Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be debilitating and life-altering, but there is hope. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to make true breakthroughs in managing mental health conditions. CBT for anxiety specifically addresses poor coping mechanisms that lead to heightened anxiety.
Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health utilizes CBT in our anxiety treatment program. We know that finding the help you need with a busy schedule can be difficult, which is why our treatment programs are flexible. You don’t have to try to manage your mental health on your own. Call 855.520.0531 and get help at our Sharon, MA, center now.
Anxiety Is More than Stress
Anxiety is more than just temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety doesn’t go away and can get worse over time, interfering with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships. Symptoms of anxiety include:
- Persistent and excessive worrying or fear
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension and aches
- Trouble sleeping
Chronic anxiety takes a toll on both mental and physical health and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. That’s why seeking effective treatment is crucial.
What Is CBT?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems, including anxiety. CBT is grounded in the idea that thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected, and by addressing negative thoughts and unhelpful behaviors, people can improve their overall well-being.
Trained therapists use CBT to help individuals identify and evaluate their negative thoughts and beliefs, recognize how these thoughts contribute to anxiety, and learn new coping strategies. The goal of CBT is not to eliminate anxious thoughts altogether but to develop more realistic and helpful ways to respond to them.
CBT and Anxiety Go Hand in Hand
CBT is highly effective in treating anxiety. Since individuals living with an anxiety disorder often have negative thoughts and beliefs that perpetuate their anxiety, CBT can be highly beneficial in reshaping these thought patterns.
When negative thought patterns are reshaped, poor coping mechanisms and behaviors can be addressed, making room for healthier and more effective ways of managing anxiety.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety: An Average Session
During CBT for anxiety, a therapist and client will typically follow a structured format to address specific issues. First, the therapist will help the client identify and rate their anxiety level in different situations. Then, they will work together to identify the negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to this anxiety.
The next step is for the therapist and client to explore these thoughts and determine if they are accurate or helpful. If not, the therapist will help the client develop new, more balanced ways of thinking.
Finally, the therapist will work with the client to develop coping strategies for managing anxiety in specific situations. These may include relaxation techniques, stress management skills, and exposure therapy – gradually confronting feared situations in a controlled and supportive environment.
Take-Home CBT Strategies for Anxiety
While CBT for anxiety is most effective when done with a trained therapist, there are also several techniques that individuals can practice on their own to manage their symptoms. Some of these include:
- Deep breathing exercises – Taking slow, deep breaths can help calm the body and mind in moments of heightened anxiety.
- Mindfulness meditation – This practice encourages focusing on the present moment and acknowledging and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment.
- Challenging negative thoughts – When an anxious thought arises, take a moment to question its accuracy and consider other, more realistic perspectives.
- Progressive muscle relaxation – This technique involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body, promoting physical relaxation and reducing overall tension.
Therapists will often suggest that clients practice these techniques in between sessions to reinforce and strengthen the skills learned in therapy.
Call Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health Now
We understand the impact that anxiety can have on a person’s life. That’s why our anxiety treatment program is specifically designed to address negative thought patterns and behaviors through CBT and other evidence-based treatment methods.
Seeking help can be challenging, which is why we offer flexible treatment options to fit your busy schedule. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or other responsibilities, we’re here to support you on your journey to better mental health. Call 855.520.0531 or contact us online now to get started.