Dealing with anxiety isn’t easy as racing thoughts, constant worry, and physical symptoms make everyday life a challenge. These feelings can affect your work performance, your closest relationships, and even your physical health. Fortunately, help is available.
One option many people consider for treating their symptoms is therapy. Professional therapy provides practical, research-backed methods to manage and overcome anxiety. Here’s everything you need to know about therapy for anxiety, the different types, and what you can expect.
Yes, therapy has proven to be highly effective for anxiety disorders, and research backs this up. Studies show that people who receive treatment for anxiety experience significantly reduced symptom severity and higher rates of remission compared to those who don’t seek help.
Unlike medication that mainly manages symptoms, therapy addresses the underlying causes of anxiety. The skills learned in therapy, like challenging negative thought patterns and practicing mindfulness, provide lifelong tools for managing anxiety. Therapy can be effective either as a standalone treatment or as an add-on treatment to medication.
Different anxiety disorders respond to different therapeutic approaches, which is why treatment for one person’s anxiety disorder may look different for another. Some providers may even combine certain aspects of different therapies for a more well-rounded approach.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common types of therapy used to treat anxiety disorders. It helps you identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that contribute to your anxiety symptoms. During each session, individuals will learn to recognize cognitive distortions (e.g., catastrophizing or black-and-white thinking) and replace them with healthier perspectives.
What makes CBT stand out for anxiety treatment is its lasting benefits. In a recent study, participants who showed an acute treatment response at post-treatment were 7-9 times more likely to be in remission after 10 years than those with residual symptoms.
Originally created for borderline personality disorder, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has proven highly effective for anxiety disorders. DBT focuses on four core skill sets:
Recent studies suggest that DBT may even outperform CBT for certain anxiety disorders. Research shows that DBT has a greater effect on executive functioning in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) than CBT, likely because it mainly focuses on emotion regulation.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT that is often used in treating patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and patients with specific phobias. It involves gradual, controlled exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli without engaging in avoidance or compulsive behaviors. Through these exercises, the brain relearns that feared situations are not actually dangerous, helping you to build tolerance to anxiety triggers over time.
ERP can also be effective in patients who experience other mental health conditions. When common co-occurring conditions like depression or generalized anxiety exist alongside OCD, these conditions have been shown to improve alongside OCD symptoms during ERP treatment.
Psychodynamic therapy is one of the oldest forms of therapy that’s rooted in Freudian psychology. It encourages patients to explore how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence their current anxiety symptoms. By increasing awareness of underlying emotional conflicts, individuals are able to gain insight into the root causes of their anxiety.
Here are some common techniques used in psychodynamic therapy:
Research proves psychodynamic therapy’s efficacy in treating anxiety disorders. For example, it’s been found that social anxiety disorder symptoms significantly reduce after treatment. This is promising for those who haven’t responded to other therapies.
A newer treatment called acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) focuses on living a meaningful life that’s aligned with one’s values, rather than focusing on reducing symptoms. It features six core processes:
Through these processes, ACT helps patients change their relationship with anxious thoughts instead of just trying to eliminate them. One study found response rates for ACT of 70% at post-treatment and 80% at 6-month follow-up for panic disorder symptoms. As individuals learn how to live in ways that are more meaningful to them, they become more resilient to anxiety triggers over time.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating if you’re struggling with anxiety. Here’s what you can expect:
Therapy takes patience and full participation during and between each session. Just as healing isn’t linear, therapy may feel easy one week, but challenging the next. However, with commitment and the right therapist, improvement is possible.
Finding the right therapist is crucial for the most successful treatment outcomes. At Cura Behavioral Health, we prioritize matching you with a therapist who has:
We understand that reaching out for help with anxiety takes courage, which is why our team is here to make the process as comfortable as possible. If you’re ready to take back control from anxiety, give us a call today.
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
