Brave: A Teen Girl's Guide to Beating Worry and Anxiety

by Sissy Goff

As a parent, you can use certain strategies to help your teenage daughter when she struggles with worry and anxiety. But it is also important that she learns how to work through her emotions on her own, especially as she approaches adulthood.

This guide--created for girls ages 13 to 18--will help your daughter understand anxiety's roots and why her brain is often working against her when she starts to worry. With teen-friendly information, stories, and self-discovery exercises, including journaling and drawing prompts, she will learn practical ways to fight back when worries come up. She will find more of her voice and her confidence. In essence, she will find more of herself and the brave, strong, deeply loved girl God made her to be.

Genres: Parenting, Self Help, Nonfiction, Christian, Childrens, Audiobook, Psychology

192 pages, Paperback

Published February 2, 2021

About the author

SISSY GOFF, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP spends most of her days talking with girls and their families, with the help of her counseling assistant/pet therapist, Lucy the Havanese. She has worked as the Director of Child and Adolescent Counseling at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee since 1993, with a Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University. Sissy speaks to parents across the country and is the author of eleven books including Raising Girls. and her newest books, Raising Worry-Free Girls and Braver, Stronger Smarter (for elementary school girls) which will be released in September of 2019.

Sissy is a regular contributor to various podcasts and publications, including their own soon-to-be released podcast called Raising Boys and Girls. You can find more information and resources at www.raisingboysandgirls.com.

Reviews

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides good insight and tools for girls who struggle with anxiety at all different levels. I wasn't sure how much I would get out of it since it is geared to girls younger than I am, but I think this is a book that all women could glean lessons and tactics from.

I really enjoyed how Goff writes it as if you were sitting right next to her, just having a conversation. It helps make the topics less intimidating. She also lays things out very clearly, giving you a step by step process in each chapter, which is something I found helpful.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful, practical guide to combat worry for girls really of any age. Good insights and suggestions, but her application of Scripture bordered on “me-ology” at times. While nothing she said was flat-out wrong or unbiblical, she sometimes tended to focus on self-image and self-worth over an understanding and worship of God.

[Ryan Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a complimentary copy of this book on NetGalley and have provided an honest review.*

✦ 3.75/5 ✦

This book is wonderfully practical, encouraging, and easy to understand. The reader is told time and time again that anxiety is *in your head* (though that got to be a bit repetitive...I thought it was perfect for the younger audience who needs that reminder so much). The Christian themes/references were treated very well for a book that isn't marketed as exclusively "Christian." I also love that the author is an actual counselor and speaker who knows what she's talking about!

Main complaint is how it was quite self-love focused at times, and I wonder if that was a part of broadening her audience. That's what really took down my rating.

I would definitely recommend this book to teens struggling with anxiety (as long as they know that they themselves aren't the answer to all of their problems!).

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A needed and gracious book. I think best suited for high school-aged girls and their middle-aged mothers.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was an older teenage girl, there were times I worried about things. Sissy Goff's new book, Brave: A Teen Girl's Guide to Beating Worry and Anxiety, is a good book for teenage girl's today who face that same struggle. I wish I had had this book growing up.

Brave starts out with a not to the parent who bought the book. i will be honest, I thought this was kind of a strange way to start the book as I was buying my own books as a teenager and no parent would have bought it for me. However, there is some good advice for parents in this chapter as well as a reference to book for parents by the same author for those who may be interested. Then she has an introduction for the teenage reader. The next chapter is Goff's rules for reading the book, which are really just some good advice to remember that it is your own book and you can answer and do what you need to do to process the answers on your own.

Brave is then divided in to three sections: Understanding is the first one. What is anxiety, why might you be feeling this way, and how the book can help you. The next section is Help. Help for your body, your mind and your heart. The third section is Hope. You may have struggles but take heart, God can help you over come them. Each section contains three chapters. Each chapter has some advice, some stories to relate to and some spaces to write. They each end with "A Few Brave Things to Remember." This book is written for teens who either believe in the Bible or are open to believing in the Bible as Scripture is often referenced throughout the book.

