Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations and can actually be helpful. For some, however, anxiety becomes excessive, persistent and overwhelming.

 

Anxiety Disorders typically develop from a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. In many instances anxiety disorders progress slowly until they eventually consume many aspects of ones' life. At first, individuals attempt to cope with their distress in typical ways of distraction, denial, and avoidance. It is when these techniques are no longer effective and become impairing that people seek professional help. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness effecting over 40 million adults in the US. Despite this, only one-third seek treatment.

 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a highly researched, well-established and effective treatment for anxiety disorders. It focuses on identifying, understanding, and changing maladaptive patterns of thinking and behaviors. CBT is an “active” approach to therapy where the client is in control, learns about their diagnosis, develops skills, and practices these skills between therapy sessions.

 

Exposure Therapy

Exposure Therapy is a form of CBT and a process to reduce fear and anxiety responses. In therapy, a person is systematically exposed to fear-producing stimuli and learns to become less sensitive over time. Exposure therapy has been found to be highly effective for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, Phobias, and Panic Disorder.

 

Anxiety & Related Disorders:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder | Panic Disorder | Agoraphobia | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Posttraumatic-Stress Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder | Specific Phobias | Separation Anxiety Disorder | Illness Anxiety Disorder | Trichotillamania | Hoarding Disorder | Body Dysmorphic Disorder | Excoriation |