Is Your Teen Struggling with Social Anxiety? 

Adolescence is a time of significant change and development, but for many teens, it can also be a time of increased anxiety, especially when it comes to social interactions. Social anxiety is more than just being shy or nervous; it can manifest as a deep fear of being judged or rejected by others, which can hold a teen back from engaging in normal social activities, pursuing friendships, or feeling confident in school settings. If you’ve noticed that your teen is:

• Becoming increasingly anxious, withdrawn, or self-conscious in social situations
• Avoiding social gatherings, whether it’s school events, birthday parties, or even group chats with friends
• Struggling with negative self-talk, feeling like they’re “not good enough” or that others are constantly judging them
• Isolating themselves at home, feeling disconnected or lonely
• Overwhelmed with emotions and unsure of how to cope with them

…then your teen may be experiencing symptoms of social anxiety. The good news is that they don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. With the right support and strategies, your teen can learn to manage their anxiety, build confidence, and regain a sense of control over their social world.

Why Traditional Approaches to Treating Social Anxiety Aren’t Always Enough

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often seen as the gold standard for treating social anxiety. It helps teens identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, replacing them with more balanced, realistic thinking. However, while CBT is highly effective for many, it doesn’t always resonate with every teen—especially when it comes to creatively expressing emotions or working through deeper-rooted fears. That’s where our Brave Connections Social Anxiety Group for Teens comes in. This group goes beyond the standard CBT framework to offer a more holistic approach that incorporates creative expression, somatic techniques, and the power of peer support. For many teens, combining these methods with traditional therapy can lead to deeper insights, faster progress, and a greater sense of empowerment.

Introducing the Brave Connections Social Anxiety Group for Teens: A Creative, Supportive Path Forward

Our Brave Connections group is specifically designed for teens who are struggling with social anxiety. Over the course of 8 weeks, your teen will gain practical tools to reduce anxiety, improve their emotional resilience, and feel more confident in social situations—whether at school, with friends, or in other social settings. Here’s how our group stands out:

A Safe, Creative Space to Express Themselves:
For teens who struggle to verbalize their feelings, creative expression can be a powerful outlet. In our group, we incorporate arts-based techniques, such as creating collages, to help teens explore and express their inner worlds. Collages, drawings, and other creative activities allow teens to visualize their feelings in a way that can be less intimidating than talking about them directly. It’s a chance for teens to engage with their emotions without the pressure to be “perfect” or have all the answers. This process of creative expression provides insight into the root causes of their anxiety and allows them to see their experiences from new perspectives.

Peer Support and Shared Experiences:
Social anxiety can feel incredibly isolating, but in our group, your teen will find a community of peers who understand what they’re going through. Peer support is one of the most powerful aspects of our program. Teens will share their experiences, learn from each other’s challenges, and offer encouragement and understanding in a non-judgmental space. Knowing that others are facing similar struggles can help break the sense of isolation that often accompanies social anxiety. This connection fosters a sense of belonging and safety, which is essential for building confidence.

Tools for Managing Anxiety in Real-Time:
One of the core components of our group is teaching teens how to manage anxiety in the moment, so they don’t feel paralyzed by it in social situations. Techniques like breathwork, grounding exercises, and body awareness can be incredibly helpful in reducing the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety when they arise. These tools help teens focus on their breath, calm their nervous system, and feel more centered during stressful interactions. They’ll leave the group equipped with strategies they can use when anxiety creeps up—whether they’re at school, at a party, or on a Zoom call with friends.

Building Resilience through Small, Achievable Goals:
Social anxiety often thrives in a cycle of avoidance—when a teen avoids social situations because they’re too anxious, they only reinforce their fear. Our group works to break this cycle by focusing on small, achievable goals. These might include something as simple as initiating a conversation with a classmate or attending a small social gathering. Over time, these small wins help teens realize that they are capable of facing their fears, and that the anxiety doesn’t have to control them. As they gain confidence through repeated success, they begin to see that they can engage in social situations without being overwhelmed by anxiety.

Understanding and Overcoming Avoidance:
Avoidance is a key feature of social anxiety, but it also keeps anxiety alive and growing. In our group, teens will explore how avoiding social situations or difficult emotions only makes their anxiety worse in the long run. Through guided discussions and experiential exercises, they’ll begin to recognize the patterns of avoidance they may have fallen into and learn how to gradually face their fears. We take a gentle, step-by-step approach, allowing teens to move at their own pace as they confront their anxiety in a supportive environment.

A Non-Judgmental, Safe Space for Growth:
We understand that teens may be hesitant to open up about their anxiety, which is why creating a safe, non-judgmental space is at the heart of our group. The group setting encourages mutual respect and empathy, where each teen’s experience is honoured. They won’t have to worry about feeling “different” or “less than” because they’ll be surrounded by others who are in the same boat. This safe environment fosters trust, which is essential for making meaningful progress.

Why This Group Works- A Holistic, Integrated Approach:
Unlike traditional CBT alone, our Brave Connections group combines evidence-based techniques with creative expression, body-centered /somatic practices, and peer support. This holistic approach addresses anxiety from multiple angles, helping teens process emotions, challenge negative thought patterns, and build lasting resilience.

If you’re ready to help your teen feel more confident, less isolated, and more equipped to manage their social anxiety, the Brave Connections Social Anxiety Group for Teens is here to help. Through a combination of creative expression, peer support, and practical tools, we’ll help your teen take brave steps toward feeling more connected and less overwhelmed by social anxiety.

Charlene Forde-Smith, MSW (Candidate)
Clinical Intern
Charlene is a Master of Social Work student from the University of Toronto. She is passionate about working with children, youth and families, and has been developing programs for the community while completing her placement. Charlene developed this new arts-based social anxiety group for teens, and will be facilitating this exciting new group beginning Winter 2025.