To learn more about anxiety and how to start implementing treatment, download our guide here –
Psychological Treatments for Anxiety
There is a range of psychological treatments for anxiety (also called “talking therapies”) according to what type of anxiety an individual is experiencing, and the severity of the anxiety being experienced. Sometimes anti-anxiety medication is utilised to moderate the emotions the person is experiencing, which allows for talk therapy to take place effectively. These therapies work to build awareness of thoughts and thought patterns. By challenging and changing patterns of thinking, it becomes easier to manage our minds and control negative thought processes. Through managing our minds, we can take control of our emotions and ensure anxiety doesn’t rule our lives. Several well-regarded psychological anxiety treatments include:
- Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), which includes identifying the thought and behaviour patterns that you may be causing the anxiety, and learning to manage them in order to reduce anxiety and improve your quality of life
- Behavioural therapy, which involves focusing on positive experiences, changing behaviour, and confronting our fears head-on, in order to move past them
- Counselling and e-therapies, which cover a broad set of approaches, all aimed at solving the broader issues which may be causing anxiety
- Gestalt therapy, a client-centred therapy which focuses on using present moment experiences and self-awareness to learn and heal
Medical Treatments for Anxiety
There is a range of medical treatments for anxiety, but they may not all be right for everyone. The best medication for anxiety should be one which helps manage your symptoms but also doesn’t mask them completely. That’s why medical treatments should be approved by and prescribed by a doctor and (ideally) combined with talking therapies. Often the medication can mask deeper issues which are causing anxiety, rather than fixing the root of the problem. That said, they can be extremely effective at assisting to manage anxiety and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor should be able to explain the risks and benefits of any anxiety medication prescribed, including any side effects, as well as monitoring your anxiety over the long-term. Your doctor will also be able to advise you as to which anxiety treatments will work best together with the medication, such as psychotherapy, or lifestyle changes. Not all anxiety requires medication and this option may not be for everyone. In fact, many people respond very well to simple lifestyle changes and talking therapies without ever needing medication.
Self-Managing Anxiety
Aside from therapies and medication for anxiety, there are also a number of lifestyle changes which can prove successful in reducing anxiety. These can be implemented immediately with great success. These techniques include:
- Mindfulness; either taught in sessions hosted by a professional or incorporating self-taught mindful practices into our routine
- Exercise; ranging from gentle exercises like yoga to more intensive exercises like running or other cardio-based workouts
- A healthy lifestyle; including a healthy, natural diet, 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and plenty of water
- Leaning into your anxiety; the key here isn’t to throw yourself into frightening situations but to slowly ease yourself into situations which might be slightly uncomfortable. This will teach you that the things you fear are unlikely to happen, but if they are you will be able to manage your fear
- Journaling; this can be similar to therapies in that, by airing your concerns by writing them down, you’ll be better equipped to be able to spot trends and unfavourable though patterns, and make the necessary changes to improve your situation
- Stress management; by increasing our self-awareness and managing or limiting stressful situations, we can reduce anxiety. This means taking time off when you need, saying no to too many events when you’re busy, being organised, and setting manageable goals so you don’t start to feel overwhelmed
- Support system; by cultivating strong personal connections, or opening up to existing connections, you can decrease your vulnerability help manage anxiety symptoms by talking about your concerns. Talking can help alleviate your worries. An outside opinion can give context to your concerns and help you see them in a different light
To learn more about anxiety and how to start implementing treatment, download our guide here –
or contact us today to get started on the road to recovery.
Emanuele Latino
Program Director & Psychologist
Emanuele has a compassionate approach to clients’ struggles, in order to promote awareness and initiate together the transformative process. His treatment approaches range from Gestalt, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR, ACT, Neuropsychotherapy, Sensorymotor Psychotherapy and Cape Cod Model for Couple Therapy.
