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mental-health — Anxiety relief — Science — Health-and-wellness — Coping skills

Treatment Methods for Anxiety-Related Conditions

Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Explore the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Other Treatments in Alleviating Worry and Confronting Fears

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Therapy techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can prove highly beneficial for...
Therapy techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can prove highly beneficial for individuals grappling with anxiety disorders. Discover how these methods can help alleviate excessive worry and conquer crippling fears.

Conquer Anxiety with Therapy: Your Guide

Struggling with panic attacks, relentless worries, or Phobias got you down? Don't let anxiety rule your life! Therapy can be your ticket to freedom. Unlike anxiety meds, therapy addresses the underlying causes of your fears and equips you with valuable skills to overcome them. Here's your guide to managing anxiety through therapy, online or in-person.

Anxiety therapy: Tailored to your needs

Anxiety disorders vary, so your therapy should align with your specific symptoms and diagnosis. For example, therapy for OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) differs from treatment for GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) or SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder). The length of therapy depends on your anxiety disorder type and severity. However, many anxiety therapies are short-term, with significant improvements observed in 8 to 10 sessions according to the American Psychological Association.

Challenging Negative Thoughts

The leading approaches: CBT and Exposure Therapy

Two popular therapy methods for anxiety are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy. These techniques may be used individually or combined for comprehensive treatment. Therapy sessions can be conducted in groups with people tackling similar issues or one-on-one. The goal remains the same: lower your anxiety levels, calm your mind, and vanquish your fears.

Exploring the Virtual World: Online vs. In-person Therapy

Negative thought #1: What if I pass out on the subway?

Online therapy can offer a more accessible and convenient option. With virtual sessions, you avoid the travel hassles, making it beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, busy schedules, or residing in remote areas. However, not all online therapy is created equal. While messaging apps, phone calls, or emails can work, live face-to-face video chats provide a more interactive experience, making it easier for therapists to pick up on nonverbal cues and acknowledging the importance of building a strong therapist-client connection.

Discover the Power of Online Therapy with BetterHelp

Cognitive distortion: Predicting the worst.

More realistic thought: I've never passed out before, so it's unlikely that I will pass out on the subway.

Need help conquering anxiety, depression, or relationship issues? BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, connects you with licensed therapists dedicated to helping you heal. Take their assessment and meet your therapist in as little as 48 hours!

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in action

Negative thought #2: If I pass out, it will be terrible!

CBT is the most widely-used therapy for anxiety disorders. It targets negative thinking patterns and distortions that fuel anxiety. Here's how it works:

  1. Identifying negative thoughts
  2. Challenging negative thoughts
  3. Replacing negative thoughts with realistic thoughts

Cognitive distortion: Blowing things out of proportion.

More realistic thought: If I faint, I'll come to in a few moments. That's not so terrible.

Thought challenging, or cognitive restructuring, helps you recognize and replace irrational fears with more accurate, positive thoughts.

Systematic Desensitization: Gradual Fear-Facing

Negative thought #3: People will think I'm crazy.

Exposure therapy exposes you to feared situations gradually, allowing you to confront andmaster your fears. This method boosts your sense of control over the situation and diminishes anxiety levels.

Complementary Therapies for Anxiety Relief

Cognitive distortion: Jumping to conclusions.

More realistic thought: People are more likely to be concerned if I'm okay.

While experimenting with additional therapies can offer an emotional boost and reduce stress levels, it's essential to focus on a comprehensive anxiety therapy plan for optimal results.

  • Physical Activity
  • Relaxation Techniques (e.g., Mindfulness Meditation, Progressive Muscle Relaxation)
  • Biofeedback
  • Hypnosis

Making Therapy Work for You

Avoiding your fears only strengthens them. So, face your fears in therapy, embrace the process, and remember that setbacks are temporary. Keep the tips below in mind to support your therapy journey:

  • Educate yourself about anxiety
  • Strengthen your connections with others
  • Adopt healthy lifestyle habits
  • Reduce stress in your life

Embrace hope, take action, and reclaim your life from anxiety!

  • Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) during anxiety therapy can help individuals identify, challenge, and replace negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety with more realistic and positive ones, serving as a valuable coping skill for mental-health improvement.
  • Online therapy, like the platform BetterHelp, offers a convenient and accessible option for those with mobility issues, busy schedules, or living in remote areas. It connects users with licensed therapists who can help regardless of geographical location, making health-and-wellness resources more easily accessible for mental-health relief.

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