Question 1

What is anxiety therapy?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety therapy helps people better understand and manage their anxiety. Anxiety  therapists at Thriveworks in Philadelphia, PA can develop a treatment plan that will help you better manage your day-to-day anxiety or your anxiety disorder.

Question 2

How does anxiety therapy work?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety therapy involves talking to a therapist about symptoms, potential causes, and more. Thriveworks  Philadelphia therapists will then work with you to determine where your anxiety might stem from and teach you effective coping mechanisms.

Question 3

How to deal with anxiety?

Accepted Answer

One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what's really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.

Question 4

Symptoms of anxiety

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms of anxiety include: Sense of impending danger, Nervousness/restlessness, Trouble focusing, Excessive sweating, Shaking, Headaches, Stomach issues, Fatigue, Panic attacks, Increased heart rate

Question 5

What is the best therapy for anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be incredibly effective in treating anxiety and anxiety disorders. Other effective techniques include exposure therapy,  Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT),  Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and  EMDR therapy.

Question 6

Is anxiety therapy conducted in person or online?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety therapy is conducted both in person and online, depending on the individual's preferences and their therapist's availability. We suggest choosing the option that best suits your needs.

Question 7

How long does anxiety therapy last?

Accepted Answer

On average, people can tend to attend 15 to 20 session of anxiety therapy (five or more months). However, this number is heavily dependent on the type of anxiety that's being treated and its severity, with many choosing to attend anxiety therapy for a longer period of time to ensure its effectiveness long-term.

Question 8

Is therapy worth it for anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is worth going to therapy for anxiety. If you are struggling with regular anxious thoughts and feelings that are affecting your day-to-day life or you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, you should seek expert anxiety help.

Question 9

What is your go-to approach for anxiety therapy?

Accepted Answer

My go-to approach for anxiety therapy involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and relaxation exercises. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety while also teaching coping skills and strategies to manage symptoms. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help individuals cultivate present-moment awareness and develop a greater sense of calm and relaxation. These practices can be particularly effective in reducing the physiological symptoms of anxiety. Additionally, incorporating relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery can help individuals reduce muscle tension and promote a sense of overall well-being. It's important to tailor the approach to each individual's specific needs and preferences, so I always strive to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique challenges and goals.

Question 10

What tools do you teach in anxiety therapy?

Accepted Answer

I teach: Relaxation training: This involves various techniques aimed at reducing physiological arousal and promoting a state of relaxation. Common methods include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and guided imagery. The goal is to teach individuals how to effectively manage stress and anxiety by inducing a state of calmness and tranquility., Mindfulness skills: Mindfulness involves paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness skills include practices such as meditation, body scanning, and mindful breathing. These techniques help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, allowing them to respond to stressful situations with greater clarity and composure., Psychoeducation about anxiety: This involves providing individuals with information about anxiety, including its causes, symptoms, and how it affects the body and mind. Psychoeducation aims to increase awareness and understanding of anxiety, reduce stigma, and empower individuals to take an active role in managing their symptoms. It may also include education about effective coping strategies and available treatment options., Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that involves gradually exposing individuals to feared objects, situations, or memories in a controlled and safe environment. The goal is to help individuals confront and overcome their fears by gradually desensitizing them to anxiety-provoking stimuli., Exposure therapy is based on the principle of habituation, where repeated exposure to anxiety triggers leads to a reduction in anxiety over time., Cognitive defusion: Cognitive defusion is a concept from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) that involves distancing oneself from unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. Instead of trying to challenge or change these thoughts directly, cognitive defusion techniques teach individuals to observe their thoughts without getting entangled in them. This can involve techniques such as labeling thoughts as âjust thoughts,â imagining thoughts as passing clouds, or using metaphors to create distance from thoughts. By de-fusing from their thoughts, individuals can reduce the impact of negative thinking patterns and gain greater psychological flexibility.

Question 11

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in anxiety therapy?

