A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Anxiety Disorders
Addressing Fear at its Core
By the time many clients come to therapy, their anxiety is at an all time high. This means, their bodies are at an all time low. It also means their cortisol, stress hormone, is pumping most of the day. It gives the brain and the body the false message that imminent peril is here.
There are lots of anxieties. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) struggle with intrusive thoughts and are often unable to control their compulsions, such as checking/rechecking, cleaning, or counting. People with social anxieties are convinced others have “nailed them” and know their every fault and weakness. Others could have phobias, general anxiety, very loose boundaries or a great sense of urgency.
Our Approach to Anxiety
You may have guessed it; but there is no perfect, one way approach to anxiety. Our counselors will combine evidenced based interventions to find the right combination for you. Below, here are a few ideas to get started:
Four Ideas for Anxiety to Try Right Now
- Identify – narrow down the exact, fearful, catastrophic message you are hearing from the anxious part of your brain.
- Separate – anxiety gives you the false message that it is coming from your own ideas. Far from the truth, it is actually a misfire in your brain. Start by separating yourself from the message. “I am me. And that thought is my only my fear.”
- Let it Pass – less response is best. Allow time to pass and often the false anxious message and desire to compulse will lessen.
- You Do You – anxiety can be exhausting. Take time for yourself. Do the things you like. See the people you like. Move your body.
Anxiety treatment can be challenging, like any personal change project. It takes time and a willingness to do difficult things. However, for those who stick with it, there is a snowball effect, and it gets easier over time. One of the biggest payoffs is the time saved when you are no longer isolated or frozen in thoughts for hours each day.
Anxiety relief is difficult to achieve independently. Collaboration with a therapist, a friend, a spouse has shown to be much more effective. A professional may use a combination of cognitive, behavioral, acceptance and even exposures to help. In addition, they will guide you in relaxation or meditative exercises to slow the racing thoughts.
Psychiatric Medication for Collaborative Treatment of Anxiety
Research shows that SSRIs combined with therapy show the greatest trend in recovery. Let us know and we can make a high quality referral for psych meds.
Final Anxiety Treatment Thoughts
“I didn’t realize the freedom I would feel. I just thought everyone must have these thoughts and be on edge all day!” – anonymous client.
Add’l content provided by David A. Morris, LCSW