Many people suffer from the same symptoms as you do. This is why you should seek the help of a licensed therapist for your anxiety problems. If you are not sure which type of therapy to choose, you can ask. Getting the proper treatment for your stress can help you feel better and improve your life.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions encountered in the United States, and they are the most common presenting problems in psychodynamic therapeutic practices. The lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders is 16.6%, with the most common types being generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia, and specific phobias.
In psychodynamic therapy for anxiety, the therapist aims to address the root causes of emotional suffering, examining the past behaviors that contribute to current symptoms. For example, a professional Anxiety Therapist Denver, CO will explore how a person relates to others and what they do to avoid triggering these behaviors. This may include examining how a person interacts with family members and friends and how they handle stress. Ultimately, psychodynamic therapy aims to help patients identify and work through the root causes of their problems, which are usually rooted in traumatic experiences from their childhood.
CBT
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety is a proven treatment method that involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns. During therapy, patients learn to regulate their anxiety responses, identify attainable mental health goals, and reframe their thoughts and behaviors. In addition, CBT helps individuals learn to control their emotions and manage their symptoms. This article will discuss some of the most important aspects of CBT for anxiety. In CBT, clients learn to evaluate their negative thoughts by questioning the evidence behind them. They are taught to analyze their unhelpful beliefs and test the reality of pessimistic predictions. They are also taught strategies to challenge their negative thoughts by weighing the benefits and drawbacks of worrying or avoiding a tense situation. The objective is to reduce the intensity of the anxiety responses gradually. Then, the client is taught to avoid or deal with those negative thoughts by performing relaxation exercises or computer simulations.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a therapeutic approach that helps people relax and release their emotions through creativity. This therapy improves self-esteem and reduces the body’s chaotic response to stress. It also helps clients create space for themselves to work through difficult emotions. Art therapy exercise is suitable for anyone, regardless of age or artistic ability, and there are no rules. Instead of being concerned with the finished product, art therapy is focused on the process of completing the work.
Anxiety drawing exercises help clients process their feelings by incorporating their physical experiences. For example, one activity involves making a large circle representing a thought bubble and writing the words inside. In one minute, the client is required to complete the exercise. Using a short time frame reduces the chance of rationalizing anxious feelings. Another activity encourages the client to make several labels for each thought, allowing them to focus on each title in the same minute.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a form of therapy that involves gradually exposing an individual to the trigger that causes anxiety. The patient is slowly revealed to the feared stimulus until they no longer feel fearful. In vivo exposure involves being exposed to the feared situation in real life, while imaginal exposure involves imagining the case vividly. The therapy can also use virtual reality or physical stimuli like touching a spider.
While exposure therapy is very effective in treating anxiety, some are still unsure of its benefits. Therefore, it is best left to professionals, like psychologists, skilled at talking anxious patients down. However, it is essential to continue the therapy after the initial anxiety has subsided. Avoid stopping it before the fear completely subsides, or it will be more challenging to reverse. This method is safe to use with close supervision. Moreover, people with heart conditions or afraid of heights should not undergo this therapy alone.