Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to Relieve Anxiety

Sharon Moore September 29, 2016

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a popular psychological treatment that is widely used for anxiety disorders and similar conditions. It is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy that takes a hands-on approach to problem-solving. The goal is to change thinking and behavioural patterns that lead to a person’s difficulties. It focuses on thoughts, images, beliefs and attitudes that lead to behavioural problems.

CBT is widely used to treat anxiety issues. And many people swear by the effectiveness of this approach. Below are the different cognitive behavioural therapies for relieving anxiety:

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

This cognitive behavioural therapy was originally developed for depression. It is highly structured and focuses on the social context of disorders and the improvement of interpersonal functioning. But apart from depression, it is now being used for other mental health disorders, including anxiety, bipolar and eating disorder. During the first part of the training, the therapists helps you focus on the interpersonal areas of your life that need attention. This involves the key relationships, as well as one’s major interpersonal difficulties, like being antisocial. In some research, IPT was shown to produce better outcomes for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Exposure Therapy

Face your fears. This is the principle behind exposure therapy. In this type of CBT, the individual is slowly exposed to his or her fears until it doesn’t scare them so much anymore. It is most commonly used for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and phobia. Exposure therapy is intended to help the patient gain control of the fear. This technique is done carefully as to not re-traumatise the patient. The therapist works with the patient to determine which method is best suited for their trauma.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is another form of cognitive behavioural therapy that is used for treating anxiety disorder. A person with anxiety fusses so much about the future - the possibility of the worst things happening. This therapy uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies together with commitment and behaviour change strategies to promote psychological anxiety.

Cognitive Restructuring

Cognitive restructuring is great for stress management which fuels feelings of anxiety. The therapy is a useful technique to develop understanding unhappy feelings and moods, and for challenging ‘automatic beliefs’ that lie behind them. It helps change negative or distorted thinking that trigger bad mood, helping the person approach situations in a more positive mind.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a non-traditional type of psychotherapy which is growing in popularity. It relies on the patient’s own rapid, rhythmic eye movements in reducing the intensity of disturbing thoughts. EDMR has been shown effective in treating PTSD, phobias, and panic attacks.

Complementary Therapies

There are other therapies that are beneficial for addressing anxiety issues. They work by reducing one’s stress levels in order to achieve emotional balance. Some of the complementary therapies that work best for anxiety disorder are exercise, biofeedback, hypnosis, and relaxation techniques.

Anxiety disorder is a serious condition that needs treatment. If you suspect having anxiety disorder, arrange an appointment with a therapist. With proper treatment, you can get pass this debilitating condition and live a healthier and happier life.

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