You are not alone.
That is arguably the most important part of dealing with and being able to address many mental health conditions, specifically depression and anxiety.
For many people, attending therapy, whether a private one-on-one session or with a group, is a great treatment option for learning how to manage your thoughts and reactions.
To learn more about this, talk to an anxiety therapist in Calgary.
Anxiety Defined
The general definition of anxiety is the fear and worry stirred up by an upcoming event. People with anxiety typically do all they can to avoid such situations. Their emotional response is based on their anticipated apprehension or fear about what they think will happen. Good examples are going to a job interview, the first day at school, or meeting someone new.
But the symptoms of anxiety are not contained solely within one’s mind. Physical symptoms can appear as well, including, but not limited to, the following:
● Muscle tension.
● Increased blood pressure.
● Sweating.
● Trembling.
● Feeling dizzy.
● A rapid heartbeat.
These responses manifest due to individuals identifying and trying to escape or “diffuse” a certain threat.
If you or a loved one is dealing with anxiety, don’t hesitate to contact psychologists near you. They’ll be happy to answer any query or concern you may have.
Types of Therapy Used to Treat Anxiety
Despite the relative stigma surrounding it, attending therapy (sometimes referred to as psychotherapy) can be a wonderful solution to addressing challenges associated with your mental health. Your therapy will help you better understand your anxiety and identify effective coping strategies tailored to your struggles and needs. This process focuses on learning to be more in tune with yourself.
Described below are the different treatment approaches available to you:
1.Cognitive-behavioural Therapy
Shortened to CBT, this is one of the most frequently used methods to treat anxiety. CBT is a process that focuses on understanding our thoughts – when we understand them, we can break them down piece by piece, which allows us to identify and control how we feel and act. Ultimately, CBT operates on the following pillar: it’s not our environment but our perception.
As the name indicates, there are two distinct streams within this type of therapy: cognitive therapy, which pays close attention to our negative thoughts impact our anxiety, and behaviour therapy, which focuses on how our behaviours during a certain situation can spark anxiety.
CBT aims to help you build a mental strategy to help you cope with invasive beliefs and scenarios, replacing them with positivity.
PTSD, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, OCD, and panic disorder are just the conditions that cognitive-behavioural therapy is used to treat.
2.Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is exactly what it sounds like: clients are exposed to what they fear, be it an object or circumstance. This is done so that, through repeated exposure, you’ll feel more and more comfortable around whatever triggers you. As a result, you’ll be able to develop a better sense of control.
Psychologists in Calgary may ask you to imagine specific fears, or they may help you deal with them in real life.
3.Psychodynamic Therapy
Your therapist will work closely with you to bring unconscious associations to the forefront of your mind. This type of therapy operates along the lines that our past experiences, coupled with negative thought patterns, can lead to anxiety and other conditions. Recognizing these factors will help you identify problematic emotions and learn how to move on.
In addition to therapy, many doctors and therapists encourage their patients to engage in habits that will complement their progress achieved in therapy. Things like frequent exercise, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, participating in yoga to help you relax, and attending support groups are just some examples.
If you’re looking to book an appointment with a therapist, whether it’s for family therapy in Calgary or you want to speak to someone who specializes in dealing with depression and anxiety, at Prevail Psychology, we’re here to help. Call or visit our website to schedule a consultation today. Our staff believes everyone deserves to live their best life, and we’ll do all we can to ensure that such is possible for you.