For an anxious or overwhelmed individual, seeking therapy for anxiety can feel like a difficult journey to begin. At the same time, deciding to pursue therapy for anxiety can also be an incredibly beneficial and rewarding process. So, how do you know where to start? What is the most effective therapy for anxiety? Let’s take a closer look!
What Is the Most Effective Anxiety Therapy Modality?
In order to figure out what may be the most effective anxiety therapy modality for you, it can be helpful to know a little more about what types of therapy/treatments for anxiety are out there. Here is a quick list and guide to just a few evidence-based treatments.
“Evidence-Based Treatment” means they have been peer-reviewed and shown to provide symptom relief, improve mood, and overall strengthen mental health. This doesn’t mean that every therapy modality will work for you. Talking to an anxiety therapist will help narrow down what modality is best for you.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on how our thoughts and our behaviors impact the way we feel, and how those are connected and patterned in our lives.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): ACT is a type of therapy that focuses on accepting our thoughts and feelings without the focus being on changing them, the focus is on commitment to acting in a way that aligns with personal values.
Mindfulness-Based CBT: Mindfulness-based CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on being mindful and present-focused, in combination with some of the components of CBT, such as being present and aware of thoughts and feelings related to anxiety.
Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy is a therapy modality that helps an individual gradually confront their fears or anxieties in safe and therapeutic ways.
Medication Management: Medication can be a helpful modality to utilize in tandem with therapy for anxiety. Seeking out a psychiatrist to discuss if a medication for anxiety can be a helpful tool, if anxiety is impacting activities of daily living.
There are many additional modalities for anxiety therapy, and often, clinicians will tailor the modalities they utilize to the needs of the client, so it can be important to identify what may be helpful to the individual.
How Do I Know What Anxiety Therapy Modality Is Right For Me?
Once an individual has a better idea of what types of anxiety therapy are available to them, the next step is to look inward. What are you struggling with? What are you hoping to get from therapy? These questions will help guide your decision.
It can be helpful to write out or journal about these symptoms as well. Here’s what to look for:
What Symptoms Are You Experiencing?
Identifying symptoms of anxiety can be helpful in determining steps for treatment. When you notice anxiety, also notice:
What does it feel like in your body?
Does your face get flush or hot?
Do you get sweaty palms?
Does your heart race?
Noticing where in your body you feel anxiety, and how you experience it can provide valuable insight into what type of treatment would be most helpful.
What Are Your Anxious Thoughts Like?
There are also emotional/thought related symptoms that can be beneficial to take note of. When you feel anxious, notice:
What are your thoughts?
Do your have racing or looping thoughts?
Are they the same set of thoughts repeating over and over?
Are there any other emotions you feel in addition to anxiety? Sadness, anger, confusion?
Write down some of your anxious thoughts and look for patterns.
How Intense Are Your Symptoms?
Also important to note, is the intensity of symptoms.
Are the feelings dull and constant?
Do they come on strong all at once?
Are there specific environmental triggers to the feelings?
It can also be helpful to identify if these symptoms make it hard to function on a daily basis.
Are the symptoms making it hard to get up and out of the house?
Do they impact your ability to complete activities of daily living?
This can help determine the level of care or how often anxiety therapy could be needed.
Take the Next Step: Schedule With An Anxiety Therapist
Once an individual has both the external modalities of anxiety therapy, along with their own personal symptoms, they can make a decision about what type of anxiety therapy is right for them!
In closing, when it comes to anxiety, there are many types of therapy that can provide support. If you or someone you know is looking to begin therapy for anxiety, you can search for therapists who specialize in anxiety and anxiety-related issues right here at Lifebulb! Find an anxiety therapist near you here.
