Do you constantly experience constant phobia, worries, and panic attacks? Then you may be one among the many people who suffer from an anxiety disorder. However, you do not have to let anxiety and fear rob you of the joy of a fulfilling life. Therapy can effectively treat anxiety disorders rather than relying on medication. So, what are the primary anxiety therapy approaches? 

What is Anxiety Therapy?

Panic attacks, continuous worry, and incapacitating phobias are some of the most common symptoms of anxiety disorders. Without treatment, anxiety can lead to mental illness, affecting the quality of life. However, one does not have to live with anxiety and fear since there are several treatment approaches. While anxiety medication treats the symptoms, anxiety therapy emerges as a more effective technique since it uncovers the underlying causes. Thus, therapists support patients to learn and apply several tools and methods to cope with worries and fears. 

The following are the significant types of anxiety disorders treated using therapy:

• General anxiety 
• Panic attacks 
• Post-traumatic stress disorders 
• Phobias
• Social anxiety 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorders 

The therapy technique differs considerably across the various types of disorders. Thus, the therapists tailor the treatment plan based on the diagnosis and symptoms. Also, the treatment duration depends on the type and severity of the anxiety disorder. However, most conditions get treated within a predetermined number of therapy sessions. 

Anxiety Therapy Approaches 

There are two main approaches to anxiety therapy; namely cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. Both methods aim at improving physical and mental health by lowering anxiety levels, calming the mind, and overcoming fear. Notably, the therapist may combine the techniques in an individual or group context. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

The CBT approach is a widely used treatment approach for most anxiety disorders. This method combines cognitive therapy to examine the effects of negative thoughts and behavior therapy to explore reactions to anxiety situations. Essentially, CBT holds that one's perception of the problem rather than the situation itself determines their feelings. Thus, negative thinking triggers anxiety and fear feelings. Therefore, in CBT therapy, the therapist uses a three-step process. For starters, the therapist helps you identify the negative thoughts by analyzing your thoughts just before the anxiety. Then, the therapist supports you to evaluate and challenge the negative thoughts. Finally, one learns to replace negative perceptions with accurate and positive thoughts.

Exposure Therapy

The foundational belief behind the approach is that repeated exposure helps one gain more control over a situation, which lowers anxiety. Thus, in exposure therapy, one gets exposed to situations and objects that trigger fear and anxiety. In practice, the therapist may request you to imagine being in a scary situation or put you into a real-life experience. This way, you learn to face your fears rather than avoid the situations. 

Anxiety therapy is an effective way of achieving emotional balance and physical functionality. In addition to CBT and anxiety exposure, other anxiety therapies include exercise, relaxation, and hypnosis techniques. For more information, contact a local therapy clinic, like Karine Masone Counseling.