Accepted Answer

I use a combination of the following to assess a client's progress. First, the Burns Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is a self-reported questionnaire designed to measure the severity of anxiety symptoms. Developed by Dr. David D. Burns, a renowned psychiatrist and author, it consists of 33 items that assess various symptoms of anxiety such as nervousness, fear, panic, and physical sensations associated with anxiety. Each item on the BAI is rated on a scale from 0 to 3, with 0 indicating ânot at all,â 1 indicating âmildly,â 2 indicating âmoderately,â and 3 indicating âseverely.â Respondents score each item based on how much they have experienced each symptom over the past week. The total score ranges from 0 to 99, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety symptoms.Apart from the Burns Anxiety Inventory, there are several other ways to assess progress in managing anxiety: Generalized anxiety disorder 7 (GAD-7): This is a widely used screening tool for generalized anxiety disorder. It consists of seven items that assess the frequency and severity of anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks., Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A): The HAM-A is a clinician-administered scale used to assess the severity of anxiety symptoms. It evaluates both psychological and somatic symptoms of anxiety., State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI): Developed by Charles Spielberger, the STAI measures both state anxiety (temporary feelings of anxiety) and trait anxiety (general predisposition to anxiety). It consists of separate scales for measuring state and trait anxiety., Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI): This is a clinician-rated scale that assesses the severity of illness and improvement in symptoms over time. It provides a global assessment of the patient's condition based on the clinician's observations., Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): While primarily used to assess depression, the PHQ-9 also includes questions about anxiety symptoms. It can be useful for tracking changes in both depression and anxiety symptoms over time., Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI): Similar to the Burns Anxiety Inventory, the BAI is a self-reported questionnaire that measures the severity of anxiety symptoms. It consists of 21 items that assess various symptoms of anxiety.

Question 12

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement anxiety therapy?

Accepted Answer

Clients can engage in various activities outside of therapy to supplement their anxiety treatment. Here are some suggestions: Exercise: Physical activity, such as walking, jogging, yoga, or swimming, can help reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving overall mood., Mindfulness and meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation techniques can help clients become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to manage anxiety more effectively., Deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing, can help clients calm their nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety., Healthy lifestyle choices: Encouraging clients to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol or caffeine can positively impact their mental well-being., Hobbies and creative outlets: Engaging in hobbies or creative activities, such as painting, writing, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, can provide a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety., Social support: Spending time with supportive friends or family members can provide emotional support and help clients feel connected, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation., Journaling: Encouraging clients to keep a journal to track their thoughts, emotions, and triggers can help them gain insight into their anxiety patterns and identify coping strategies that work best for them., Relaxation techniques: Teaching clients relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or aromatherapy can help them relax and reduce anxiety symptoms., Limiting media exposure: Encouraging clients to limit exposure to news and social media, especially if it exacerbates their anxiety, can help them maintain a more positive outlook and reduce stress., Seeking support groups: Encouraging clients to participate in support groups or online forums where they can connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges can provide validation and encouragement.

Question 13

What should someone do to prepare for starting anxiety therapy?

Accepted Answer

Preparing for anxiety therapy can be a significant step towards managing your anxiety effectively. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare: Research therapists: Take some time to research therapists in your area who specialize in anxiety treatment. Look for someone who has experience and expertise in treating anxiety disorders., Set goals: Think about what you hope to achieve through therapy. Setting specific, realistic goals can help guide your therapy sessions and give you a sense of direction., Educate yourself: Learn about different therapy approaches commonly used to treat anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapies, or exposure therapy. -Understanding these approaches can help you feel more comfortable and informed about what to expect., Reflect on your symptoms: Take some time to reflect on your anxiety symptoms, triggers, and any patterns you've noticed. This can help you articulate your concerns to your therapist and give them a better understanding of your experiences., Keep a journal: Consider keeping a journal to track your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to anxiety leading up to your therapy sessions. This can provide valuable insights for both you and your therapist., Prepare questions: Before your first therapy session, write down any questions or concerns you have about the therapy process. This can help ensure that you get the information you need to feel comfortable and confident moving forward., Establish support: Talk to trusted friends or family members about your decision to start therapy. Having a support system in place can be helpful as you navigate the therapy process., Practice self-care: In the days leading up to your therapy sessions, prioritize self-care activities that help reduce stress and promote relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature., Be open-minded: Keep an open mind as you begin therapy and be willing to explore new techniques and strategies for managing your anxiety. Remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and your therapist is there to support you every step of the way., Give yourself credit: Starting therapy takes courage, so give yourself credit for taking this important step toward improving your mental health and well-being.

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Common approaches to Anxiety therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Christian counseling

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

EMDR therapy

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)

Humanistic therapy

Motivational interviewing

Person-centered therapy (PCT)

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)

Strength-based therapy

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Starting Anxiety therapy

What is anxiety therapy?

How does anxiety therapy work?

How to deal with anxiety?

Symptoms of anxiety

What is the best therapy for anxiety?

Is anxiety therapy conducted in person or online?

How long does anxiety therapy last?

Is therapy worth it for anxiety?

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