Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Anxiety

Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with anxiety can be a great way to manage your symptoms and challenges. If you're looking for anxiety therapy, read our guide on what to expect with CBT.

In the United States, over 40 million adults struggle with an anxiety disorder. If you're feeling anxious, lacking confidence or motivation, or struggling to cope with stress, know that you're not alone.

Anxiety can feel overwhelming. You may feel like you're unable to function or cope with your fears. A therapist can help guide you through the process of anxiety therapy.

Keep reading to learn more about anxiety and how anxiety therapy can help you.

Anxiety Defined

Many people feel anxious throughout their lives. Things such as finances, family matters, and health concerns are bound to make you feel anxious from time to time.

Clinical anxiety, on the other hand, is more than a temporary moment of concern; it doesn't go away, and it often gets worse if left untreated.

Before we dive into the benefits of CBT with anxiety, let's look at the different types of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is different from everyday anxiety in that the feeling doesn't go away. People with GAD have anxiety that interferes with their everyday lives. They may have trouble sleeping, worry excessively, or feel irritable without explanation.

Panic Disorder

People with a panic disorder suffer from frequent panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden period of intense fear or anxiety without the presence of danger. When someone has a panic disorder, they will often worry about when the next panic attack will occur and how they will prevent it.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorders stem from the fear of being watched or judged by the people around you. The fear may cause people to feel anxious about attending school, going to work, or completing everyday tasks.

Phobia-related Disorders

A phobia is an intense fear of something, from animals to activities. People with phobia-related disorders view situations as far more dangerous than they actually are. They often go out of their way to avoid the thing that they're afraid of, and when they do have to face their fear, they're overcome by severe anxiety.

How does CBT with Anxiety work?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a treatment approach that helps people identify negative thought patterns and behaviors. The goal of CBT with anxiety is to change thinking patterns in order to learn to better cope with the stresses of life.

CBT is well-known within the world of psychology, and many therapists take this approach when working with patients.

Therapists use CBT to treat depression, anxiety, phobias, eating disorders, and addictions. CBT is one of the most common approaches to therapy because it has been well studied and proven to work.

CBT also helps people learn to change their behavioral patterns. Therapists may use exposure therapy in addition to relaxation techniques.

Over time, CBT helps people learn to be their own therapists through the use of in-session exercises and "homework" assignments.

Why Get Anxiety Therapy?

At times when left untreated, anxiety often worsens and can become unbearable. A counselor for anxiety can help you learn to manage your anxiety. In addition, there are medications that may help people with severe anxiety disorders.

Many therapists will use CBT to help you process your thoughts and address negative behaviors. The aforementioned "homework" assignments will equip you with coping mechanisms. You can then apply these coping techniques when you feel anxious.

Therapy will help you identify your triggers and teach you how to respond to them. The length and frequency of therapy will depend on the severity of your anxiety. Your therapist will be able to work with you to determine the best schedule to meet your needs.

Tips for Managing Anxiety

The first thing you should do is find a therapist who specializes in anxiety therapy in Silicon Valley or Puerto Rico. Once you're matched with a therapist, you'll be given specific ideas for how to work through your anxiety. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to manage your anxiety.

Go for a Walk

There are many benefits to exercising, and anxiety management is one of them! Going for a walk can help distract you from the thing that's causing you to feel anxious. It also helps to decrease muscle tension, which may help convince your body that you're less anxious

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Write in a Journal

Journaling is a great way to process your feelings and come to terms with your anxiety. Journaling has proven to boost your overall mood, enhance your sense of well-being, and shift from a negative mindset. The benefits of journaling are limitless, so next time you're feeling anxious, grab a journal and write about it.

Volunteer in Your Community

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community. It can improve your cognitive health and even lower your blood pressure. When you volunteer somewhere, you'll feel a sense of purpose and possibly even make some new friends!

Practice Mindfulness

When things get hard, it can be easy to spiral into a pit of despair. Practicing mindfulness helps you to strengthen your self-awareness. By slowing down and taking time to breathe, you can reflect on what's causing you stress and process your feelings.

The Benefits of Therapy for Anxiety Online

There are many counselors of anxiety who offer therapy for anxiety online in Puerto Rico and the Bay Area. The ultimate goal is for you to find a therapist who works for you!

Life, in general, tends to be busy, and it can be difficult to prioritize therapy. Therapy for anxiety online offers flexibility to match your schedule. Whether you're sitting in your car on the way home from work or lounging on the beach, your therapist will be able to connect with you virtually.

With online therapy appointments, there's no long drive to an office or awkward waiting room conversations. You get to attend therapy how and when you want.

Find a Counselor for Anxiety Today

Now that you know a bit more about using CBT with anxiety, find someone who specializes in anxiety therapy in San Jose, California, or Puerto Rico. Taking the first step is the hardest part!

If you're looking for an English therapist in Puerto Rico or the Bay Area, contact Kristin today to schedule a brief, 15-minute phone call. You'll be able to talk through some of your symptoms and see if she'd be a good fit for you.

***The ideas, concepts, and opinions expressed in all Living Openhearted posts are intended to be used for educational purposes only. The author and publisher are not rendering medical advice of any kind, nor are intended to replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury. Authors and publisher claim no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material.