SYNOPSIS

Written by a pediatric psychologist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), this book offers helpful context and accessible practical advice directly to tweens / teens on ways to manage anxiety. After an overview of anxiety’s biological causes and physical manifestations, the author guides young readers in learning to observe their own behavior; identifying various emotions; and applying techniques to conquer feelings of panic. The specific techniques (such as SUDS, ERP, mindfulness), well-established among CBT practitioners, are presented using real-life situations and easy-to-understand analogies to encourage the reader to practice independently. (While “speaking” directly to teenage audiences, this book can also guide parents seeking to address anxiety in younger children.)

PERFECT AGE 10 – 19

THEMES

• Learning to recognize unhelpful thought patterns, body’s “false alarms”
• Exploring relaxation tools before, during and after an anxiety episode
• Benefits and steps in exposure therapy
• Self-care, self-understanding, self-support

We love

• Friendly, intelligent tone “normalizes” and demystifies important concepts, without infantilizing the reader
• Structure enables young people to understand experienced challenges and explore solutions directly, without the “oversight” or “interference” of a parent
• Without obviating or negating the benefits of direct interactions with licensed therapists, this book is a take-home set of cliff notes for what is happening in one’s body, what to practice independently, and how to recognize success
• The analogies are so effective that, while intended for 12- to 19-year olds, they work as well on 7-year-old and 50-year-old readers too

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• What did you think of the concept of …? Have you tried incorporating it in some of your daily activities? Tell me about it.
• Why do you think it’s unhelpful to use “wetsuits” in real life?
• We all can work on addressing anxiety-motivated behaviors. What suggestions do you have for me on something I can work on? A technique I can use?
• What changes have you noticed in your behavior after you started focusing on…?