Anxiety

Classic Approaches to Treating Anxiety Include:

Exposure therapy; interoceptive exposure; imaginal exposure; in-vivo exposure; prolonged exposure; fear hierarchies; values-based exposure; motivational tools; acceptance and willingness; cognitive reframing; mindfulness and present moment awareness; befriending anxiety; parts work for anxiety.

You don’t need to know what these terms mean, but you’ll want to work with a therapist who does and who can select from these methods based on your goals and your personal challenges with anxiety.  Anxiety is a tricky emotion, and its treatment is paradoxical.  Exposure therapy for anxiety and exposure-and-response-prevention (ERP) for OCD are among the most evidence-based effective treatments in all of psychotherapy, yet an estimated 60-75% of therapists don’t offer them to clients, based on either the therapist’s lack of training or confidence in the methods, the therapist’s own fears of the discomfort inherent in such treatment, or the therapist’s misconceptions that soothing and relaxation are the answer.  

Exposure is most effective when it’s driven by your personal goals and motivation.  In this way, your actions are no longer dictated purely by moving away-from-anxiety.  The focus of the work in therapy is on you identifying something you want for your life even though pursuing it includes a level of anxiety. Your actions are then dictated by moving toward-what-you-want-in-life- toward a way of being and engaging with life meaningfully.  

Exposure for anxiety is liberating and empowering. When I talk with clients about exposure for anxiety, I tell them that my facial expressions will probably seem all-wrong.  I get so excited about working with anxiety because of the freedom and energy that people experience.  Yes, it will also be uncomfortable and likely scary along the way, but as we plan to do those scary things, my face will be communicating confidence and optimism.  

I can show you a new way to “do” anxiety, to make peace with anxiety, and to take back control that anxiety has had over your life.