I truly would have liked to have had a book like Brave when I struggled with anxiety at times as a teenager. I think it could be helpful to many young women. Goff is a licensed mental health professional and the director of child and adolescent Counseling at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, TN. Her expertise comes through in the book. It would also be a helpful book for young women to use while working with a counselor as well as on their own.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own

[Lydia Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHY I CHOOSE THIS BOOK
There are so many girls - especially teens - who have trouble with worry and anxiety, especially in today's world. Therefore, I thought it'd be a good idea to give this book a read so I'd possibly have a better understanding of what people who struggle with worry and anxiety are going through. Plus, the author's last name is the last name of another author I like, and I thought perhaps they were related. ;)

WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BOOK

It's gold. I'm giving it five stars, and we all know I don't give out that rating easily. I thought perhaps the book would be unbalanced or just be like "You can do anything because you're awesome" etc... and in a way, it did say that. But it was more like "God created you with the tools you need to beat this worry, and here these tools are." I am so on-board with the approach this book took, and it makes me want to read the rest of this author's work.

The book was split into three sections: Understanding, Help, and Hope. It talked about why and how girls get anxious, signs of how anxiety plays out, definitions of commonly-thrown-around-words, and how the words should actually be used. In addition to the emotional side of anxiety, the author delved into the logical and scientific areas of anxiety, which was incredibly helpful and eye-opening. It's so hard to triumph over something that you can't understand or process correctly.

The author went a step further and talked about the spiritual side of anxiety and how the Enemy is the Father of Lies and will use lies against you. She talked about how we combat those lies with the Truth, and how important it is to acknowledge the lies and not give into believing them.

The book then gave incredibly practical ways to work through anxiety. The way she presented the information made it feel both doable and worth trying. I really appreciated how she gave facts and reasons to back up the advice she was presenting, instead of just expecting girls to take her word for it.

While reading the book I learned a lot about how the brain works. Although I don't struggle with anxiety (it's not that I never worry, it's just not something that I do a lot), I think the things I learned while reading this book can help me in other areas of life.
CONCLUSION
Since anxiety isn't my struggle there were some aspects of the book that I'm not sure if I agree with fully or not, but overall I really like the book. (Obviously.) I highly recommend this book and would enjoy hearing your thoughts on it if you've read it. (Especially if anxiety is something you're working through in your life.)
RATING
I’m giving Brave 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for sending me a copy of the book so I could post this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book, Brave, begins with a message to the parents along with names of books that may help the parents. Next is a note to the teenagers followed by the rules to how to read the book. The rules aren't difficult, just a reminder that it is your book and you can do what you may once to understand the book.

There are three sections in the book each with three chapters. The first is Understanding. This he


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lps to understand anxiety, why you are feeling this way and help you may get from this book.

The next section is Help. This includes helping the body, mind and heart.

The third section is Hope. This talks about how to turn to God and how He can help overcome worry and anxiety.

Each section consists of stories, advice and a lot of space to write.

I think so much of this book that I am going to give this book to my granddaughter in a few year.

I highly recommend Brave.

[Nicole Brockwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

So impactful! I’m not sure why I grabbed this book when I meant to grab Sissy’s book for parents, but I’m chalking it up to a God thing. Despite the fact that my teenager ridiculed me for reading a book meant for teens when I’m a smidge past 40 - I’m so very glad I did. I had heard of Sissy, David Thomas and Daystar many times because of their books. Crystal Paine even has two podcasts interviewing David and Sissy separately on their books.

This book is written towards teens and that was noticed, but I would even recommend it for anyone who struggles with anxiety. I’ve been practicing her square breathing technique and it’s helped every time. Sissy has truths to remember in here plus some applicable stories giving teens some much needed perspective for their feelings. I also love that it’s written from a Christian perspective and includes scripture. If anxiety is plaguing your child (or you), grab a copy!

Raising Worry Free Girls by Sissy Goff is what I meant to grab originally. David’s book is next on my list! Raising Emotionally Strong Boys.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely an interesting read even if I did read it way after the release date. This nonfiction book is geared towards teen and young adult girls who are dealing with anxiety and not sure how to really cope with it. Even being a twenty three year old I felt like I could also really take the advice that Sissy gave to heart. I loved the fact that she incorporated the bible and also incorporated the idea of basically using it as a journal. Sissy, who is the author, also boosted the reader's confidence in speaking to others about their anxiety even if the reader wasn't feeling up to it because that coping mechanism really could open some parents eyes as to what is going through their children's minds. I highly recommend this book to anyone needing inspiration and motivation who may have anxiety or gets anxious often.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a helpful book with many practical tips. I most appreciated the explanations of what is happening in your body physically and in your body when you worry or are anxious.
Above all, I would encourage you to be in a church with solid Biblical teaching as the foundation for a fight against worry and anxiety. The book could go much further in pointing to Christ.
Parents should know Goff encourages taking the Enneagram test. I don't know much about that but my gut says to be cautious. It's a brief mention but you would want to discuss it and its dangers with your teen.
Overall, this can be a useful tool in helping your child (or yourself) overcome worry and anxiety.

