Therapist-Written Anxiety & Overthinking Workbook for Teens (Ages 13-17) (Digital Download)

When a test, an unanswered text, a friendship change, or a bedtime thought turns into a full worry spiral, “just stop thinking about it” is not useful advice. Teens deserve a clear explanation of what is happening and practical ways to decide what to do next.

Anxiety is not a character flaw. It can act like a body alarm that reacts quickly, while overthinking tries to create certainty. Avoiding, checking, or asking for reassurance may bring short-term relief and still keep a worry loop going. This workbook helps teens notice those patterns with less shame and practice a next step that fits the moment.

Written by Caroline Aaron, MSW, LICSW, this therapist-written Peppie & Bean Therapy Tools workbook is designed for teens ages 13–17. The language is warm, straightforward, and respectful. Teaching and worked examples come before independent practice.

Inside, teens will find:

- Plain-language teaching and diagrams about the body alarm and the worry cycle
- A Worry or Problem? decision path for choosing between problem solving and stepping out of an overthinking loop
- Thought reframing, grounding, regulation, and a practical 60-second anxiety reset
- An explanation of the avoidance and reassurance cycle, plus small supported brave steps
- Functional examples involving school, tests, performance, friendships, texting, social comparison, and nighttime worry
- A trusted-adult support plan, a personal coping plan, encouraging therapist notes, and believable words to practice
- The complete non-diagnostic quiz What Keeps My Worry Going?, with 16 items, four response-pattern scores, plain-language interpretation, and matched next steps

The quiz helps a teen notice which response pattern may need support first, then choose a relevant place in the workbook to begin. The other tools are designed to help teens understand their patterns, steady the body alarm, and choose one practical next step without requiring perfect calm.

You will receive two PDF files: one 71-page full-color edition and one synchronized 71-page low-ink black-and-white edition. Both are formatted for US Letter paper, 8.5 × 11 inches, and contain the same wording, exercises, page order, and page numbers.

After purchase, download the PDF files from Etsy. Read them on screen, print the complete workbook, or print only the pages you want to use. For printing, choose US Letter paper and Actual Size or 100% in the printer settings. A teen may work independently or invite support from a trusted adult, caregiver, school counselor, or therapist.

This is a digital download. No physical item will be shipped.

This workbook is for educational purposes and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or crisis care. It is not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If a teen may be in immediate danger, call local emergency services. In the United States and its territories, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A teen who feels unsafe or overwhelmed should tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.

Copyright © 2026 Caroline Aaron. For the purchaser’s personal use only. The files may not be resold, shared, copied, or redistributed.