Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used and effective approach in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It focuses on identifying and modifying the negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. CBT can be a helpful tool to incorporate into anxiety treatment. Plus it can help provide skills you can utilize outside of your sessions with an anxiety therapist to better manage anxious thoughts.
How CBT for Anxiety Works
Here are some of the ways that our counseling practice uses CBT to help address anxiety:
Identify and challenge negative thoughts:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps you become aware of your negative thoughts and beliefs that fuel anxiety. You might think, “Yeah, I already know I’m anxious,” and you’re right. But with CBT for anxiety, you learn to question if these thoughts are accurate and valid. Then, you replace them with more realistic and balanced thoughts. This process is known as cognitive restructuring.
Recognize and modify anxious behaviors
CBT helps you recognize the behaviors and actions you do when you feel anxious. Sometimes these behaviors are clear, and sometimes we act in ways that anxiety makes us do without realizing it. You learn to slowly face anxiety-inducing situations using a technique called exposure therapy. By gradually exposing yourself to feared situations in a controlled way, you can learn that your anxiety lessens over time. This helps you break the cycle of avoiding those situations.
Lean into relaxation and coping skills
CBT teaches you various relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness. These techniques help you manage the physical symptoms of anxiety and promote a sense of calm. Additionally, you learn adaptive coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety, such as problem-solving, assertiveness, and effective communication.
Develop a Balanced Perspective with CBT for Anxiety
CBT helps you challenge and modify cognitive distortions, which are irrational and negative thinking patterns. By examining the evidence for and against your anxious thoughts, you can develop a more balanced and realistic perspective. This process enables you to respond to situations in a more adaptive and less anxiety-provoking way. When managing anxiety, information is power. If we can collect facts to challenge our irrational anxious thoughts, we can get closer to the reality of a situation.
Enhance Problem-Solving Skills
CBT for anxiety helps you solve problems that cause your symptoms. You break problems into smaller steps and think of possible solutions. This makes you feel more in control and less anxious. In anxiety therapy, you and your therapist can work together to come up with ideas and even act out potential solutions.
CBT for Anxiety Addresses Underlying Beliefs
CBT explores the core beliefs and assumptions that underlie anxiety. We all have experiences in our life that have shaped our core beliefs, in positive and negative ways. By examining and challenging these beliefs, you can develop alternative, more helpful beliefs that promote resilience and reduce anxiety.
People often use CBT for anxiety with the help of a trained therapist. But there are also self-help resources you can use. These include workbooks, online programs, and apps for your phone. They can guide you through CBT techniques. Remember, CBT needs practice and commitment over time to work. Many anxiety therapists use CBT with their clients. Talk to your therapist about it to see if it can help you.
THERAPY SERVICES FOR ANXIETY WE OFFER IN MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
The truth is, there’s no single or one-size-fits-all approach to anxiety treatment. Everyone has a different approach to managing anxiety and anxious thoughts. That is why it’s important to get clear on what works for you. Once you have a better understanding of yourself and your values, you can start designing your life based on the things that are most important to you.
Therapy for women in Manhattan and Brooklyn is a great way to figure out how to manage your anxious mind. At Manhattan Wellness, we will provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings and goals. So you can find clarity on what you want for yourself. We will pair your vulnerability with our empathy and encouragement. Then together we will uncover the key elements that will take you from where you are now to where you want to be. If you are ready to make the changes you want in your life:
- Submit a Contact Form or Email Us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
- Learn More About Our Team of Female Therapists and Our Areas of Expertise
- Let’s Talk About How We Can Help You Feel Empowered & Ready To Take The Next Step.
We believe that you have the power within yourself to make the changes you want and find your version of success. Our female therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey. Allowing you to reclaim your identity and take control of your life. Thus allowing you to create the future you’ve been dreaming of.
OTHER THERAPY SERVICES OFFERED IN MANHATTAN, WESTCHESTER BROOKLYN, & THROUGHOUT NEW YORK
At Manhattan Wellness, our therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey and reclaiming your identity. So you can take control of your life and create the future you’ve been dreaming of. This is why we offer a variety of services to ensure you get the support, care, and guidance necessary. The therapy services we offer are Therapy for Maternal Mental Health, Self-Esteem Counseling, and Anxiety Treatment. Along with Dating/Relationship Counseling, Counseling for College Students, and more. Feel as if you are not living the life you deserve? Let’s talk about it.