2021 A book about psychology

[Sarah Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! It’s geared toward teens, but I thought it was still a good listen as an adult. Goff does a great job of mixing light hearted commentary and imagery with very practical and science based tactics to fight anxiety. I love that she weaves the hope of Christ through it, reminding girls that they don’t walk through anxiety alone or helpless because of Christ.

[Caroline DeWeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book. I’ve read it twice and will probably continue to reread it; Sissy Goff is the sweetest person ever and she helped me feel so understood and provides the best encouragement, Bible verses, and tools. I highlighted her words almost every page!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a teenager anymore, but my mother picked this book up for me when I started experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks. I think every young woman can learn something from this book! It’s very light hearted and conversational, holds wise and Biblical truths, and is full of helpful techniques to fight “the Worry Whisperer.” I especially love the guided journal entries.

[Alyssa Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so relatable. Sissy breaks things down in an easy to understand way with examples. She talks about real issues for teenage girls while giving support and encouragement. This book was even encouraging and helpful to me as an adult! I love that there are blank spaces to answer questions and journal. Her advice is practical, and all circles back to the truth we know of Jesus and who God created us to be.

[Nathan Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

Admittedly, I am not the intended or even ideal audience to review a book like this one. In reading this book there is something about the author's approach that bugs me a bit. And a lot of that has to do with the author's perspective as a therapist who has perhaps a bit too much interest in personality theory and a decided fondness for the contemporary fascination with the amygdala as well as with cognitive behavioral therapy. There is a solid book and certainly very solid material at the base of this book, but its approach is highly puzzling. It does seem as if this book is written to appeal to readers who have a fondness for the language of contemporary therapy. So if that describes you, it is likely that you will have a lot to celebrate about this book. As a reader who would have preferred a more spiritual approach to the music, I have to admit I am a bit disappointed by what this author says sometimes, but I also understand that it springs from the author's background and interests.

This book is a relatively short one at less than 200 pages. The book begins with a note to the parent who bought this book as well as an introduction to the intended teen female reader of this book and also some things to remember that are also stated as rules for reading, but not very strict rules, obviously. This is followed by three sections. The first section discusses the issue of understanding (I) with a look at words related to fear, worry, and anxiety (1), why the reader suffers from these issues (2), and how this book will help (3). This is followed by a discussion of the author's attempts to provide help to the reader (II) in body (4), mind (5), and heart (6). After this comes the author's attempt to give hope to the reader (III) in times of trouble (7), with advice for them to take heart (8), and points, finally, to the way that Jesus has overcome (9), after which the book ends with notes.

Nevertheless, whatever my issues with this book's approach and its ultimate usefulness to its target audience of teen girls and their parents, there is a lot that this book has of value. A few of the lessons of this book will be particularly useful to readers who struggle with anxiety. For one, the author makes it clear that much of what brings insecurity to young people involves the rather predatory aspects of contemporary culture. To the extent that young people can recognize that we live in a self-absorbed age and not to take it personally, that will be a very good thing. To the extent that young people recognize that adults bear responsibility for their conduct with young people in ways that young people do not, that is also helpful. This book is pretty direct and uncompromising in its language about some of the things that lead teen girls to be particularly anxious, and it is unsparing on those who take advantage of vulnerability and insecurity. I do not know how helpful this book will be to its readers, but it certainly aims very hard to encourage its intended audience.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Brave, Sissy Goff explored the topic of worrying and dealing with our anxious thoughts. This book is geared and written to young teenage aged girls. It is revealed that 1 in 3 girls struggled with worrying. She shared how we struggle with rejection thoughts, not fitting in, getting sick and possibly getting cancer, someone harming us, failure, and fears in general. Sissy explained that many teenaged girls believe that there is something wrong with them and how that they are alone in how they feel. She looked at fear and how it turns into worry, then turns into full blown anxiety. Sissy is a MeD, LPC-MHSP and she is the director of child and adolescent at Daystar Counseling Ministries. She also looked at how some of the fear was passed down from her mother. Her mother provided her with a 24-inch rusted metal spike to shatter her window in case she went off a bridge and she had to use it to swim out. Her and her sister also got pepper spray every year for Christmas just in case they needed to use it. She revealed some of her own personal anxious and worries she felt and how she is a perfectionist. She shared some studies about how anxious is increasing and how technology is being linked to it. In the book, she also explored what worrying does to our body, mind, and heart. Then in the last section of the book, she looked at the hope we can have and how we can use scriptures to assist us in overcoming the troubles of the world.



