Adolescence has always been a challenging stage of life, but the last few years, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, have brought unprecedented complexity. Social isolation, economic uncertainty, and constant fear have led to an alarming increase in anxiety levels among teenagers. However, amidst this crisis, an innovative approach is gaining momentum: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), now adapted to the online environment. This article explores how this methodology is revolutionizing the treatment of anxiety in young people, delivering quick and effective results. So, this online therapy is a good approach to adolescent anxiety.
Adolescent Anxiety: A Problem We Can’t Ignore
Adolescence is a critical developmental period filled with physical, emotional, and social changes. Even under normal circumstances, these changes can generate anxiety. Now imagine adding a global pandemic to the mix. Studies show that anxiety symptoms in teenagers doubled during the COVID-19 period, severely affecting their emotional well-being and future development.
Why is this concerning? Untreated anxiety in teenagers not only disrupts their daily lives but can also trigger more severe problems, such as depression, poor academic performance, and difficulties in personal relationships. It is crucial to act quickly, and this is where Solution-Focused Brief Therapy truly shines.
What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Why Does It Work So Well?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is not traditional therapy. Instead of focusing on analyzing past problems, this approach looks to the future, helping adolescents identify practical solutions to the challenges they face.
Key features of SFBT include:
- Goal-oriented focus: Rather than delving into the root causes of anxiety, adolescents work with therapists to set concrete and achievable goals.
- Brief and targeted interventions: Therapy doesn’t require months or years of sessions. Just 2 to 4 sessions over two weeks often yield significant improvements.
- Practical skill-building: SFBT equips young people with tools to tackle specific problems, boosting their confidence and coping abilities.
A recent study found that adolescents who participated in online SFBT sessions showed notable improvements in their anxiety and depression levels. Even more encouragingly, these results persisted a month after therapy ended.
The Impact of SFBT in Numbers
The study supporting the effectiveness of online SFBT provides revealing data. Here are some key findings:
- Reduction in anxiety: After just two weeks of therapy, adolescents in the intervention group reported significantly lower anxiety scores on standardized scales.
- Improvement in depression: In addition to reducing anxiety, participants also showed notable decreases in depression symptoms, highlighting the therapy’s positive impact on overall well-being.
- Better coping strategies: Participants adopted more proactive, problem-oriented approaches to manage stressful situations.
These results not only highlight the immediate effectiveness of SFBT but also its ability to create lasting positive change in adolescents.
The Magic of Online Therapy: Accessibility and Flexibility
One of the most revolutionary aspects of this approach is its adaptation to the online format. In a world where mobility restrictions and social distancing became the norm, online therapy proved to be a lifeline. Adolescents could access high-quality sessions from the comfort of their homes, removing logistical barriers and reducing the stigma associated with seeking psychological help.
Online therapy also offers unparalleled flexibility. Teens can adjust the frequency and number of sessions based on their needs and availability. According to the study, nearly half of the participants opted for four sessions, while others achieved significant progress with just two or three. Then we can say online Therapy is a good approach to adolescent anxiety.
Reflections: Is SFBT the Therapy of the Future?
While the results are promising, SFBT is not without challenges. Here are a few considerations:
- Limitations for severe cases: This approach may not be sufficient for teenagers with extreme anxiety or depression, who may require more intensive therapies.
- Parental perspective: In some cases, parents’ reports of their children’s progress differed from the adolescents’ self-reports, suggesting the need for more comprehensive evaluations.
- Duration of effects: Although coping strategies improved and remained stable for a month, further research is needed to determine if these benefits persist in the long term.
Despite these challenges, SFBT stands out as an accessible, cost-effective, and efficient option, especially in crisis contexts like the pandemic.
Why Consider SFBT for a Teenager You Know?
Adolescence is a unique time, full of potential but also vulnerabilities. Anxiety doesn’t have to define a young person’s future. With innovative approaches like SFBT, symptoms are not only alleviated but tools are provided to face future challenges with resilience and confidence. There is evidence this online therapy is a good approach to adolescent anxiety.
If you know a teenager struggling with anxiety, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy might be the key to a positive change. In an increasingly digital world, where psychological help can be just a click away, it’s time to seize these opportunities. Because in the end, what matters is not how many times we fall, but how many solutions we find to rise again.
Author: Psicólogo Ignacio Calvo