artificiality of online personas and an “art gallery” in which one curates feeds to prioritize uplifting content. She provides plenty of questions for self-reflection and urges parents to practice self-compassion and self-care—both for their own sake and to model such healthy behaviors for their kids. Galano’s writing is direct, with simple, clear explanations and obvious sympathy for both teens and parents. She continually emphasizes the importance of fostering open communication, seeing things from one’s child’s point of view, and refraining from judgment. The book offers sound advice about checking in with kids without being intrusive and handling differing attitudes towards therapy among co-parents. Phrases such as “it is imperative” and “it is essential” become repetitive, and the book could have valuably included more material on relevant psychological research. Overall, though, this is a reassuring guide for the worried parents of worried children.

Useful and encouraging advice for helping kids cope with life’s stressors.