I liked how the book was enclosed in a bright shinny blue book will lure young girls into reading the contents enclosed. I would recommend this life changing book to anyone teenaged girl who is battling anxiety and they have a number of worry whisperers. I immensely liked how open Sissy was in sharing how she dealt with her own worries and how her years of counseling girls has helped her to lead others down a path of freedom. I liked how she included discussion questions and a spot for readers to journal and dive deeper into their fears and worries. I liked how Sissy wrote in a way that will connect with teenaged girls and they will be able to easily relate to her. I also liked how she discussed some about the pandemic and how we can use some of the tools included to battle our own fears. I liked how she guided young girls into becoming brave and finding courage in Christ.

[Alexandra Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 stars.

“Brave: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Beating Worry and Anxiety” by Sissy Goff is the ideal workbook and guide for teenage girls who are dealing with excessive worry or anxiety. More than just a reference, the book contains a multitude of exercises, both so that the reader can reflect on their life, and to put the new coping strategies learned to use. The book is up-to-date on current psychology relating to stress and anxiety, and even mentions strategies to help deal with quarantine and social isolation. The author does a great job of including science, referencing studies and real psychological definitions relating to the topics, while following up with their own explanations. This extends the reach and relatability of the book to a wider range of ages, from young teenagers, to adults.

One of the biggest struggles as a young girl is the feeling that you are alone, and that nobody else has ever had, or survived, the same problems that you have. The book is very anecdotal, referencing the stories of past clients. This makes it easier for the reader to at least find someone that they can relate to and helps dispel the notion and fear of being alone against the world. The author also tackles the topic of technology and social media extraordinarily well, doing it in a way that the reader will not feel personally attacked.

The exercises and tools included cover a variety of current strategies to deal with anxiety, including CBT exercises, grounding tools, mindfulness, and even recommends some apps that people can use.

One thing to mention is that this is a Christian book, and does have multiple references to scripture. This might be alienating for some of those teenagers in which part of their anxiety comes from struggling with their faith and religion. However, with the exception of a few chapters, the religious aspect of the book is kept to a minimum. In this way, even teenagers that are not Christian who are struggling with anxiety or worry should still find this book an extremely useful tool to read and use.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book on NetGalley and have provided an honest review.*

[Anissa Telle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave by Sissy Goff is an amazing resource geared for girls 13 - 18 who have anxiety and doubt. But, let’s be honest it is for all of us. The relatable ways this adolescent counselor shares has improved my own self talk. I have a daughter in this age range and I shared this book with her. It opened up a dialogue to issues I had no idea were on her mind.

This book takes a deep dive and gives many examples of how we can step into the complex world of mental health and come out stronger. What makes this book unique is the plethora of real life examples and how it was handled, right or maybe after some reflection incorrectly. You are given creative insights with the emphasis to make it your own. By taking the time to reflect and plan hard situations you are cementing God's word in your heart and sharing your light with others.. While it does have a biblical perspective it would be a valuable resource for all. The honesty is what makes this book special.

You can reflect upon the ideas shared and come up with your own strategies to impact your life. The stories were current and dealt with issues that real teen girls face. Your soul will truly be nourished, and peace can be achieved, as you take stock of where you are and do the work to get to where you want to be. You will no longer feel alone but empowered.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review on Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

[Kelly Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all, I really love this book! I want to buy it for every teen girl in my life. Anyone who works with teens knows these kids are struggling with anxiety and depression at alarming rates. And the ones who aren’t end up pretending like they are just to fit in, which eventually leads to their own issues! It’s a hot mess, and they need some hope.

That’s where Brave comes in. This book is a fantastic tool for teen girls to use as they process their feelings. Sissy Goff’s years of counseling teen girls make her the perfect guide to walk them through this journey.

I love how she peels the label off “anxiety” by equating it with the word “worry,” and how she helps girls realize that most of what they are feeling is perfectly normal. She does a great job of identifying the lies at the root of these struggles and helping the girls learn to recognize and confront them. Not only that, she gives a lot of practical tips for managing stress in the moment, in addition to how to prevent it and process it.

I found this book helpful to read as a parent and someone who mentors teen girls, but it is written specifically for teens. Goff has written a similar book for parents, Raising Worry-Free Girls, which is on my list— I’ll let you know what I think! For now, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you know a teen girl, chances are she struggles with worry and anxiety and would benefit from this book!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.

