Anxiety: Therapy Options 

Anxiety can pose challenges to those who are experiencing it, as it can lead one to feeling uncomfortable, overwhelmed and or extremely stressed. While some anxiety is normal and helpful in certain situations, there is a limit for all individuals where the idea of regular stressors become too much and can create anxiety. Finding effective ways to manage the anxiety that one experiences can be extremely helpful as it can feel like a lot when one is not taking care of themselves when the anxiety becomes overwhelming. Anxiety has been in the past treated with therapy, medication, and through the use of coping strategies.  

A few types of therapy that have been seen to help with the symptoms of anxiety are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focuses on shifting the way individuals behave, think, and react to situations where fear and anxiety arise (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) focuses on mindfulness and goal setting to help reduce the anxious feelings that arise in situations (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). Dialectical behavioural therapy works towards creating acceptance surrounding the anxiety that an individual experiences, as well as working towards changing the experience (Cuncic, 2020). During exposure therapy, a therapist works toward introducing the stimuli that leads anxiety to help lower the anxiety that is experienced with the stimuli or situation (Cuncic, 2020). 

All the listed therapy options can be used to work towards lessening the anxiety an individual is experiencing. While the approach and combination of therapy, medication and coping strategies may vary depending on the individual, there are a variety of options available to those who are experiencing anxiety or symptoms related to anxiety. 

Cuncic, A. (2020, June 30). Therapy for Anxiety Disorders. Verywell mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/anxiety-therapy-4692759

National Institute of Mental Health. (2022, April). Anxiety Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders

Written by: Cassidy Laskosky, MACP

cassidy@okclinical.com

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