Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety can interfere with many aspects of daily life, including school, work, friendships, dating, and more. For many people, anxiety shows up as physical symptoms, such as racing heartbeat, sweating, or butterflies in the stomach. There may be a sense of dread, or a strong feeling that something bad will happen. In other circumstances, anxiety looks more like avoidance of tasks or responsibilities (A.K.A. procrastination).
Symptoms of anxiety in teens may look like:
- Having trouble getting started on homework
- Frequently putting things off to the last minute
- Disengaging from responsibilities
- Avoiding social situations
- Not wanting to ask for help
The cycle of anxiety (seen below), left alone, can cause anxiety symptoms to worsen. Addressing avoidance is often crucial to reducing the impact and intensity of anxiety.
Therapy for Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is regarded as one of the most demonstrably effective treatments for anxiety. With this approach, individuals can learn how to:
- Recognize unhelpful automatic thoughts
- Develop new, balanced ways of thinking
- Gradually overcome avoidance through exposure
- Examine deeply held beliefs that contribute to anxiety