I have read and reviewing two books by Sissy Goff previously and really enjoyed her perspective and writing style. And while I did walk away with a lot of valuable information from reading Brave, I would recommend parents read through the book in its entirety before giving it to their teenage girl to ensure that all the things mentioned align with their parenting style and wishes.

The book is very well-organized presenting information on how worry impacts one's mind and body as well as where to go to in the Bible for encouragement and assistance in betting the Worry Whisperer. There are numerous stories shared throughout which help the reader feel like they are sitting in a chair in Sissy Goff's counseling office.

The reason why I am recommending parents read the book prior to giving it straight to their teenage daughter is due to the inclusion of popular cultural ideas, movies, and techniques. While one person may not have a problem with them, another may not wish their child to watch a particular movie or go to a particular website. Even with my reservations I think Brave is a valuable resource for helping our daughters fight worry and anxiety with a Biblical perspective.

[Korin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sissy Goff is talking directly to me.

That's what it feels like when reading her new book for teen girls, Brave. No, I am not technically categorized as a teen anymore, but the wisdom Sissy gives is timeless. She explains exactly what anxiety is in a clear way without dumbing anything down, why girls get anxious, and how to cope with it. And the way she writes, it's as if she's in the room with me, giving me advice and listening to my struggles.

Sissy Goff is a therapist. She's been helping girls for years, and she knows how we tick. That's partly why her book works so well- she knows just what to say and how to say it. This book is PERFECT for that girl in your life who struggles with worry.

I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to the research I conducted for my upcoming book for teen girls, anxiety is the number one problem for Gen Z. And that was true before the quarantine. I love Sissy Goff’s gentle, reassuring, affirming tone in these pages. Girls who struggle with this problem will find much-needed guidance and confidence through the biblical principles this book unpacks. A must-read book for a girl who can’t stop the downward spiral of anxiety.

I received a preview copy of this book from the publisher.

[Mhughessc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sissy Goff is an adolescent counselor and conference speaker whose passion is working with teenage girls who are struggling with anxiety and worry. While this book is meant specifically for teen girls and their parents, I was encouraged by the advice offered in this book and saved many quotes for my own help. I think this would be an excellent resource for anyone who struggles with worry and anxiety, but teen girls in specific.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Ingrid O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad I read this book! Great way to break the ice with my teenager for sure! The book has 3 sections Understanding, Help, and Hope. Everything a parent should have when reaching their teenagers. I also appreciate the thought-provoking questions asked allowing for the reader to do some soul searcning. I recommend this book for both parents and teenagers to read.

I received this book from Bethany House all reviews are my own.

[Sally Stanfill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Companion book to Braver Smarter Stronger workbook which also cannot recommend enough to do with your daughter. Did it first time around with 9 Yr old daughter. She went thru it for the second time on her own when she was 11.
Excellent wisdom and encouragement and practical thought process in raising girls

[SunshineReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/4.5 stars
This book had a bit of "me-ology" at times, but other than that it did provide some helpful tips on how to battle worry and anxiety with a Christian lens, and that is what I enjoyed about the book and why I recommend this to teen girls. This book also contains fun facts about how our brain works and discussion questions to get you thinking and engaged.

[Jane Goatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to any teen girl whether they struggle with worry and anxiety or not. Sissy gives tools to equip girls for the troubles that they will face and mixes Cognitive Behavioral counseling strategies along with point the girls to faith and trust in Jesus.

[Audrye Glosson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful guide for teen girls struggling with anxiety and life today. Sissy offers a kind voice, an education in brain science and tactics for reclaiming your identity as a brave and courageous warrior.

“Anxiety is an overestimation of the problem and an underestimation of you.”

[aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

this actually helped with my anxiety! I would recommend for girls who are looking for an anxiety help book that isn't all weird with scientific terms that no one understands. Sissy Goff is a Christian author, so that made the book 10 times better!

[Mikaela Stadler · Rating 3 out of 5]

An age appropriate beginners guide to CBT for anxiety with a "churchy" perspective. I think this would have been helpful to me as a high schooler - and it does a great job of making it clear that anxiety isn't a status symbol or a reason to stop growing and challenging ourselves - I also probably would have rolled my eyes a lot as I read it. Maybe that's what she intended or maybe that's because I've always been sensitive to being talked down to. Good resource - great beginner level information - cheesy tone.